CineYama to launch distribution arm with Burden of Dreams
Founder Matt Kelson says the 43-seat independent cinema in Yamanashi Prefecture plans to start distributing films in the new year, according to Deadline.
CineYama, the 43-seat independent cinema in Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, plans to launch a distribution outfit based at the venue in the new year, with Les Blank's Burden of Dreams as its first title, founder Matt Kelson said, according to Deadline.
Kelson said the cinema has welcomed more than 3,000 visitors in its first six months. Its current programming leans toward international titles with some independent Japanese films, and children's films, including a recent Bluey movie, have performed well.
In June, a Tarkovsky retrospective of six films drew 160 people. The cinema is equipped for digital, 35mm and 16mm projection.
CineYama opened in the spring of 2026 on the site of the former Sawamatsu Kindergarten, which had been abandoned for 10 years, after a year of renovations and consultations. The city government ran an open call for proposals to use the building; Kelson was the only applicant, and the approval process took about three months. The local residents' council approved the plan unanimously after two sessions.
Kelson, an American, previously worked about 11 years at Netflix, including managing festival screenings in Los Angeles and screenings across APAC from Japan. He was laid off amid regional cuts and decided to stay in Japan. Before that, he ran an indie film space in Detroit.
Quick answers
When will CineYama's distribution arm launch?
In the new year, according to founder Matt Kelson.
What is the first title from CineYama's distribution arm?
Les Blank's Burden of Dreams.
Where is CineYama located?
In Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, at the site of a former kindergarten.