ASD 2012 Tokyo Report

The 3rd Asian Side Of The Doc saw a measurable growth across all statistics. This is a testament to the growing interest in the event spurred by the increasing numbers of Asian and Western players who are coming to realize the strength of Asia as a hub factual content & production partnerships.

ASD 2012 saw the presence of illustrious guests from around the world, many of them first timers to ASD. These guests included Mr. Tripurari Sharan, Director General, Doordarshan, National Broadcaster of India; Mr. Peter Hamilton – Documentarytelevision.tv ; Mr Tom Koch – PBS (USA) ; Mr Yves Rolland – Secretary General and Vice President, France Television Group (France) ; Mr Chu Wen-Ching- Director, Gov. Info. Office (Taiwan) ; Mr Rudy Buttignol – President and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation (Canada) ; Mr Eric Garandeau – President, CNC – National Center for Cinematography (France) and broadcasters from the Philippines, Bhutan, Turkey, Qatar and Mongolia for the first time.

Distinguished guest Mr Garandeau – who used to be an advisor for Culture and Communication to the President of France, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy – commenced the 2nd day with an opening address on behalf of CNC. ASD is not just an opportunity to make new deals and renew relationships but also a chance for delegates to learn about the rich culture of the host country.

On the opening night, participants were treated to traditional performances from the devastated region of northeastern Japan: Onikenbai (a 1000 year old dance) , Minyo Singing and Obon Dance. Food Stalls (Yatai) were set up in the fashion of a traditional farmer’s festival and the delegates were treated to an epicurean buffet of food and sake from the devastated Tohoku region.