Hong Kong Films @ Cannes 2024 conclude successfully
6 Jun 2024 – Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC), Create Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the “Hong Kong Films @ Cannes 2024” was successfully concluded from 14-22 May with a blast of events and exhibitions featuring the talents of film industry.
A night of celebration for the Hong Kong film industry
A highlight was the Hong Kong Night which took place on the evening of 16 May at Plage des Palmes. Hong Kong Night was attended by over 600 international producers, directors, artists, distributors, buyers, and film commission representatives, who seized the opportunity to network and explore potential partnerships.
The event was attended by director Soi Cheang, and actors Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, Tony Wu and German Cheung from the movie, “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, as well as actress Sylvia Chang and Rachel Leung; and director Stanley Kwan and Vincci Cheuk. “Twilight” received a standing ovation when it was later shown at the midnight screening.
A very busy market for Hong Kong film industry players
The Hong Kong Pavilion featured Cappu, Celestial Pictures, Edko Films, Entertaining Power, Fortune Star and mm2 Hong Kong, while major film production companies such as Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia, One Cool Pictures and more, were also present.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau said “Further to HKTDC’s FILMART in Hong Kong in March, we jointly organised Hong Kong Films @ Cannes 2024 together with the Hong Kong Film Development Council and Create Hong Kong, attracting many international distributors who held discussions with Hong Kong companies. The screenings of Hong Kong films received very positive feedback. We believe in the strength of Hong Kong’s creative and film industry and will continue to leverage our platform in Hong Kong to create more opportunities for global cooperation, and to further promote Hong Kong as a centre for international cultural exchange.”
Following the premiere of "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In ", the film’s sales and production company, Media Asia, announced that the film’s distribution rights for Cambodia, Eastern Europe, India, Indonesia and South Korea had been sold, and a trilogy was in the works.
Exhibitors were pleased with their participation at Cannes. Mani Man, Deputy General Manager, mm2 Hong Kong expressed that “Hong Kong Films @ Cannes 2024" campaign has been exceptional, with seminars, forums, networking, and screenings that significantly promoted the Hong Kong film industry and connected us with international industry players. While Gigi Ko, Vice President, Distribution of Celestial Pictures, which features classic Shaw Brothers movies, also concluded various deals covering France, Vietnam and other countries and regions.
Fostering collaboration between Hong Kong, Asia and Europe
The Hong Kong Perspective in Asia’s Film Market seminar explored Hong Kong’s role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and regional intellectual property trading hub. This helped reinforce that Hong Kong is open to international filmmakers looking to co-produce in the city.
Franck Priot, CEO and Producer at France’s Ghost City, said “My hope is that Hong Kong, aided with the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, can act as a bridge between these markets and Europe.” Cedric Behrel, Co-founder and Managing Director of Trinity CineAsia, commented: “We see an encouraging wave of new filmmakers with a potential for more collaboration between Hong Kong and Europe.”
A series of forums on film collaboration in Asia, co-production, Hong Kong’s action cinema, and emerging talents were also held with renowned filmmakers such as Stanley Kwan and Soi Cheang, plus talents including Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, Rachel Leung, Tony Wu and German Cheung, along with emerging directors and producers, who took the opportunity to illustrate the diversity of Hong Kong Cinema.
“This year is the largest Hong Kong delegation to ever attend Cannes and there were a lot of events organised during the fortnight showcasing Hong Kong’s filmmaking talent,” said writer-director Oliver Chan.
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3WR3UiW
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The Hong Kong Night was attended by many cast and crew members of “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, including director Soi Cheang, and actors Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, Tony Wu and German Cheung. |
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Hong Kong companies were active in networking and exploring business opportunities. |
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The Hong Kong Perspective in Asia’s Film Market seminar explored Hong Kong’s role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and regional intellectual property trading hub. |
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The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong ’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.