Hong Kong Market Expands With Animation, Indonesian Showcases

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The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society has completed its 2025 HKIFF Industry Project Market by adding eight new films, increasing the total to 48 projects – a record high in recent times. This growth features six animated movies and two projects from Indonesia, thereby strengthening the market’s role in Asian film production.

The event, scheduled for March 17-19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre coinciding with FilMart, has experienced a 60% increase in animation submissions compared to the previous year. This impressive lineup showcases both seasoned professionals and rising stars, among them Hong Kong director Toe Yuen (“My Life as McDull,” 2003’s Annecy best film recipient), whose “A Mighty Adventure” (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia) was filmed live in Taiwan with approximately 90% of the computer animation completed in Malaysia.

In addition to other ongoing projects, there’s Li Jiajia’s “Min,” a work by the animation and games professor at China Academy of Art. Liu Jian, known for his films “Have a Nice Day” and “Art College 1994” (both screened at Berlin), is also involved in this project. Moreover, there’s “Wildheart,” a production from Marceau Nakayama, who was born in Tokyo. This film is being made in collaboration with France, Belgium, and Japan. Justin Ambrosino is the producer for this project as well.

The lineup features “Cloud of the Unknown” by Kunming-born artist Gao Yuan, set to be released in Hong Kong and France, with production by Isabelle Glachant. This film, titled similarly to one of Gao’s previous works, was a winner at Locarno 2020, earning the Arte Laguna prize. Additionally, Triparna Maiti from Mumbai is contributing “The Tale of the Holy Beast” (India), which has previously been presented at Annecy’s Mifa market, the Busan Asian Project Market, and Seattle’s Tasveer Film Market. Her 2022 film, “Water,” was screened at Anifilm and Monstra festivals. Lastly, Xu Zao from China is offering “Light Pillar,” produced by actor-director Da Peng. Notably, one of Xu’s previous animations, a 43-minute piece titled “No Changes Have Taken in Our Life,” received the Golden Dove at DOK Leipzig.

Jacob Wong, director of HKIFF Industry, expressed that we should highlight and support emerging talent and projects in animation, inspired by exceptional animated works from past HAF editions like Liu Jian’s second Berlinale submission ‘Art College 1994,’ and Yee Chih-yen’s award-winning ‘City of Lost Things,'” he said.

The market is introducing Jakarta Film Week Projects, highlighting two Indonesian filmmakers. Rina Damayanti, festival director for JFW, views this partnership as vital in boosting Indonesian cinema’s international recognition. Jason Iskandar, a filmmaker from Jakarta of Chinese-Indonesian descent, whose first film “Akhirat: A Love Story” placed 15th at Indonesia’s 2021 box office, is showcasing “First Breath After Coma,” co-produced by Florence Giovani Chandra and Shanty Harmayn. Meanwhile, Pelixiano, an experienced game developer with 18 years in the industry, is presenting the animated film “Fly!” alongside producer Ellen Xie.

I’m part of an event happening simultaneously with FilMart, the bustling Asian film market attracting around 8,000 film industry professionals each year.

Right now, the area is abuzz with the triumph of the Chinese animated sequel “Ne Zha 2,” which hit theaters during the Lunar New Year celebrations and has grossed an impressive $1.6 billion at the box office so far.

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2025-02-17 10:46