Hong Kong International Film and TV Market Photo: VCG
The rapid development of AI technology in the film and TV industry and the export of China's cultural productions, including TV and film works, are the focus of the ongoing Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2025. Including the International Film and TV Market (FILMART) and Entertainment Pulse events, the expo opened on Monday and runs until Thursday.
At the kick-off ceremony, Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, described the expo as "a vibrant showcase of Hong Kong's film, television, music, and digital entertainment events." He highlighted nine major events designed to promote the region's entertainment industry, its digital transformation, and opportunities for cross-regional partnerships.
The ongoing Hong Kong International Film and TV Market and other art events including the upcoming Art Basel have been promoting the role of Hong Kong SAR as a hub for cultural exchange, in line with the goals outlined in China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) to support the development of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
"For Hong Kong, the film and television industry serves as a city landmark and an integral part of its cultural intellectual property (IP). Integrating into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, it collaborates with Chinese mainland film companies and streaming platforms to resonate in unison, jointly propelling the Chinese film industry toward the global market," Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times on Monday.
FILMART has "become an important window for Chinese culture to reach international audiences," Sun said.
Chan also said that the Hong Kong SAR government is "deeply committed to supporting the development of the entertainment industry in the city," and "also supports content development for streaming, TV variety shows, and film productions."
Photo: Courtesy of Drama Apple Limited
At the Forum on International Communication: Cooperation and Innovation for a New Vision hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, Chinese director and writer Zhang Ting, whose new TV series
Legend of The Magnate was produced by Drama Apple Limited, shared his thoughts about how to tell Chinese stories that resonate with international audiences.
In his eyes, artistic expression and communication hold great power and enable the world to understand a nation's culture, the emotions of its people, and their unique ways of expression. He took his upcoming historical TV series, which tells the story of Chinese businessmen during wartime, as an example. "The essence of historical drama creation remains contemporary," he said.
Chinese director and writer Zhang Ting Photo: Courtesy of Drama Apple Limited
Producer Yu Haiyan noted that the historical series brings the essence of China's culture, ancient wisdom and philosophy to global audiences.
Throughout history, patriotic intellectuals and merchants have possessed a heart dedicated to national salvation, contributing to the prosperity and strength of the nation. "The spirit of patriotism, as the genetic code of the Chinese people, is also the core essence of Chinese business ethics," he added.
It is essential to "boldly learn from the advanced techniques of peers worldwide while fully respecting the era we live in and the land we stand on. Only by balancing these two aspects can we effectively tell Chinese stories and resonate with audiences globally."
The great success of Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2, not only in box-office revenue, but also in film quality, has captured the world's attention. Yu Zhixing from the production team of Ne Zha 2 shared his experience working with AI special effects at the year 2025's AI Hub pilot project, which showcases innovative AI applications across the filmmaking process.
Short films serve as the first step for young directors to embark on their creative careers. The Young Directors Support Program at the FILMART encourages young creators to use short films as a way to hone their directorial skills, explore their personal style, and deeply observe life. It is promoting 19 such short films at this year's event.
Peter K N Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, opened the expo with the theme "Dare to Change, Dare to Excel," aiming to spark business opportunities and showcase Hong Kong's creative prowess. This year's FILMART features exhibitors from 34 countries and regions, including new pavilions from Australia, Cambodia, France, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. First-time participants from Armenia, the Czech Republic, and Kazakhstan join a growing ASEAN presence, with over 100 exhibitors from seven ASEAN nations. Following 2024's successful Thai Day, Thailand returns with an expanded pavilion.
