The 30th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully, attracting about 8,000 industry professionals from 53 countries and regions. The four-day events featured over 790 exhibitors from a record 38 countries and regions, including emerging markets 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 diverse participation underscores Hong Kong's position as a center for cultural and artistic exchange.
FILMART continues to serve as a premier trading platform for the film and television industry, facilitating cross-regional collaboration. First-time exhibitors highlighted the event's value. Timothy Oh, General Manager of COL International Group from Singapore, noted, "I am meeting friends and new business partners from Turkey, the UK, the US, and even Brazil. Hong Kong's role as an international hub helps create a bustling market with many business opportunities." Sachitha Kalingamudali of Mogo Studios from Sri Lanka said FILMART exceeded expectations, while Myanmar's aTwentyThree chose the event to explore international markets, connecting with distributors from the US and Europe.
Overseas buyers also praised the platform. Bizhan Tong, a buyer from the UK, commented, "FILMART continues to be one of the most effective platforms globally for driving cross-border collaboration. This year we formed a new strategic partnership with MOFAC and saw tangible co-investment and co-production opportunities."
A highlight was the AI Hub, featuring leading AI and technology companies showcasing latest solutions. This platform helped Mainland startups and enterprises expand overseas. Zhihan Zhang, CEO of Daogu Culture Limited, remarked, "FILMART gathers global industry professionals, facilities connections, and enables us to understand various client needs." The new AI Academy, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, offered 19 workshops equipping professionals with AI skills.
Producers Connect, jointly organized by the HKSAR’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and other bodies, united over 100 producers from Hong Kong and worldwide. Through networking sessions and panels, it fostered cross-regional collaboration. Panelist Janet Yang, Golden Globe-winning producer, observed, "The world is getting flatter, language is mattering less and less." Producer and director Peter Chan noted the importance of diversifying investors and partners across regions.
EntertainmentPulse and the Digital Entertainment Summit addressed trends like AI, streaming strategies, short dramas, and financing. Justin Deimen of Goldfinch International shared, "We need to allocate more resources towards creative IP valuation. If you cannot value something, you cannot invest in it." The FILMART Online IP Catalogue, featuring over 2,200 projects, extends networking until April 27, further consolidating Hong Kong's position as Asia's film and entertainment trading hub.
For more information, visit FILMART and EntertainmentPulse.
