The 30th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded with approximately 8,000 industry professionals from 53 countries and regions participating. The four-day events featured over 790 exhibitors from a record 38 countries and regions, including enterprises from emerging ASEAN markets like Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as mature markets such as Canada, France, Italy, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This diverse participation underscores Hong Kong's established position as a center for cultural and artistic exchange and a critical nexus for global film and television business.
FILMART continues to function as one of the region's most influential film and television trading platforms, facilitating cross-regional collaboration. First-time exhibitors highlighted its effectiveness in network expansion. Timothy Oh, General Manager of COL International Group from Singapore, noted FILMART's role in creating a bustling market with opportunities for innovation, helping companies connect with partners from Turkey, the UK, the US, and Brazil. Similarly, Sachitha Kalingamudali of Sri Lanka's Mogo Studios found the event exceeded expectations for generating genuine interest from international distributors. Myanmar's aTwentyThree production company used FILMART as its first foray into the international market, with founder Arker Soe Oo connecting with US and European distributors and planning to bring more productions next year.
Buyers affirmed the platform's business matching efficacy. Bizhan Tong, a buyer from the UK, stated FILMART remains one of the most effective global platforms for driving cross-border collaboration, leading to new strategic partnerships and tangible co-investment opportunities. A key highlight was the AI Hub, which showcased latest AI technologies from leading companies, helping Mainland startups and established enterprises accelerate overseas expansion. Zhihan Zhang, Founder and CEO of Daogu Culture Limited, emphasized that understanding diverse overseas client needs is crucial for future global strategy in areas like AI animation and digital humans. The newly established "AI Academy," supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, offered 19 thematic workshops to equip professionals with hands-on AI skills.
Another significant initiative, 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 worldwide. Through networking sessions and panel discussions, it provided a platform for sharing trends and exploring co-production models. Golden Globe-winning producer Janet Yang, speaking on a panel about international co-productions, observed the diminishing importance of language barriers for global audiences. Producer and director Peter Chan highlighted the strategy of diversifying investors and partners across different regions.
Alongside FILMART, the EntertainmentPulse and Digital Entertainment Summit forums examined emerging trends, including artificial intelligence, streaming strategies, and short dramas. The Financing & Investment panel explored Asian private investment trends and project financing. Justin Deimen, Managing Partner of Goldfinch International, stressed the need for better creative IP valuation as a foundation for investment. Furthermore, the FILMART Online IP Catalogue, featuring over 2,200 creative IP projects, extends networking opportunities beyond the physical event, remaining accessible until April 27. This digital extension helps consolidate Hong Kong's role as Asia's film and entertainment trading hub by enabling continuous global business exploration. More information on the events can be found at http://www.hktdc.com/hkfilmart and https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en/programme'category=EntertainmentPulse.
