Hong Kong Film Industry Strengthens International Ties at Busan Event

The "Hong Kong Cinema@BUSAN2025" promotional campaign concluded successfully, marking a significant step in strengthening Hong Kong's position in the global film industry. Jointly organized by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event took place from September 20 to 23 at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, South Korea.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Patrick Lau emphasized the campaign's importance in building international exchange platforms for local filmmakers. "We aim to build an international exchange platform so local filmmakers can engage with their overseas peers, helping them understand the latest global market trends and gain crucial industry information in an ever-changing environment," Lau stated. The event's success demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining its role as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.

The campaign 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 international markets. The delegation included prominent figures such as Sylvia Chang, producer of "Measure in Love," who received the "Camellia Award" from the Busan International Film Festival for her outstanding 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 key development during the event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CCIDA and the Busan Asian Film School, aimed at strengthening collaboration in film talent development activities between Hong Kong and South Korea. This partnership represents a strategic move to enhance regional cooperation and nurture the next generation of filmmakers.

The Hong Kong Pavilion, funded by CCIDA and the Film Development Fund, featured prominent film production and distribution companies including Cappu Films Limited, Golden Network Asia Limited, and Mei Ah Entertainment Group Ltd. The pavilion showcased Hong Kong films selected for the 30th Busan International Film Festival, including "The Shadow's Edge" and "Measure in Love" in the Open Cinema section, and "Girlfriends" in the Vision - Asia section.

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 showcased Hong Kong's film industry strengths to overseas markets while facilitating increased collaboration between local and international filmmakers. The event's comprehensive approach combining exhibitions, networking sessions, and strategic partnerships positions Hong Kong for continued growth in the competitive global film market.