The 30th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse concluded with approximately 8,000 industry professionals from 53 countries and regions participating, highlighting Hong Kong's position as an international film and television hub. The four-day events featured over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions, bringing together enterprises from emerging ASEAN markets like Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam alongside mature markets including Canada, France, Italy, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
FILMART continues to serve as one of the region's most influential film and television trading platforms, facilitating cross-regional collaboration between exhibitors, buyers, and producers. First-time participant Timothy Oh, General Manager of COL International Group from Singapore, noted that FILMART plays a key role in helping companies expand international networks, stating he met business partners from Turkey, the UK, the US, and Brazil. Sachitha Kalingamudali, General Manager of Mogo Studios from Sri Lanka, said FILMART exceeded expectations with distributors from many countries showing genuine interest. Myanmar film production company aTwentyThree chose FILMART as its first move to explore international markets, with founder Arker Soe Oo connecting with distributors from the US and Europe.
Overseas buyers recognized the exhibition's business matching effectiveness and content diversity. UK buyer Bizhan Tong commented that FILMART continues to be one of the most effective platforms globally for driving cross-border collaboration, noting new strategic partnerships formed with MOFAC and multiple projects advanced across company slates. The concentrated meetings with Asian partners translated into tangible co-investment and co-production opportunities.
A highlight of this year's FILMART was the AI Hub, where multiple leading AI and technology companies showcased latest technologies and solutions, attracting buyers and potential partners worldwide. Mainland start-ups and established enterprises accelerated overseas expansion through this platform. Zhihan Zhang, Founder and CEO of Daogu Culture Limited, remarked that whether AI animation, short dramas, or digital humans, the key to the future lies in global strategy, with FILMART gathering global professionals to understand various client needs of different overseas markets. The newly established AI Academy, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Film Development Fund, offered 19 thematic workshops equipping professionals with hands-on AI skills and insights into emerging trends.
Producers Connect, jointly organized by the HKSAR's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Hong Kong Film Development Council and HKTDC, united more than 100 producers from Hong Kong and worldwide. Through networking sessions, panel discussions and workshops, the initiative provided a cross-regional platform for creative collaboration. Golden Globe-winning producer Janet Yang observed during a panel discussion that the world is getting flatter, with language mattering less to audiences everywhere. Producer and director Peter Chan mentioned the importance of diversifying investors and partners into different regions.
Forty-eight featured forums and events examined emerging industry trends, with EntertainmentPulse and Digital Entertainment Summit focusing on latest developments in global film, television and entertainment technology sectors. EntertainmentPulse addressed topics including artificial intelligence, streaming platform strategies, short dramas, co-production and financing trends. The Financing & Investment panel explored Asian private investment trends and project financing strategies. Justin Deimen, Managing Partner of Goldfinch International, emphasized the need to allocate more resources toward creative IP valuation, stating that if you cannot value something, you cannot invest in it.
FILMART Online IP Catalogue featured more than 2,200 creative IP projects, extending the physical fair into a two-month networking platform helping industry stakeholders continue exploring business opportunities. The catalogue remains open until 27 April, enabling participants to transcend geographical boundaries and continue expanding global business opportunities. These developments further consolidate Hong Kong's position as Asia's film and entertainment trading hub, with industry professionals accessing event information through FILMART and EntertainmentPulse websites.
