Enjoying an extended Golden Age, the Philippine film industry came out in force to sell and distribute completed projects, seek financing and attract location shooting and co-productions at the 23rd Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), Asia’s largest marketplace for the entertainment industry.
To help promote the Philippine film industry to the Hong Kong market and the rest of the world, Consul General Antonio A. Morales visited the Philippine Pavilion, which featured a record 27 Philippine production companies including Regal Entertainment Inc., Spring Films Inc. and Unitel Productions under the aegis of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
During the visit, Consul General Morales met with FDCP chair Ms. Liza Diño, and discussed possible collaborations to promote the centennial celebration of Philippine cinema in 2019.
ABS-CBN International Distribution, GMA Worldwide Incorporated and Viva Communications, Inc. had their respective booths at the expo and marketed various entertainment products, including films and television series.
At the Hong Kong-Asia Financing Forum (HAF), a side event of the expo, three Filipino films, namely, Between Sea and Sky by Jun Lana); Circa by Adolfo Alix Jr.; and The Grandstand by Mikhail Red, were showcased for possible co-production ventures.
Of the three, Alix’s Circa won the White Light Post-Production Award (HAF Project) and Red’s The Grandstand won the Udine Focus Asia Award.
FILMART, a signature event by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), ran on 18-21 March 2019 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), and featured 880 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions.
On 19 March 2019, FDCP hosted Philippine Cinema Night to allow Filmart delegates to meet informally with Team Philippines members at The Hub in Wan Chai.
The Consulate was represented by Consul Roderico C. Atienza, who expressed support for FDCP in advancing the Philippine film industry’s objectives, especially in promoting the Philippines’ world-class films and the country as a premier filmmaking destination. Consul Paulo V. Saret, and Attachés Luz M. Iglesias and Charlene A. Beriana also joined the event.
Consul General Morales also attended by Opening Session of Marketing Pulse, a branding and marketing conference during FILMART. The event was opened by HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong and Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr. Bernard Chan.
