A significant event in the entertainment industry is garnering attention as the 29th annual FILMART 2025 and EntertainmentPulse unfolded from March 17 to March 20, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year's film fair is a part of the broader Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which is scheduled from March 16, 2025, to May 27, 2025. With over 760 exhibitors hailing from 34 different countries and regions, including seven new pavilions from Australia, Cambodia, France, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, the event showcases the breadth of global participation.
Dr. Peter K N Lam, the Chairman of HKTDC, emphasized the theme of this year's event: “Dare to Change, Dare to Excel.” This motto underscores the goal of fostering cultural exchange and collaboration within the industry. Notably, the event features the inaugural “Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta,” aimed at linking the film and music sectors.
FILMART has seen an impressive turnout from ASEAN nations, with over 100 participants from seven countries, marking Thailand as the standout with the largest pavilion, reflecting its growing influence in the regional entertainment landscape.
Among the prominent participants from Hong Kong are notable companies such as Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia, Golden Scene, and Mei Ah Entertainment, all showcasing their latest films and business development plans. Chinese media giants like Tencent Video, Bilibili, iQiyi, and Alibaba Group also made significant contributions, with stands from key provinces including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hubei, Beijing, and Shanghai, aiming to export Chinese films to the global market.
One highlight of FILMART is the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF23), currently in its 23rd edition, showcasing a record of 48 projects. These include 25 in development, 15 in production, and 6 animated projects, providing critical exposure for participants seeking funding and support.
New initiatives for this edition include the Jakarta Film Week Projects, which feature works by emerging filmmakers from Indonesia, emphasizing cross-border collaboration and cultural sharing.
Thai participation is particularly noteworthy, with the Thailand Pavilion presenting 37 companies encompassing 15 film production and distribution firms, 6 production services, and 10 content providers. On March 18, 2025, the Thai Night event will take place at the JW Marriott Hotel, aiming to facilitate networking among filmmakers. This event is expected to attract around 400 participants, highlighting Thai cuisine from Thai SELECT restaurants in Hong Kong.
“The FILMART trade fair in Hong Kong offers valuable business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry,” remarked a representative from the Bureau of International Trade Promotion in Hong Kong. “It allows for networking with new partners at a global level and promotes the creative product offerings to buyers in a rapidly growing Asian market.”
For industry professionals, FILMART serves as a prominent platform, exemplifying Thailand's soft power while fostering opportunities to expand into international markets, enhancing their potential for sustainable growth.
Workshops and special programs are also part of the agenda, including discussions on international co-production and best practices within the industry. For instance, an event titled “International Coproduction: Balancing Risks and Rewards” featured insights from eminent producers from France, South Korea, and Brazil.
Additionally, the Online IP Catalogue has made over 1,400 intellectual property items available for purchase for two months, assisting buyers in navigating potential projects while allowing creators to explore collaboration opportunities.
The event also includes interactive segments such as FilmArt Café, where artworks created by students from the Hong Kong Design Institute will be exhibited. This year, technological innovations are highlighted through an AI Hub, demonstrating the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The initiative aligns with the Hong Kong government's commitment to advancing AI technology.
Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technology solutions, with Sony presenting an AI camera and Lenovo revealing Digital Twins solutions. Teams from the animated film “Ne Zha 2” shared experiences related to integrating AI in animation production, reflecting the industry's evolution in technological adaptation.
As the industry evolves, FILMART remains at the forefront, reflecting the changing landscape of global cinema. The event stands as a testament to the potential collaborations that arise when diverse cultures and innovative technologies converge.
Overall, the 2025 FILMART signifies an essential milestone for filmmakers and media professionals venturing into the rapidly evolving Asian markets and facilitating meaningful engagement within the global entertainment community.
