Spanish filmmaker Pedro Collantes explores Japan’s growing issue of elderly isolation in “Konbini,” the first-ever Spanish-Japanese co-production filmed entirely in Japanese.
Spanish filmmaker Pedro Collantes is bringing a uniquely Japanese story to life with “Konbini,” a heartfelt drama about loneliness, dignity, and unexpected friendship.
The project was recently showcased at the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, highlighting its powerful cross-cultural message and international appeal.
The film centers on Kisayo, a struggling sound artist who works night shifts at a Tokyo convenience store. Her quiet life changes when she stops an elderly man from intentionally shoplifting in an attempt to get himself arrested.
What begins as a strange encounter slowly turns into an unlikely friendship, connecting two people from different worlds who are both searching for purpose and belonging.
Collantes, whose previous film “The Art of Return” premiered at the Venice Film Festival, was inspired by a real-life issue in Japan — the growing number of elderly people committing petty crimes just to end up in jail. “What kind of person chooses to go to prison on purpose? It’s a terrible irony that some people feel more part of a community behind bars than in society,” he says.
While “Konbini” is deeply rooted in Japanese social realities, Collantes believes its themes are universal. The film aims to spark reflection on how societies treat older generations and the emotional isolation they often face. “The story emphasizes the need for empathy, human dignity, and intergenerational connection,” he explains.
Directing a Japanese-language film as a Spanish filmmaker has presented unique challenges. Collantes, who is married to a Japanese woman and has spent significant time in Japan, admits the process requires a deep cultural sensitivity. “Building a bridge between two creative worlds is a delicate, humbling task,” he shares.
Despite these challenges, “Konbini” has already achieved major milestones. The project won the Tsutaya Creators’ Program and secured support from Japanese co-producers Culture Entertainment. Collantes and his team are currently scouting filming locations and finalizing casting in Tokyo.
Producer Pedro Hernandez Santos of Spain’s Aquí y Allí Films calls the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market a key step toward expanding the project’s European reach. “We have a strong partnership with Culture Entertainment, but we’re also looking to bring in another European collaborator,” he says.
Set to begin filming in summer 2026 and aiming for a 2027 release, “Konbini” marks a historic first — the first Spanish-Japanese co-production directed by a Spanish filmmaker and shot entirely in Japanese. Hernandez Santos describes it as “a tender, beautiful film with the potential to touch audiences worldwide.”
After completing “Konbini,” Collantes plans to continue his passion for cross-cultural storytelling, with his next project exploring the intersection between France and Spain.
