The 29th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) kicked off on March 17, 2025, and runs for four days, drawing participation from over 760 exhibitors hailing from 34 countries and regions. This year’s event, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, has set up pavilions for around 30 regions, including debut showcases from Cambodia, France, and India.
Among the exhibitors, more than 100 representatives are from ASEAN countries, highlighting the region's growing contribution to the global audiovisual industry. Prominent Chinese internet companies like Tencent and iQIYI are present, promoting their latest content and outlining future projects, alongside local entertainment companies eager to tap international markets.
The significance of this event extends beyond mere exhibition; it serves as a networking platform for many mainland provinces and municipalities, with 58 companies from Guangdong Province alone showcasing over 100 productions. The focus on content production is showcased even more with the inclusion of segments dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), illustrating its transformative role across various stages of filmmaking—from pre-production to visual effects.
During the event, film industry leaders recognized the importance of collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese enterprises. They underscored Hong Kong's position as the "optimal gateway" for Chinese film and TV content targeting global audiences. This notion was echoed at the "Cooperation and Innovation for a New Vision" forum, organized by the International Cooperation Department of the National Radio and Television Administration of China, which occurred simultaneously with FILMART.
The forum attracted nearly 300 attendees, including drama directors, producers, and representatives from leading industry players. Discussions pivoted around embracing content innovation, trends within short-form video dramas, and leveraging AI technologies to bolster production capabilities.
Yan Ni, deputy director-general at the National Radio and Television Administration, emphasized the strengthened ties through the amended Agreement on Trade in Services under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. This recent amendment introduces new liberalization measures aimed at facilitating co-productions and enhancing Hong Kong television channels' access to mainland resources.
Yan pointed out the cultural significance of Hong Kong, stating, "This makes it the ideal platform for enhancing China's overall international presence." A shining example of this cooperation is the television drama, "Best Choice Ever," which successfully adapted from the works of Hong Kong writer Nee Yeh-su, establishing itself as a benchmark for intellectual property transformation across regions.
The popularity of short-form dramas, which can range significantly in length, was remade as another topic of interest at the forum. The rising global trend of such formats was deemed pivotal, with the industry recognizing the approximately 100 million downloads and over $100 million generated through mainland-produced short dramas last year as clear evidence of their potential as cultural exports. This success prompts authorities to boost support for stakeholders across sectors aiming to capitalize on this fast-emerging trend.
Experts also delved deep about the role of AI, citing advancements made by companies such as Zhejiang Huace Film & TV, which developed the AI model "Flourished Peony." This model streamlines the creation of subtitles and dubbing across multiple languages, expediting the distribution of Chinese content to overseas markets and paving the way for more global outreach.
Fu Binxing, CEO of Zhejiang Huace, mentioned the philosophy behind AI's incorporation, insisting it should complement human creativity rather than replace it. Her statements reflect the excitement among industry players about integrating modern technology with traditional storytelling techniques.
FILMART continues to be not only a marketplace but also a significant hub for collaboration and innovation, fostering connections and mingling ideas across the globe. The event underlines the commitment of the Hong Kong film industry to push boundaries, adapt to technological advancements, and engage more deeply with international markets, ensuring the growth and dynamism of the global audiovisual industry.
