Keiko Funato began her career in the 1990s at Uplink Co., an independent distribution company in Tokyo specializing in edgy arthouse films from around the globe. She later moved to France, gaining extensive international experience in world sales at Celluloid Dreams. Her journey continued with a mission from UniJapan, spearheading international co-production development for Japanese producers and collaborating with initiatives such as Producer’s Network, Cinemart, and EAVE. Subsequently, she joined Umedia (Urban Distribution International), focusing on legal and sales. In 2011, Funato co-founded the Paris-based world sales company ALPHA VIOLET with Virginie Devesa.

Guided by an independent spirit and a passion for cinema, ALPHA VIOLET is dedicated to offering transparency and tailored sales strategies to filmmakers and producers, fostering their global careers. The company specializes in independent, auteur-driven films that resonate instinctively with its founders, showcasing their commitment to authentic and impactful storytelling.