Hong Kong’s FilMart continues to support Asia’s screen industry, serving as a hub for producers, distributors and innovators from around the world. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong’s main trade promotion agency, the event has grown into Asia’s largest market for film and television content for over 30 years.
This year, the market reflects a state of transformation. New technology is changing the way shows are made, storytelling formats are evolving faster than ever, and a new wave of producers are looking overseas for fresh collaborations.
“We are very encouraged by the industry’s response this year,” said Candas Yeung, HKTDC Associate Director of Service Advancement. “We welcome over 790 exhibitors from over 30 countries and territories, and it is encouraging to see such strong participation from around the world.”
This year’s showcase maintains a balance of long-established areas and new entrants. “We have a diverse lineup on the exhibition floor, with a focus on more than 30 group pavilions from mainland China and key international regions. We are seeing very impressive participation from Asian countries, as well as significant gains from key markets such as France, the UK, the US and South Korea,” Yang points out.
First-time exhibitors from emerging markets are introducing new content, perspectives and creative energy, while established players continue to leverage the trade show to secure distribution and financing deals.
Asia’s emerging 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 especially strong,” explains Yeung. “It is very encouraging to see several of our long-standing partners expanding their footprint.”
In addition to exhibitions, major industry associations and companies from Cambodia, mainland China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. are also developing 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 production.
Technology remains central to FilMart’s identity. The AI Hub is hosted in collaboration with the Assn. Bringing together industry leaders such as Alibaba Cloud, Kling, MiniMax, and Vidu, and academic partners such as the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, and Lingnan University, the group of film post production professionals is back with a significantly expanded scale.
With support from CCIDA and the Film Development Fund, the newly launched AI Academy will host more than 15 practical workshops. Yeung emphasizes a practical approach. “We want to move beyond theory to practical application and give filmmakers and producers the skills they need to navigate this new landscape. We also want to help creators master everything from generated text and audio to animation to turn these technologies into practical assets for their productions.”
Short-form storytelling is another focus. It joins established players such as international short drama association COL Group and DramaBox in debuting a dedicated pavilion. FilMart will host a symposium titled “The Short Drama Wave: Globalization and Opportunities for Collaboration in the Greater Bay Area,” which will explore cross-border co-production and how AI is being used to streamline episodic content. “Ultimately, we are actively fostering synergies between content creators, technology experts, and these emerging formats,” explains Yeung. “We see this intersection as an important new business frontier, and we are excited to provide a platform for the industry to explore these opportunities together.”
The Producers Connect program is back for its second edition, bringing together 10 major global film institutions including Cinecittà, the British Film Institute and KOFIC, and over 100 local and international producers.
Beyond networking, the program offers fireside chats, masterclasses, and an online Producer Resource Guide, giving you practical insights for navigating global funding and partnership opportunities. Group business matching sessions emphasize this. “By placing new talent directly in the same room as industry stalwarts, we are giving emerging producers the definitive venue to turn their creativity into international success,” says Yeung.
