Sales lineup includes Himizu and I Wish.

Japan’s Gaga corporation has acquired Benoît Jacquot’s opening competition film Farewell My Queen and Daniel Cohen’s culinary cinema program entry The Chef, signaling continued efforts to acquire high-profile, future award winners at EFM.

“We’re working on our late 2012 and early 2013 lineup,” commented head of acquisitions Satomi Odake.

Gaga looks to extend a winning streak which began with last year’s The King’s Speech. Bought well before its Oscars and other prizes, the drama won over Japanese audiences looking to return to cinemas after the 311 disaster, earning $23.7m.

Upcoming releases on Gaga’s impressive slate include: Shame (March 10), The Iron Lady (March 16), The Artist (April 7), Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy　(April 21), Untouchable (mid 2012) and The Grandmasters (late 2012).

Odake commented on the company’s keen eye. “Perhaps there’s crossover in the films that Gaga believes in and those that juries select.”

Gaga CEO Tom Yoda elaborated: “We have a strong profile overseas and believe in our acquisition and marketing skills. This results in a strong lineup and healthy box office results. Gaga also make decisions quickly and efficiently.”

The “indie major,” as Yoda describes it, is known for its advertising finesse, which often outdoes the major studios. While The Three Musketeers struggled in most territories, Gaga’s release outgrossed every country in the world including the US, earning $25.5m.

Gaga’s EFM sales lineup includes Venice winner Himizu, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s I Wish, and Wild 7.

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