Covid, changing money flows and a new superpower Cold War of sorts may have, over the past few years, helped to reduce the connections between the film and TV industries of China and the rest of the world — so, will the 2024 edition of FilMart, whose organizers continue to claim bridgehead status, be the market to increase those connections?
Candas Yeung, the Trade Development Council associate director who takes over as head of FilMart this year, says that visitor and exhibitor numbers have crept up again this year — to an anticipated 7,500 and 715, respectively — and that fully 40% of market participants hail from mainland China.
“That’s a pretty significant proportion and they are very active in the market, both buying and selling, and making some announcements,” Yeung says. “Clearly, Hong Kong remains a crucial intermediate link between mainland Chinese and the rest of the world’s entertainment industry. We will try to...
Candas Yeung, the Trade Development Council associate director who takes over as head of FilMart this year, says that visitor and exhibitor numbers have crept up again this year — to an anticipated 7,500 and 715, respectively — and that fully 40% of market participants hail from mainland China.
“That’s a pretty significant proportion and they are very active in the market, both buying and selling, and making some announcements,” Yeung says. “Clearly, Hong Kong remains a crucial intermediate link between mainland Chinese and the rest of the world’s entertainment industry. We will try to...
- 3/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A new funding initiative is being launched at this year’s Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart) that leans on the commercial nous of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to help guide the fortunes of emerging Chinese-language filmmakers.
Labeled the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative, or Hcc, this collaboration between the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) and CAA China supplies funds to “support and facilitate the growth and progress of Chinese-language genre projects.”
“Project markets were a European invention that were transplanted to this part of the world, Asia, where there wasn’t a tradition of subsidies,” explains Jacob Wong, the Hkiff’s industry director. “They were traditionally focused on arthouse films but here in Hong Kong we are more open to adapting to the business environment and that’s why we are keen to work with corporate or private entities.”
Hcc comes with two $20,000 prizes, and...
Labeled the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative, or Hcc, this collaboration between the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) and CAA China supplies funds to “support and facilitate the growth and progress of Chinese-language genre projects.”
“Project markets were a European invention that were transplanted to this part of the world, Asia, where there wasn’t a tradition of subsidies,” explains Jacob Wong, the Hkiff’s industry director. “They were traditionally focused on arthouse films but here in Hong Kong we are more open to adapting to the business environment and that’s why we are keen to work with corporate or private entities.”
Hcc comes with two $20,000 prizes, and...
- 3/10/2024
- by Mathew Scott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taking place alongside Filmart, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) is one of Asia’s oldest and most established project markets, helping a string of award-winning films to get made.
Recent Haf successes include Mongolian drama If Only I Could Hibernate, which was selected for last year’s Cannes Un Certain Regard, and Huang Ji and Ryuji Otsuka’s Stonewalling, which won best film at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards and was sold to KimStim for North America.
However, Haf is now just one component in an expanding range of activities organised by Hkiff Industry, the industry platform of Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff). This year, the festival has partnered with CAA China to launch the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which is presenting six selected projects to an industry-wide audience during Haf.
Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong explains that a genre initiative is a logical next...
Recent Haf successes include Mongolian drama If Only I Could Hibernate, which was selected for last year’s Cannes Un Certain Regard, and Huang Ji and Ryuji Otsuka’s Stonewalling, which won best film at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards and was sold to KimStim for North America.
However, Haf is now just one component in an expanding range of activities organised by Hkiff Industry, the industry platform of Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff). This year, the festival has partnered with CAA China to launch the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which is presenting six selected projects to an industry-wide audience during Haf.
Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong explains that a genre initiative is a logical next...
- 3/5/2024
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) has unveiled 26 in-development projects for the 22nd Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), which will become part of the newly expanded Hkiff Industry Project Market.
The lineup features both veteran and rising filmmakers including Koji Fukada, Hong Khaou, Jang Kun-jae, Qiu Jiongjiong, Patiparn Boontarig, Wang Xiaoshuai, Teruhisa Yamamoto, and Zhang Lu. The projects cover comedy, horror, action, romance and family drama, including seven first features, two animations and a string of cross-country collaborations.
Scroll down for full list of projects
“The selection is a testament to the resurgence of diversity and the revitalisation of international collaborations,...
