MAP and Momo Film Co: A Game-Changing Partnership in Asian Cinema

In a significant development for the Asian cinema landscape, South Korean production powerhouse MAP (Making A Print) has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Momo Film Co. This collaboration, announced at the Cannes Film Market, aims to jointly develop and finance a slate of innovative film projects across Asia. The alliance combines MAP’s commercial prowess with Momo’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents, potentially reshaping the competitive Asian film market.

Driving Innovation and Discovery

Under this partnership, Momo Film Co will act as MAP’s scouting arm for Southeast Asia, tasked with identifying promising regional projects ripe for co-production and investment. Both companies plan to actively seek international funding and grants, bolstering their efforts to support new ventures in the film industry. As the demand for diverse Asian storytelling grows, this collaborative approach aims to ensure that both companies remain at the forefront of regional cinema.

The first project slated for development is “Monna Lisa,” directed by the acclaimed Donku Lee, known for his 2013 debut film “Fatal,” which made waves at Berlinale’s Panorama section. With plans to finalize casting and commence pre-production by the end of this year, the crew expects to begin filming in Q1 2026. This ambitious beginning highlights the partners’ commitment to delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

A Historic Alliance

MAP, established in 2015, has quickly made a name for itself with a portfolio that marries commercial viability with artistic merit. The company has produced notable films such as “Ghost Train” (2025), “Troll Factory” (2024), “Exhuma” (2024), and “Unforgivable” (2023). Meanwhile, Momo Film Co, which is part of Beach House Pictures and Fremantle, has rapidly ascended as a trendsetter in Southeast Asian cinema, producing award-winning projects like Venice winner “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” the 2025 Cannes Critics’ Week selection “A Useful Ghost,” and Locarno winner “Dreaming & Dying.”

“This marks the beginning of an ongoing transnational collaboration,” stated MAP’s CEO and executive producer, Kim Young Min. “Through this partnership, we aim to connect creative talents across borders and deliver powerful cinematic experiences to global audiences.”

A Future of Endless Possibilities

The move has been brokered by industry veteran Kim Young Woo, who has extensive experience as a festival programmer and will focus on advancing international co-productions for MAP. Momo’s Tan Si En expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This partnership with MAP opens up new avenues for collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas between Korea and Southeast Asia. We look forward to developing projects that resonate both regionally and internationally.”

As MAP and Momo Film Co embark on this exciting journey together, filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals alike will be watching closely to see how this alliance fosters new storytelling opportunities in a richly diverse cultural landscape. The evolution of Asian cinema is poised for an exciting chapter, driven by innovative partnerships like this one.

By understanding the synergies between these two production giants, it becomes evident that collaboration is the key to unlocking the potential of Asia’s cinematic talent. With the groundwork laid for these new projects, the future of Asian cinema looks incredibly promising. For more about the evolving landscape of film production, explore our sections on cinema and film festivals.