FILMART & EntertainmentPulse support broad film & TV industry ambitions

When the final figures for this year’s FILMART in Hong Kong were tallied, organisers stared at proof of widespread industry opinion of the event: a leap in energy, activity and confidence in Asian content across the board along with easy access to a wide range of Chinese  titles and record interest in cutting-edge production/creative tech.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, wrapped on 14 March with 50% more exhibitors from the ASEAN region and a 6% increase in ASEAN buyers. In all, more than 7,500 participants from 50 countries/regions and over 760 exhibitors from 27 countries/regions signed up. 

To support Hong Kong’s growth as an innovation-driven economy and regional IP trading centre, FILMART this year also strengthened its online platform, promoting exhibitors’ IP, providing business referrals and facilitating business matching. As the show opened, more than 1,000 film and entertainment works had been uploaded to the platform.

On the market floor, country pavilions reflected robust growth and rising ambition of domestic industries, putting the four-day event at the centre of a concerted effort by Hong Kong to promote ASEAN and trade cooperation. 

These included a Thai Pavilion, organised by Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, and a dedicated Thai Day to highlight Hong Kong-Thailand collaboration. 

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia stepped up this year the country’s first pavilion and are already gaining ground internationally.  

Among other announcements, first-time Indonesia Pavilion exhibitor, Talamedia, announced its deal with Dubai-based global film sales firm, Cercamon, for  worldwide rights to Crocodile Tears, co-produced with companies from France, Germany and Singapore. 

Film companies across the region leveraged FILMART’s platform to announce new productions and plans. 

These were led by Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group’s “Hong Kong Cultural and Art Industry Revitalisation Program”. The Group committed to investing no less than HK$5 billion over the next five years to reinforce collaboration with Hong Kong’s cultural and entertainment industry.

Moving beyond Asia, European co-production opportunities were highlighted via the Hong Kong Film Development Council’s “Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme”, powered by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s investment in the Film Development Fund. The initiative is designed to attract international productions to Hong Kong to collaborate with local filmmakers.

EntertainmentPulse speaker, Catherine Souyri-Desrosier, International Department Director of Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, said “co-production is at the heart of France’s cultural policy to promote cultural diversity, cultural exchanges and cross-fertilisation”. France has more than 60 bilateral co-production treaties, including with China, Cambodia, Korea and India. 

The new wave of Hong Kong cinema is also being propelled. Speaking during EntertainmentPulse, Hong Kong film director Stanley Kwan said: “The Hong Kong SAR Government and industry veterans should assist high-quality films in reaching international audiences through various channels and bring new directors to people’s attention to encourage more new talents to create.”

FILMART is not only a trading platform for the film and entertainment industry, but also a showcase for music producers. Led by music director Dr Mui Kwong Chiu, the inaugural Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta – Rhythm of Martial Arts Music Concert featured iconic theme songs from classic Hong Kong films.

The Digital Entertainment Summit featured at EntertainmentPulse explored trending topics in the world of digital entertainment, including animation and cross-border collaboration. Shimizu Shinji, Chief Advisor of Toei Animation, the animation production company behind box office hits Ikkyū-san and One Piece, shared his insights on the application of digital entertainment in animation creation. Furthermore, Across animation digital effects and interactive solutions, 38 Hong Kong production companies at the Hong Kong Animation and Digital Entertainment Pavilion showcased Hong Kong’s latest wave of young creatives.

▶ Sponsored content brought to you by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) / FILMART. Published in ContentAsia's 25 March-7 April 2024 eNewsletter