Japonica develops and produces distinctive films and series for international audiences.
We are drawn to projects with personality, formal or narrative risk, and a strong connection with the viewer. Cinema that entertains, challenges and leaves a mark.
From contemporary genre to indie-driven storytelling, we work with bold voices to create stories that play in the global arena.
FRANK LUCAS
(Founder & Head of Development / @___franklucas___)Frank Lucas is a director and screenwriter born in Barcelona. In 2017, after his time at ESCAC and his beginnings in the world of advertising, he co-founded Japonica Films where he takes the fun part, developing and supervising the projects.
He has directed RUINA and other works such as Alegría de Vivir, N03M1 or Bum-Bum have been critically acclaimed by specialized media and festivals.
GERARD RODRÍGUEZ
(Founder & Executive Producer / @_gerardrodriguez_)Gerard Rodríguez studied at ESCAC and worked at Zentropa Barcelona and Buffalo 8 Productions before co-founding Japonica Films.
He is the more structured side of the company, focused on production strategy, financing, and making sense of spreadsheets.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Film Marketing (2018), is an alumnus of Rotterdam Lab, Berlinale Talents and EAVE Producer’s Workshop, and was featured by Variety as a Producer on the Rise.
LAURA FERNÁNDEZ-HORMIGO
(Production Coordinator / @laurafernandezho)Laura is a producer with a background in Social and Cultural Anthropology and Film Studies.
She produced Ripe!, winner of Best Short Film at the Tribeca Festival (2024), and shortlisted for the Academy Awardsthat same year.
She is currently developing upcoming projects at Japonica Films and is an alumna of Dones Visuals, a program supporting emerging women producers in the audiovisual industry.
Here you can see some of our recognitions
FICTION
Goya Awards
Candidature/Best Shortfilm 2020Candidature/Best Shortfilm 2021
Feroz Awards
Best Picture - Arrebato de No Ficción AwardGaudi Awards
Nomination Best Documentary Feature 2021Berlanga Awards
Best Documentary Feature 2021Best Art Direction 2021
Best Sound 2021
Berlinale
Forum - FIPRESCI AwardGeneration Selection 2021
SXSW
World Premiere 2020AFI Fest
Official Selection 2024Málaga Film Festival
Official Selection 2020Official Selection 2022
Raindance International Film Festival
Official Selection 2025Official Selection 2020
BAFICI
Pasiones 2021Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
International Selection 2022Beijing International Film Festival
Official Selection 2021Chicago International Film Festival
2nd Prize Best Short Film 2019Toyama International Film Festival
Best Drama 2019IN-EDIT
Official Selection 2020MECAL
Official Selection 2022SEMINCI
Official Selection 2019Macau International Film Festival
Official Selection 2020Sarajevo Film Festival
Official Selection 2019Bogotá Short Film Festival
Official Selection 2019COMMISSIONED
Vimeo
Staff Pick 2021Berlin Commercial
Short List – Official Selection 2022 (Best Idea)1.4
Official Selection (Best Music Video)Medina Del Campo
Grand Jury Award 2020 (Best Music Video)Caóstica
Special MentionRockdelux
3rd Best Music Video of the Year 20202nd Best Music Video of the Year 2021