Ruff Films LLC is an independent documentary film company working between Japan and the international film community. We develop long-term observational documentaries focused on human stories shaped by place and time.

Rope

Rope Poster
2023 30min Released © MOE WADA
Director: Moe Wada / Producer: Kohei Kawabata
Ruff Films LLC
Legendary alpinist Kazuya Hiraide teams up with younger climber Kenro Nakajima to attempt a dangerous, first-ever ascent of Tirich Mir’s unclimbed north face.
  • Mendi Film Festival (2023) - Best mountaineering Film Award
  • Mendi Film Festival (2023) - Best Original Soundtrack Award

Dearest Viet

2024 75min Released © Kingyo Films
Director: Kohei Kawabata / Producer: Ruth Yoshie Linton, Aiko Flores Yoshioka
Kingyo Films / Ruff Films LLC
Duc Nguyen was born conjoined to his twin brother Viet in 1981 as a result of the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. While their separation surgery was televised across Vietnam and Japan, little is known about Duc's life and struggles today - until now.
  • Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (2024)
  • Vesoul International Film Festival (2025) - Audience Award for Documentary Films
  • GINMAKU Japanese Film Festival (2025)

HORIYOSHI THE THIRD

HORIYOSHI THE THIRD Poster
2026 90min In production © Paonetwork Inc.
Director: Yusuke Uchijima / Producer: Kohei Kawabata
Paonetwork Inc. / Ruff Films LLC
HORIYOSHI THE THIRD is a feature documentary that gives viewers an unprecedented journey through the last ten working years of Japan’s foremost ink master.
  • The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (2016) - Wouter Barendrecht Award

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