The lineup features both veteran and rising filmmakers including Koji Fukada, Hong Khaou, Jang Kun-jae, Qiu Jiongjiong, Patiparn Boontarig, Wang Xiaoshuai, Teruhisa Yamamoto, and Zhang Lu. The projects cover comedy, horror, action, romance and family drama, including seven first features, two animations and a string of cross-country collaborations.
Scroll down for full list of projects
“The selection is a testament to the resurgence of diversity and the revitalisation of international collaborations,...
- 1/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Leading Asian film directors including Josh Kim, Fukada Koji and Patiparn Boontarig line up to pitch their in-development projects at the March edition of the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf).
Leading directors Wang Xiaoshuai and Zhang Lu will also be on the ground at Haf, operating as producers. So too will established producers Yamamoto Teruhisa (“Drive My Car”) and Michael J. Werner.
The 22nd edition of the Haf project market will run March 11-13 and sit alongside the four-day FilMart (March 11-14) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Haf is operated by The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and this year will showcase 26 in-development projects. This year it will also be accompanied by the first edition of the Hkiff Industry – CAA China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which aims to support the development of Chinese language genre films.
Among the highlights: Wang Xiaoshuai will produce Zhang Yushan...
Leading directors Wang Xiaoshuai and Zhang Lu will also be on the ground at Haf, operating as producers. So too will established producers Yamamoto Teruhisa (“Drive My Car”) and Michael J. Werner.
The 22nd edition of the Haf project market will run March 11-13 and sit alongside the four-day FilMart (March 11-14) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Haf is operated by The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and this year will showcase 26 in-development projects. This year it will also be accompanied by the first edition of the Hkiff Industry – CAA China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which aims to support the development of Chinese language genre films.
Among the highlights: Wang Xiaoshuai will produce Zhang Yushan...
- 1/18/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Jacob Wong is the Director of Hkiff Industry of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs). He is also the Berlin Film Festival's Delegate for Chinese-language cinemas.
On the occasion of his presence in Qcinema, we speak with him about Hkiff and its various streams, its financial and audience details, the changes the festival and cinema have undergone, his work with Berlin and Locarno, streaming services and the future of cinema, and the filmmakers he considers that stand out.
How would you describe the situation of the Hong Kong Film Festival?
The festival now has two streams officially, one stream being programming, the other stream being industry, practically the screening and all the non-screening activities. For many years, the film festival has been running some industry initiatives, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), which is entering its 22nd edition and then there are some little things popping up once in a while.
On the occasion of his presence in Qcinema, we speak with him about Hkiff and its various streams, its financial and audience details, the changes the festival and cinema have undergone, his work with Berlin and Locarno, streaming services and the future of cinema, and the filmmakers he considers that stand out.
How would you describe the situation of the Hong Kong Film Festival?
The festival now has two streams officially, one stream being programming, the other stream being industry, practically the screening and all the non-screening activities. For many years, the film festival has been running some industry initiatives, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), which is entering its 22nd edition and then there are some little things popping up once in a while.
- 11/29/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong’s Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) on Thursday unveiled a rich, 28-title selection for its forthcoming 21st edition, featuring promising projects in development from Singaporean Camera d’Or winner Anthony Chen, maverick Hong Kong director Fruit Chan, rising Thai talent Jakrawal Nilthamrong and veteran festival ringmaster Marco Mueller, among many others. Haf is returning in 2023 for its first in-person forum since 2019, following three consecutive online editions during the coronavirus pandemic.
As per usual, the event will be held March 13–15 in tandem with the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (aka Filmart), which runs March 13-16.
Of the 28 titles picked from 244 submissions spanning 38 countries and territories, Haf says half are from first-time filmmakers and eight are Chinese-language projects developed at recent editions of the Haf Film Lab mentorship program. The selection spans a broad range of genres, including arthouse drama, horror, fantasy, romance, animation and family films.
Chen, director...
As per usual, the event will be held March 13–15 in tandem with the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (aka Filmart), which runs March 13-16.
