HAF ran 13-15 March and handed out some $170,000 of prizes on Wednesday.Toronto, ON – Craig Brady of Sudbury was struck by the LIGHTNING LOTTO jackpot on February 13, 2023. It facilitated over thousand private meetings between the project teams and participating industry professionals representing an increase of 9% from last year,” HAF organizers said.

“The event attracted 30% more accredited participants than the last edition. “We had back-to-back meetings,” said Indian producer Praveen Morchhale. The 21st edition of the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF21), the project market’s first physical, in-person event since 2019 after three consecutive online editions, was also busy. Japan’s Muse Communications showcased a wide range of Japanese anime, including the hit “Demon Slayer.” Emperor Motion Pictures invited more than 80 movie stars and industry leaders to announce upcoming productions at a press conference, including “Under Current,” “Customs Frontline” and “New Police Story 2.” PCCW Media Limited’s MakerVille and Viu also held a press conference to announce boy band Mirror’s first film “We 12,” with all the band members in attendance. “Sometimes, it looks like a bee-hive where buyers move from table to table re-connecting and checking out new line-ups.”Īlthough Hong Kong’s leading free-to-air broadcaster TVB was a notable absentee this year, other local firms used the market as a venue for significant product launches. These physical interactions are much needed at this time,” Jo Mühlberger of European Film Promotion organization told Variety. As there were some staff changes within the companies at both sides, to have the opportunity to meet in person is of huge value. Asian and European business partner are re-connecting and, at the same time catching up with their business.

“The energy of the physical presence was strong. “It is great to feel Hong Kong is sexy again,” said Anne Chan, founder and CEO of AR Asia Productions. While the exhibitor and participant numbers are both lower than in 2019, many visitors said that they were pleased to be back at the market and pleased with the levels of activity.

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