Hong Kong Cinema @ BUSAN 2026, a promotional campaign for Hong Kong's film industry, concluded on October 13, 2026, after four days of activities at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, South Korea. Co-organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event aimed to bridge Hong Kong filmmakers with overseas industry players and buyers, fostering collaboration and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West cultural exchange hub and regional IP trading centre.
Anna Cheung, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized the campaign's significance: "As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong has long been committed to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Through this campaign, we aim to showcase Hong Kong's cinematic creations in the international market and create more opportunities for international co-productions."
The Hong Kong Pavilion featured participation from several film production and distribution companies, including Blast Films International Limited and October Pictures Limited, while other companies like Edko Films and Emperor Motion Pictures engaged with international buyers. The Pavilion also spotlighted Hong Kong films selected for the 31st Busan International Film Festival, such as Dead End, which premiered in the Vision-Asia section and won the Higher Education Institution Group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative, and Cold War 1994, selected for Special Screenings.
Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Drew Lai noted CCIDA's dedication to boosting film productions and nurturing talent through various funding schemes. Additionally, CCIDA will set up a dedicated Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions to facilitate overseas crews filming in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Night, held on October 9 at the Paradise Hotel Busan, served as the curtain-raiser, attracting over 750 industry professionals. The event fostered cross-border networking and industry exchange, with delegation members including director Isabella Lam and cast members Maggie Shiu, Hedwig Tam, and Lokman Yeung. Delegates also participated in the Producer Hub programme, with director So Chak Long selected for the Asian Project Market with his work Whisper of the Silence, engaging in business matching meetings with international investors.
Producer Kelvin Shum remarked, "Through the Producer Hub, we have the opportunity to connect with filmmakers from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and other markets. This enables us to better understand the industry's latest developments and unique filmmaking processes. It is a truly rewarding experience."
For the first time, CCIDA organised four Hong Kong original works outside the film category to participate in the Busan Story Market (BSM), including animated works Blacky the Metal Arm Cat, Cirkillation, and Tai Lung Fung – Full Throttle Kitchen, as well as the comic Disposable Dolly. The BSM facilitates IP transactions and connects creators with overseas producers and investors. A representative of Blacky the Metal Arm Cat stated, "BSM has allowed us to connect with producers, investors and potential partners from different countries, which is crucial for Hong Kong IPs' expansion into overseas markets."
The campaign underscores Hong Kong's ongoing efforts to promote its creative industries globally. The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, continues to support such initiatives through its global network of offices, organising international exhibitions and conferences to create business opportunities. For more information on HKTDC's initiatives, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus. The success of Hong Kong Cinema @ BUSAN 2026 highlights the importance of international collaboration in driving the film industry forward and solidifies Hong Kong's position as a creative capital in Asia.
