Gregory Hatanaka
Biography
Gregory Hatanaka is an American filmmaker, producer, and distributor whose career bridges international film distribution and independent feature production. He is the founder of Cinema Epoch and Cineridge Entertainment, companies through which he has overseen the release and circulation of a wide range of independent and international films across theatrical and digital platforms. Hatanaka began his career in film distribution in the 1990s, working with cult and international cinema and helpin...
Gregory Hatanaka is an American filmmaker, producer, and distributor whose career bridges international film distribution and independent feature production. He is the founder of Cinema Epoch and Cineridge Entertainment, companies through which he has overseen the release and circulation of a wide range of independent and international films across theatrical and digital platforms. Hatanaka began his career in film distribution in the 1990s, working with cult and international cinema and helping introduce global genre and arthouse titles to U.S. audiences. His early work focused particularly on Asian and specialty films, reflecting a long-standing passion for drive-in cinema, action films, and unconventional storytelling. This foundation in international distribution informed his later approach as a filmmaker, blending genre tradition with stylistic experimentation. Transitioning into directing and producing his own features, Hatanaka developed a body of work that moves between action, thriller, drama, and surreal independent cinema. His films often explore themes of identity, obsession, moral ambiguity, and emotional isolation. Visually, his work combines classical influences with contemporary digital production techniques, frequently embracing tonal shifts, heightened atmosphere, and character-driven intensity. Known for maintaining close creative involvement in multiple stages of production, Hatanaka often works across development, editing, and post-production to preserve continuity of vision. His dual experience in both distribution and filmmaking provides him with a practical understanding of how independent films evolve from concept to audience. Prolific and adaptable, Hatanaka continues to develop new projects while managing an expanding catalog of independent cinema. His career reflects a sustained commitment to genre filmmaking, global film culture, and the evolving landscape of digital distribution.
Filmography (40)
Jeffrey Epstein: The Bad Sleep Well
2026
🎬 Director
Sasquatch Within
2026
🎬 Director
Beyond Sasquatch
2026
🎬 Director
One Hour Girlfriend
2026
🎬 Director
Sorority House Guillotine
2026
🎬 Director
Sudden Light
2026
🎬 Director
A Man Is Dead
2025
Blow Out
2024
Bolero
2024
Sleaze Please: The World of Bill Margold
2024
Boiling Point
2024
🎬 Director
Panic
2024
🎬 Director
The DeMarco Crew
2024
🎬 Director
Backfire
2023
🎬 Director
Deadly Western
2023
Night Cops
2023
Convulsion
2023
🎬 Director
Crack
2023
Amor Emanuelle
2023
Dark Deeds
2022
American Western
2022
🎬 Director
Another Way To Die
2022
Bad Timing
2022
Call Me Emanuelle
2022
🎬 Director
A Wiseguy Christmas
2021
The Awakening of Emanuelle
2021
Amityville Cop
2021
American Mobster: Retribution
2021
Kill Plan
2021
A Christmas Love
2020
Quarantine Girl
2020
Heartbeat
2020
Choke
2020
Body of Night
2020
Darling Nikki
2019
Enter the Samurai: The Making of Samurai Cop 2
2019
Death Game
2017
Caged Beauty
2016
Deconstructing Dunning
2016
Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance
2015