The Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), in collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture, has launched the 18th "Kyoto Film Pitching" contest. This initiative leverages Kyoto's status as a hub for period dramas to discover and support young filmmaking talent. The competition seeks original historical drama movie proposals intended for theatrical release. The winner of the Best Project award will receive the right to produce a pilot film with a budget equivalent to 3.5 million yen, receiving technical support and advice from major studios like Toei and Shochiku in Kyoto. Applications are open until July 21, 2026.