The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry Project Market is expanding its reach, incorporating new film projects from Japan and Indonesia. This initiative, part of the 24th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), aims to foster international collaborations and provide a platform for emerging cinematic talent across Asia. The market, which coincides with FilMart's 30th edition, will feature a diverse array of films, from animated features to poignant dramas, underscoring the vibrant storytelling traditions of the region.
New Cinematic Ventures Emerge at HKIFF Industry Project Market
From March 17-19, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the HKIFF Industry Project Market, where four distinctive development-stage films will be presented. These projects stem from enriched partnerships with Jakarta Film Week, JAFF Market, and the Japan Creator Support Fund. Among them is "Hidari," a captivating stop-motion animation directed by Kawamura Masashi and Ogawa Iku, drawing inspiration from the legendary Hidari Jingorō with a unique wood-punk aesthetic set in Edo-period Japan. This tale promises a blend of vengeance, political intrigue, and a sculptor's battle against mechanical soldiers while confronting his past. Matsumoto Noriko of Dwarf Studios is producing this ambitious work.
Indonesia contributes two significant dramas to the market. Loeloe Hendra Komara's "A Life Full of Holes" tells the compelling story of a 17-year-old girl aspiring to be a content creator, who must also care for her younger siblings after her mother seeks work overseas as a migrant laborer. Produced by Indra Yudhitya Irawan, Komara, and Kuek Shee Heng for Onomastika Films and Aview Images, this Indonesia-Taiwan co-production highlights contemporary social issues. Najam Yardo's "PingPong" explores the life of a disgraced Olympian, banned from table tennis, who must resort to illicit matches to support her ailing father while navigating a fraught relationship with her son. Hannan Cinthya is producing this film under Arungi Films.
Additionally, Kusano Natsuka's "Unknown Face" delves into the complex dynamics of a bisexual woman and her partner who develop an intense connection with a stranger. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when their relationship shifts, leading them to adopt enigmatic masks reminiscent of traditional Noh theater. Miyoshi Gohey, Anocha Suwichakornpong, and Paul Mori are producing this film through Matataki Films GK.
These 46 projects, including the newly added four, will vie for an impressive total of $360,000 in cash and in-kind prizes across 17 categories. New sponsors like Kantana Holdings, offering awards for digital intermediate, sound post-production, and virtual production, and Phenom Films, providing in-kind post-production services, are enhancing the support available to filmmakers. Cetaphil, a sensitive skincare brand, is also joining forces to promote creative voices through the HAF Goes to Cannes program, aiming to elevate selected filmmakers on the international stage.
This year's HKIFF Industry Project Market truly emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and mutual support within the global film industry. By bringing together diverse narratives and talents from Japan, Indonesia, and beyond, the market not only showcases cinematic artistry but also fosters a rich environment for creative exchange and development. It's a testament to the power of shared vision in propelling unique stories onto the world screen, offering audiences fresh perspectives and experiences.