Hong Kong Launches Asian Short Film Fund – Global Bulletin

FOSTERING FILMMAKERS

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) and Nowness Asia have officially introduced the Asian Short Film Fund (ASFF), a program designed to support emerging filmmakers and producers in the region by providing them with financial assistance and industry guidance. This initiative was initially unveiled during the Hong Kong FilMart in March.

The opportunity, available for applications between May 7 and June 15, chooses three projects to award funding packages worth up to $35,000 each. Successful candidates will gain mentorship from renowned Asian filmmakers, as well as assistance during scriptwriting and production stages. Finished shorts will debut at the significant 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival in 2026.

In early August, ten selected projects are set to take part in a virtual pitch event, and afterwards, they’ll have individual meetings with mentors. The names of the top three winners will be revealed towards the end of the same month.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m always thrilled to emphasize our dedication to fostering brave, unique storytellers in Asian cinema through the ASFF. Our goal is to connect these gifted creators with industry insights, amplifying tales that echo the vibrancy and variety of our region.

CARTOON COLLABORATION

In 2025, Singapore’s Animation Nation festival and DreamWorks channel are teaming up to highlight budding animation talent from Southeast Asia by introducing a fresh short film category for the ANSEA Awards. This competition welcomes both aspiring and experienced filmmakers from ASEAN countries to submit two-minute original animated shorts centered around the theme of “family,” accompanied by a brief 100-word summary.

Successful entrants stand a chance to get mentored by DreamWorks animators and have their work showcased on various strategic platforms. The grand prize winner will receive broadcast exposure across DreamWorks’ multinational television network.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to be part of a judging panel that has assembled some of the biggest names in the industry. Among them are Brandon Oldenburg, an Academy Award winner, Rodney Uhler from GKIDS acquisitions, H.J. Jinny Choo, an animation curator, and Annette Cryan, creative director at DreamWorks channel. This lineup promises an unparalleled level of expertise and insight into the world of animation.

From now until August 15, we’ll be accepting submissions. The semi-finalists will be revealed sometime between September and October. The finale, consisting of screenings for the finalists and the announcement of the winner, is scheduled for November.

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2025-05-07 10:47