The "Hong Kong Cinema@BUSAN2025" promotional campaign concluded successfully, marking a significant step in strengthening Hong Kong's film industry connections with international markets. Jointly organized by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Hong Kong Film Development Council, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the event took place from September 20 to 23 at the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan, South Korea.
The campaign featured exhibitions and networking activities designed to promote Hong Kong film production while reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange. HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Patrick Lau emphasized the importance of creating international platforms for local filmmakers to engage with overseas counterparts and understand global market trends. "Through flexible adaptation, filmmakers can explore new realms of innovation," Lau stated during the event.
The initiative began with a Hong Kong Night event at the Paradise Hotel Busan on September 19, which attracted over 600 industry professionals from Hong Kong and worldwide. The Hong Kong delegation included prominent figures such as Sylvia Chang, producer of the film Measure in Love, who received the "Camellia Award" from the Busan International Film Festival for her achievements as a female filmmaker. Other delegation members included director Siu-Ping Kung, actress Angela Yuen, and producers Johnny Wang, Terence Choi, Fanny Chong, and Kinnie Cheung.
A Hong Kong Pavilion, funded by the CCIDA and the Film Development Fund, served as the central exhibition space at the ACFM. Participating companies included Cappu Films Limited, Golden Network Asia Limited, Mei Ah Entertainment Group Ltd, One Cool Pictures Limited, and Mandarin Motion Pictures Limited. The pavilion showcased Hong Kong films selected for the 30th Busan International Film Festival, including The Shadow's Edge and Girlfriends. Additional information about the event can be found at http://bit.ly/3IDqJBR.
A significant development during the campaign was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CCIDA and the Busan Asian Film School, aimed at strengthening collaboration in film talent development between Hong Kong and South Korea. This agreement represents a concrete step toward fostering long-term partnerships in cinematic education and professional development.
HKTDC representatives participated in the Asian Film Market Leaders Summit, where Josephine Lam, Section Head of HKTDC's Entertainment Industry, shared insights about the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART). Lam discussed FILMART's role as one of Asia's primary film markets with representatives from other major Asian film markets including TIFFCOM, TCCF, JAFF Market, and the Red Sea Souk.
Participating companies expressed satisfaction with the campaign's outcomes, noting that it successfully demonstrated Hong Kong's film industry strengths to international markets while facilitating increased collaboration between Hong Kong filmmakers and their global counterparts. The event's success underscores Hong Kong's ongoing commitment to maintaining its position as a vital hub for international film cooperation and cultural exchange in the Asian region.
