Event Preview: FILMART

The 19th edition of the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) is set to open its doors from March 23 to 26 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Last year’s event drew more than 770 exhibitors from 32 countries and some 6,700 attendees from more than 50 countries around the world. The event is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The 2015 event will host delegations from China, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, among other territories. Visitors are expected from emerging markets such as Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Spain and United Arab Emirates.

In terms of exhibitors, there will be new pavilions from Malaysia and a Guangdong provincial pavilion, along with returning pavilions from Canada, the Chinese mainland, the E.U., France, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, the U.K. and the U.S.

There is a record number of Hong Kong-based film companies joining FILMART this year, with enlarged custom-built booths located at the Hong Kong exhibitors’ zone. Major broadcasters—including TVB, now TV and Radio Television Hong Kong—are confirmed to participate. In addition, the event is expecting around 170 digital entertainment companies, including more than 30 Hong Kong companies joining under the animation and digital entertainment pavilion funded by CreateHK.

FILMART has lined up more than 70 special events dedicated to facilitating industry networking, including seminars, press conferences, cocktail receptions, premieres, parties and award presentations. A series of thematic conferences will be organized by HKTDC at FILMART, among them “Find Your Opportunities in the Media Convergence Age,” “TV World 2015 International Forum: The Rise of TV Streaming—Opportunities and Challenges,” and “Digital Entertainment Summit: T for Transmedia—Immersive Storyworld and A New Way of Audience Engagement.” In addition, the fifth Hong Kong International Mobile Film Awards will continue to be held with FILMART, recognizing outstanding mobile films. For screenings at the event, there is the newly renovated UA Cine Times (Times Square).

Parallel with FILMART, the ninth edition of TV World will introduce various events such as TV screenings, an international forum and networking activities. This trade platform for television and broadcasting professionals is meant to enhance their competitiveness and explore new business opportunities in the region. The theme of this year’s international forum is “The Rise of TV Streaming.” During this program, leading figures from the industry will share their insights and offer expert tips on how to leverage streaming capabilities to create spin-off opportunities and tackle the possible challenges.

Also coinciding with the event, the Business Forum of HK Asian-Pop Music Festival will be held on March 26, discussing the music market in Asia with surging digital platforms. Industry professionals will present the latest trends and business opportunities for the music sector. The HK Asian-Pop Music Festival will follow on March 27.

The Entertainment Expo (EE) is another companion event. This year, heading into its 11th edition, EE Hong Kong will continue a strategy of reaching out to the public, drawing local support and encouraging direct public participation. The event seeks to bring together all key entertainment elements under one roof, providing an opportunity for screenings, doing brisk business and celebrating excellence in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. EE 2015 takes place March 3 to April 19.