FILMART is one of the founding events of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong. Now in its 20th edition, this one-stop trading and networking platform has become one of the world's most important film markets. This edition of FILMART closed with more than 7,300 buyers having taken part in the 20th edition of the event, the largest of its kind in Asia. While the overall number of visitors represented a three per cent increase compared to last year, participation from India, Korea and Vietnam recorded double-digit growth.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) over four days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), FILMART gathered 800 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Participation in FILMART has increased more than 10-fold from 75 exhibitors in the first edition to 800 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions this year, including the United States, India, Germany, France, UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Philippines and Vietnam.
More than 400 screenings were held during FILMART, including about 50 film premieres featuring the works of Hong Kong as well as regional and international filmmakers. This year's fair saw a number of significant trends emerging, including strong participation from Asia.
Other attractions of FILMART include screenings, press conferences, business matching meetings and networking activities. The programme of this year's FILMART was enriched through collaboration with different organisations, and includes a variety of industry forums featuring leaders in the fields of film, TV, digital entertainment, post production, animation and music to share their insights.
A number of mainland provinces and cities had setup regional pavilions, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, Sichuan, Guangdong and Hangzhou.
Peggie Liu, Senior Service Promotion Manager, HKTDC, said "The Expo is a diversified platform. It hosts trade exhibitions, serves as a film-financing marketplace, and stages various conferences and business sessions. But it also encourages participation from the public in music and film festivals, and a star-dusted award presentation ceremony to honour outstanding achievements in the industry."
The Indian pavilion comprised of four Indian players- Indian Council of Impex for Films & TV Programmers, Ultra Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Ultra Rays 3D Technology Private Limited and All Lights Film Society. Shyam Kurup, Film Market Director, Indywood Film Carnival said "This is our second year at FILMART and there are business opportunities for Indian movie makers to look at overseas markets for their films."
For film enthusiasts and international movie makers, the annual FILMART is a must-attend event.
BW Reporters
Chahat Jain is a Video Producer with Political Science background. She has worked in Business News Channels like ET NOW and ZEE Business. She loves travelling and socialising
