The 24th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, recently revealed its second set of projects, highlighting a dozen compelling work-in-progress films. This selection brings together established figures in Asian cinema with fresh, promising voices, showcasing a vibrant future for the region's film industry. These projects are slated for presentation from March 17-19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as part of the HKIFF Industry Project Market, offering a crucial platform for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals.
Among the featured films are notable works like 'Good Trip,' a comedy-drama starring Nick Cheung and Chung Suet-ying, which follows a production assistant's journey with her ailing father. Another highlight is 'The Sea Speaks His Name,' a political drama led by Indonesian stars Reza Rahadian and Dian Sastrowardoyo, exploring a student activist's mysterious disappearance in the 1990s. The forum also spotlights several debut features, including Arvin Belarmino's 'Ria,' about a hotel housekeeper fighting displacement, and Ken Yang's horror fantasy 'A Vampire, Probably,' demonstrating the diverse range of narratives and creative visions being fostered.
These carefully chosen films, many of which are directorial debuts, are predominantly in their post-production phases, indicating a near-readiness for broader exposure. With budgets reaching up to $2.2 million, these projects signify substantial investment and confidence in their potential. The presentations at the forum will provide invaluable opportunities for these films to secure distribution, attract further investment, and gain recognition from festival programmers and industry leaders worldwide, ultimately helping these unique cinematic stories reach global audiences.
The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum serves as a vital launchpad for new and compelling narratives from across Asia, fostering collaboration and celebrating artistic innovation. By supporting both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, HAF contributes significantly to the enrichment and global visibility of Asian cinema, ensuring that diverse stories and perspectives continue to be shared and celebrated on the international stage.