The 29th FILMART introduces its pioneering AI Hub, showcasing advanced AI applications across the film and television production pipeline. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/leungchopan
The Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2025, a key event in the entertainment sector, is set to make a grand return, showcasing the city as a cultural and creative hub while offering networking opportunities for industry professionals. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Expo will take place from 16 March to 27 April and features nine signature events across the entertainment industry.
The launch ceremony will be held on 17 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with Leon Lai continuing his role as Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador to promote the city's film and entertainment culture.
A notable addition this year is the Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta, alongside well-established events such as the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Asia’s leading entertainment content marketplace, FILMART, will run from 17 to 20 March at the HKCEC, featuring more than 750 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. New pavilions from Australia, Cambodia, France, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam will be present, with emerging markets such as the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan joining for the first time.
The event will also introduce the AI Hub pilot programme, focused on integrating AI into the filmmaking process. This will include an exhibition zone with AI solutions from various industry leaders such as the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lenovo and Sony, as well as conferences and forums featuring prominent figures in the field.
EntertainmentPulse, a four-day conference, will bring together global entertainment industry leaders to discuss key issues, including the Asian animation market, ASEAN market and video streaming. Notably, the panel 'Gearing Up for the AI Opportunities' will feature Yu Zhixin, producer of Ne Zha 2 from Hong Li Animation Studios, who will discuss leveraging AI in international film production.
The 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), running from 10 to 21 April, will highlight the theme 'Dialogue - Conversation of Film'. The festival will feature a retrospective of celebrated screen icon Louis Koo and masterclasses by renowned filmmakers such as Albert Serra and Juho Kuosmanen, offering insights into their film philosophies.
The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) and Asian Film Awards (AFA) ceremony will take place on 27 April at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with a record 64.84% participation in the first-round voting. The Last Dance, Hong Kong's highest-grossing Chinese-language film, leads with 18 nominations. Meanwhile, on 16 March, the 18th AFA will feature films from 25 countries and regions competing across 16 categories, with Sammo Hung serving as jury chair.
The 14th Digital Entertainment Summit, scheduled for 19 March, will focus on animation and its integration with AI technologies. Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), which runs from 17-19 March, has expanded this year, with 48 projects selected from nearly 400 submissions across various genres, including action, sci-fi and animation.
Additional events include the Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta on 18 March, showcasing Hong Kong's film music culture, and the Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music) awards ceremony on 20 March, which provides grants and mentorship to emerging filmmakers.