Hong Kong Cinema @ BUSAN 2026, a four-day campaign held from 10 to 13 October at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, South Korea, concluded successfully, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international hub for cultural exchange and a regional IP trading centre. Co-organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event featured a Hong Kong Pavilion, Hong Kong Night and other activities aimed at bridging Hong Kong filmmakers with overseas industry players and buyers.
The campaign matters because it underscores Hong Kong's ongoing efforts to expand the global reach of its film industry and create concrete opportunities for international co-productions. Anna Cheung, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, said the campaign aims to showcase Hong Kong's cinematic creations in the international market and strengthen exchanges between Hong Kong and the global film industry. The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and maintains over 50 offices worldwide, organises international exhibitions and conferences to create business opportunities, and the Busan campaign aligns with that mission.
Several Hong Kong film production and distribution companies exhibited at the Hong Kong Pavilion, including Blast Films International Limited, Cappu Films Limited, First Step Movie Distribution Studio, Just Distribution Company Limited, October Pictures Limited, and Xiaowu Brothers (Hong Kong) Limited. Other companies such as Edko Films Limited, Emperor Motion Pictures, Golden Network Asia Limited, Golden Scene Company Limited, and One Cool Pictures also engaged with international buyers and investors. The Pavilion showcased Hong Kong films selected for the 31st Busan International Film Festival, including Dead End, distributed by One Cool Group and selected for the Vision-Asia section, and Cold War 1994, produced by Edko Films Ltd. and selected for the Special Screenings & Carte Blanche section. Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Drew Lai noted that CCIDA is dedicated to boosting film productions and nurturing talent through various funding schemes, and will set up a dedicated Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions to make it easier for overseas crews to film in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Night, held on 9 October at the Paradise Hotel Busan, served as the curtain-raiser and attracted more than 750 industry professionals from Hong Kong and around the world, fostering cross-border networking. Delegation members also participated in the Producer Hub programme, and director So Chak Long was selected for the Asian Project Market with his work Whisper of the Silence, engaging in one-on-one business matching meetings with international investors. Producer Kelvin Shum described the experience as invaluable for connecting with filmmakers from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and other markets.
For the first time, CCIDA selected and organised four outstanding original works from Hong Kong outside the film category to participate in the Busan Story Market (BSM), including three animated works—Blacky the Metal Arm Cat, Cirkillation and Tai Lung Fung – Full Throttle Kitchen—as well as the comic title Disposable Dolly. The BSM is a dedicated marketplace for IP transactions, facilitating film and television rights trading. A representative of Blacky the Metal Arm Cat said BSM has allowed them to connect with producers, investors and potential partners from different countries, which is crucial for Hong Kong IPs' expansion into overseas markets. The campaign thus highlights Hong Kong's role as a regional IP trading centre and its commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
