The 30th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after four days, drawing about 8,000 industry professionals from 53 countries and regions. The events featured over 790 exhibitors from a record high of 38 countries and regions, including emerging markets from ASEAN such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as mature markets like Canada, France, Italy, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This wide participation underscores Hong Kong’s position as a center for cultural and artistic exchange.
FILMART continues to demonstrate its role as one of the region’s most influential film and television trading platforms, bringing together exhibitors, buyers, and producers to facilitate cross-regional collaboration. First-time exhibitor Timothy Oh, General Manager of COL International Group from Singapore, noted that FILMART plays a key role in expanding international networks, stating he was meeting partners from Turkey, the UK, the US, and Brazil. Sachitha Kalingamudali, General Manager of Mogo Studios from Sri Lanka, said the event exceeded expectations, enabling connections with distributors from many countries. Myanmar’s aTwentyThree used FILMART to explore the international market for the first time, with founder Arker Soe Oo connecting with US and European distributors. Overseas buyers also recognized the business matching effectiveness, with UK buyer Bizhan Tong noting that FILMART remains one of the most effective platforms for driving cross-border collaboration, leading to a new strategic partnership with MOFAC and tangible co-investment opportunities.
A highlight of this year’s FILMART was the AI Hub, where multiple leading AI and technology companies showcased their latest solutions, attracting global buyers. Many Mainland start-ups and established enterprises accelerated their overseas expansion through this platform. Zhihan Zhang, Founder and CEO of Daogu Culture Limited, emphasized that the key to the future lies in global strategy, and FILMART facilitates connections with global industry professionals. The newly established AI Academy, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, offered 19 thematic workshops equipping professionals with hands-on AI skills.
Producers Connect, jointly organized by the HKSAR’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Hong Kong Film Development Council, and the HKTDC, united over 100 producers from Hong Kong and around the world. Through networking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, the initiative strengthened connections between Hong Kong and the international film community. At a panel titled “International Coproductions in an Evolving Film Industry Landscape,” Golden Globe-winning producer Janet Yang observed that language is mattering less to audiences globally, while producer and director Peter Chan noted the importance of diversifying investors and partners across regions.
FILMART also featured 48 forums and events, including EntertainmentPulse and the Digital Entertainment Summit, which addressed AI, streaming platforms, short dramas, co-production, and financing trends. The Financing & Investment panel, themed “Capital in Motion: Private Financing Promotes Development of Asia’s Film & TV Industry,” explored private investment trends, with Justin Deimen, Managing Partner of Goldfinch International, emphasizing the need for more resources towards creative IP valuation. The FILMART Online IP Catalogue, featuring over 2,200 creative IP projects, extends the physical fair into a two-month networking platform until April 27, further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s film and entertainment trading hub. For more information, visit FILMART and EntertainmentPulse.
