Hong Kong’s FilMart continues to anchor Asia’s screen industry, serving as a hub where global producers, distributors, and innovators converge. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the city’s leading trade promotion agency, the event has grown over three decades into Asia’s foremost marketplace for film and television content.
This year, the market reflects a landscape in transformation. New technologies are changing the way shows are made, storytelling formats are evolving faster than ever, and a new wave of producers is looking abroad for fresh collaborations.
“We are deeply encouraged by the industry’s response this year,” says Candas Yeung, associate director of service promotion at the HKTDC. “It is heartening to see such strong global participation, welcoming over 790 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions.”
This year’s showcase balances long-standing territories with fresh entrants. “The exhibition floor features a diverse lineup, anchored by over 30 group pavilions from the Chinese Mainland and key international territories. We are seeing strong returns from major markets like France, the U.K., the U.S. and Korea, alongside a really impressive participation from Asian countries,” Yeung notes.
First-time exhibitors from emerging markets are introducing new content, perspectives and creative energy, while established players continue to leverage the fair to secure distribution and financing deals.
Emerging Asian markets are increasingly asserting themselves as creative powerhouses. “FilMart has always served as a bridge between East and West, and this year that connection feels particularly strong,” Yeung explains. “It is deeply encouraging to see several of our long-standing partners expanding their footprint.”
Beyond exhibiting, key industry bodies and companies from Cambodia, the Chinese Mainland, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and more are rolling out targeted events to showcase their content and promote production incentives. Delegations from Cambodia, India and Malaysia join established pavilions from Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, reflecting the region’s growing role in global content creation.
Technology remains central to FilMart’s identity. The AI Hub, co-organized with the Assn. of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals, returns on a significantly larger scale, bringing together industry leaders such as Alibaba Cloud, Kling, MiniMax and Vidu alongside academic partners including the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Lingnan University.
Backed by CCIDA and the Film Development Fund, the newly launched AI Academy features more than 15 hands-on workshops. Yeung emphasizes the practical approach: “We hope to empower filmmakers and producers with the skills they need to navigate this new landscape, moving beyond theory into hands-on application, and help creators master everything from generative text and audio to animation, turning these technologies into practical assets for their productions.”
Short-form storytelling is another focal point. The International Short Drama Assn. debuts a dedicated pavilion, joining established players like COL Group and DramaBox. FilMart is hosting a symposium called “The Wave of Short Dramas: Opportunities of Globalization and Collaborations in the Greater Bay Area,” which will examine cross-border co-productions and how AI is being used to streamline episodic content. “Ultimately, we are actively fostering the synergy between content creators, tech specialists and these emerging formats,” explains Yeung. “We view this intersection as a significant new business frontier, and we are excited to provide the platform for the industry to explore these opportunities together.”
The Producers Connect program returns for its second edition, convening over 100 local and international producers alongside 10 leading global film institutions, including Cinecittà, the British Film Institute, and KOFIC.
Beyond networking, the program offers fireside chats, masterclasses, and an online Producers Resource Guide, providing practical insights into navigating global funding and partnership opportunities. Group business matching sessions accentuate this. “By placing new talent directly in the room with industry heavyweights, we are offering emerging producers the definitive place to turn their creativity into international success,” says Yeung.
Leave a Reply