FILMART is gearing up to debut a new online IP Catalogue service on its existing platform ahead of the 29th edition of the annual FILMART event, which takes place from 17-20 March 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The new IP Catalogue, available from late February to mid-April, will serve as a centralsed hub for FILMART exhibitors to present detailed project information. It will feature a diverse range of entertainment content, including film, TV series, and animation, with advanced search and filtering capabilities designed to enhance the visibility of creative projects and facilitate connections with potential business partners.

IP Catalogue also enriches the physical exhibition experience by allowing visitors to discover interesting content and potential partners before the event, while providing a platform to follow up on negotiations after the fair, the HKTDC says.

Highlights at this year’s event include the return of the EntertainmentPulse conference track, featuring specialised panel discussions covering key trends and challenges in the entertainment industry. 

This year’s topics will include an in-depth analysis of the ASEAN film market, recent developments in Asian animation production, streaming platform strategies, AI technology in film production and behind-the-scenes insights into recent Hong Kong productions.

FILMART 2025 will also host co-production panels and events designed to connect producers from around the world, fostering international relationships and exploring collaboration opportunities. These programmes aim to nurture emerging Hong Kong producers while promoting global talent exchange.

This year, new pavilions from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Australia (New South Wales) will join returning pavilions – led by government and ministry representatives – from major Asian markets, including Japan, Korea, mainland China, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Organisers also highlighted strong participation from European and North American markets, including France, Italy, the U.K., and the U.S.

Local exhibitors joining this year’s FILMART include producers/distributors Edko Films, Emperor Motion Pictures, Entertainment Power, Golden Scene, MakerVille, MediaAsia, Mei Ah Entertainment and Sil-Metropole, as well as media/broadcasters RTHK and TVB, all of which will showcase their latest projects reflecting Hong Kong’s position as a central hub for Asia’s entertainment industry. 

The goal is to create an ideal platform for expanding distribution networks, exploring cross-border collaborations, and seeking new investment opportunities, the HKTDC says.

Ahead of the March 2025 event, last year’s exhibitors highlight the value in fostering business connections. 

A representative from Shanghai streamer Bilibili said that, “compared to similar exhibitions in Asia, the scale of FILMART is larger and attracts higher-quality buyers, which is very helpful for expanding our business”.

“We’ve met with quite a lot of our Chinese distributors, but also distributors from Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. I have met about eight companies that I would never have met with if I hadn’t been here,” said London-based international sales agency, Film Seekers U.K.

“We have been looking forward to coming here to meet our valued clients and have intimate face-to-face business discussions with them, as well as exploring meetings with new potential clients. We met a lot of new people here, such as from Hong Kong, China, Thailand, and South Korea,” said Japan’s TV Asahi Corporation.

FILMART 2025 presents a prime opportunity for industry professionals to engage with the global entertainment community. 

With an enhanced online IP platform, diverse exhibitor lineup, and valuable networking opportunities, FILMART remains a key event for those seeking success in the Asian market.

🔗 For more information and to register, please click here.

Brought to you by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) / FILMART | Published in 27 January 2025 ContentAsia's eNewsletter