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The 30th edition of the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FilMart) celebrated a strong turnout that reflects a return to pre-pandemic activity levels, with around 8,000 professionals from 53 countries and regions gathering at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event featured a record participation of 790 exhibitors from 38 countries, including new entries from Belgium, Poland, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan.
Artificial Intelligence Shifts from Concept to Practical Tool
Artificial intelligence was the central topic of discussion at the festival, moving from theoretical debate to practical application. The AI Hub platform, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, showcased presentations from companies such as Alibaba Cloud, Kling, and MiniMax, alongside hands-on workshops at the AI Academy covering generative text, audio, and animation.
At the same time, some experts expressed concerns about AI's impact on the commercial film industry. Director Peter Chan predicted that AI could replace mid-tier commercial films within three years, while emphasizing that artistic films would be less affected.
China and Its Large Film Market
A total of 355 Chinese companies participated in the festival, underscoring the significance of the Chinese market, which ranks as the world’s second-largest film market with revenues approaching $7.4 billion in 2025. Nevertheless, distribution and collaboration opportunities with the Chinese market remain complex and demanding, reflecting the challenges international companies face when entering this vast market.
Expansion of the Asian Content Market and Diversity of Participants
The festival witnessed increased presence from new players in the Asian content industry, including companies from Myanmar participating in an international market for the first time, as well as distributors from Sri Lanka exchanging expertise with European buyers. Participants affirmed that Hong Kong continues to be a vibrant international hub offering broad business opportunities and fostering innovation in the film and television industry.
Why Does This Development Matter?
The 2026 Hong Kong Film Festival reflects significant shifts in the film and television industry, with growing demand for Asian content and the integration of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence into production processes. The festival also highlights the challenges and opportunities in major markets like China, influencing global distribution and production strategies.
This news has been re-edited based on a report published by variety.com, maintaining the core facts presented in the original source.
