What's Happening?
The Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) has unveiled 17 projects selected for its In Development section. This year's lineup includes collaborations with notable producers such as Anthony Chen from
Singapore, Stanley Kwan from Hong Kong, and Eiko Mizuno-Gray from Japan. Among the highlighted projects is 'Somewhere In The South,' a Malaysian film produced by Anthony Chen, which explores the story of a young man involved in a political campaign. Stanley Kwan is working on '131,' a drama about two masseuses and a construction worker navigating life between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Eiko Mizuno-Gray is producing 'Life Is Yours,' a Japanese film about an elderly cleaner seeking revenge for her stolen land. The forum, part of the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry, will take place from March 17-19, 2026, alongside the Hong Kong Filmart.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of these projects at HAF highlights the growing trend of international collaboration in the film industry, particularly in Asia. By bringing together filmmakers from different countries, these projects can benefit from diverse cultural perspectives and storytelling techniques. This not only enriches the films themselves but also broadens their appeal to a global audience. The involvement of established producers like Anthony Chen and Stanley Kwan adds credibility and visibility to these projects, potentially attracting more investment and interest from international distributors. Furthermore, the focus on diverse narratives, such as political campaigns and personal revenge stories, reflects a shift towards more complex and varied storytelling in Asian cinema.
What's Next?
As the HAF event approaches, filmmakers and producers will likely engage in discussions and negotiations to secure funding and distribution deals. The projects will be presented to potential investors and distributors during the forum, which could lead to further development and production. Additionally, the HKIFF Industry will announce more projects focusing on genre and animation, as well as Work-in-Progress projects, in the coming weeks. These announcements will provide further opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the film industry.
