The alliance flows off Celluloid Dreams successfully selling worldwide on Takashi Miike's Japanese oater and Venice competition player "Sukiyaki Western Django," which Sedic Intl. co-produced.

"Japan, like other territories, is constantly increasing its domestic market share and producing bigger local productions," said Celluloid president Hengameh Panahi. "Our plan is to pick the right projects with an international potential and help the producer to tailor it for an international audience. This partnership also extends to co-financing, which gives Celluloid Dreams an access to domestic revenues."

Sakamoto will direct "The Last Zatoichi" with an all-star Japanese cast. Billed as the final tale of blind swordsman Zatoichi, pre-production has begun two years in advance of shooting and involves the construction of an entire town. Pic is slated for delivery spring 2010.

Takenaka's "Yamagata Scream" is described as a "J-horror-samurai-zombie-comedy pitting schoolgirls against warriors." "Scream's" costumes will be previewed at the January Paris collections. Gaga Communications will release "Scream" in Japan next summer.

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