Filmart & EntertainmentPulse Open

The 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart) and EntertainmentPulse, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), have opened today, with a record number of participating countries and regions.

At the kick-off ceremony, Professor Frederick Ma, chairman of the HKTDC, said, “The HKTDC celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and Filmart has been around for half of the HKTDC’s existence, making 2026 a special year for us. Over the years, Filmart has grown to become the world-recognized leading entertainment content marketplace of Asia, as well as a must-join event for the global entertainment industry. For the 30th edition, Filmart is more international than ever, presenting productions of over 790 exhibitors across a record high participation of 38 countries and regions, connecting them with 7,700 business visitors from about 50 countries and regions.”

Exhibitors from emerging markets such as Belgium, Myanmar, Poland, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan are joining for the first time. Other participating countries and regions include the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the U.K., the U.S. and Vietnam. The Mainland contingent has expanded significantly, with a number of new provinces and municipalities participating, including Chongqing, Fujian, Guizhou, Shandong and Sichuan.

Major Hong Kong film and entertainment companies are also participating this year. Sil-Metropole Organisation and Mei Ah Entertainment will be showcasing their latest productions created using virtual reality and AI. Other local exhibitors include Media Asia, Edko Films, Golden Scene, Entertaining Power, Muse Communication, RTHK, Television Broadcasts Limited, MakerVille, i-Cable Communications and more.

A total of 40 events will take place during Filmart. Highlights include the Forum on International Communication Cooperation and Innovation for a New Vision, organized by the International Cooperation Department of National Radio and Television Administration of China, and the International Short Drama Association 2026 Asian Forum. Mainland production companies such as Youhug Media and Linmon Picture Media will hold content showcases and launch events during the market. Multiple cooperation agreements will be signed.

The AI Hub is returning to Filmart with an expanded hub. It will bring together leading Mainland AI and technology companies, including Alibaba Cloud, Kling AI, MiniMax, Vidu, Nanjing Xuanjia Network Technology Co., Daogu Culture Limited and more. They will present their latest applications and technological breakthroughs in areas such as AI-generated content, AI-generated short dramas and AI animation. The upgraded AI Hub will also focus on fostering commercial collaboration, supporting mainland technology enterprises as they go global. Academic institutions, including The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Lingnan University, are also actively participating.

This year’s edition also introduces the AI Academy, newly established with support from the CCIDA and the Film Development Fund. Through 18 thematic workshops, industry experts will explain practical applications and emerging trends of AI technologies across the filmmaking process.

Held alongside Filmart, the fifth edition of EntertainmentPulse will examine some of the most pressing issues in today’s film and entertainment market, including the global expansion of short dramas, opportunities and future directions for international co-productions, emerging models of collaboration between AI and film production and the creation and expansion of global animation IP.