Of the 28 titles picked from 244 submissions spanning 38 countries and territories, Haf says half are from first-time filmmakers and eight are Chinese-language projects developed at recent editions of the Haf Film Lab mentorship program. The selection spans a broad range of genres, including arthouse drama, horror, fantasy, romance, animation and family films.
Chen, director...
- 1/12/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new film project by Xinjiang-based Wong Lina and others produced by Stanley Kwan and Soi Cheang are among fifteen works-in-progress that have been added to the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf).
Haf previously announced the selection of 28 projects that are at an earlier stage of development. The event is organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and runs March 14-16, 2022, alongside the Hong Kong FilMart entertainment rights market March 14-17.
Wong, who made a stunning directorial debut “A First Farewell,” appeared in Berlin and won the Firebird Award in the Hkiff’s first Chinese-language Young Cinema competition in 2019, returns with “Village . Senet.” The film is a poetic musical about a boy from a remote village in Xinjiang’s Taklamakan Desert.
The film is produced by Beijing-based Bad Rabbit Pictures, a company founded by cinematographer Cao Yu and actress-producer Yao Chen. The company also has Qiao Sixue’s debut feature,...
Haf previously announced the selection of 28 projects that are at an earlier stage of development. The event is organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and runs March 14-16, 2022, alongside the Hong Kong FilMart entertainment rights market March 14-17.
Wong, who made a stunning directorial debut “A First Farewell,” appeared in Berlin and won the Firebird Award in the Hkiff’s first Chinese-language Young Cinema competition in 2019, returns with “Village . Senet.” The film is a poetic musical about a boy from a remote village in Xinjiang’s Taklamakan Desert.
The film is produced by Beijing-based Bad Rabbit Pictures, a company founded by cinematographer Cao Yu and actress-producer Yao Chen. The company also has Qiao Sixue’s debut feature,...
- 2/8/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Line-up includes projects from producers Winnie Tsang and Stanley Kwan and an Israel-Italy co-production.
New projects from producers Winnie Tsang and Stanley Kwan and an Israel-Italy co-production are among the 15 work-in-progress projects selected for the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum’s (Haf) 20th anniversary edition
Among the selection, Hkiff industry director Jacob Wong highlighted two projects: Borrowed Time and The Sunny Side Of The Street. “They are the first projects to have progressed through the Haf eco-system, from Film Lab to In-development projects, and now onto Wip,” he said.
Both won script consultation service awards at Haf Film Lab in...
New projects from producers Winnie Tsang and Stanley Kwan and an Israel-Italy co-production are among the 15 work-in-progress projects selected for the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum’s (Haf) 20th anniversary edition
Among the selection, Hkiff industry director Jacob Wong highlighted two projects: Borrowed Time and The Sunny Side Of The Street. “They are the first projects to have progressed through the Haf eco-system, from Film Lab to In-development projects, and now onto Wip,” he said.
Both won script consultation service awards at Haf Film Lab in...
- 2/8/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Film markets could feature expanded industry programmes, smaller physical attendance and more episodic content in the future.
Expanded industry programmes, smaller physical attendance and more episodic content are among the ways that film markets are likely to develop post-pandemic, according to four major film market directors during a panel discussion at Busan’s Asian Contents and Film Market (Acfm).
The four market chiefs – Cannes Marche’s Jerome Paillard, European Film Market’s Dennis Ruh, Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong and Acfm’s Oh Seok Geun – all said they’ve been impacted by the pandemic much more than the festivals they’re aligned with,...
Expanded industry programmes, smaller physical attendance and more episodic content are among the ways that film markets are likely to develop post-pandemic, according to four major film market directors during a panel discussion at Busan’s Asian Contents and Film Market (Acfm).
The four market chiefs – Cannes Marche’s Jerome Paillard, European Film Market’s Dennis Ruh, Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong and Acfm’s Oh Seok Geun – all said they’ve been impacted by the pandemic much more than the festivals they’re aligned with,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society is to streamline the industry support measures that it operates under the leadership of Jacob Wong, in time for what it hopes will be in-person events in March 2022.
Wong will oversee Hkiff Industry, a new umbrella that coordinate Hkiffs’ industry initiatives, including: Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), In-Development (Idp) and Work-in-Progress (Wip) programs, Haf Goes to Cannes, Haf Film Lab, Hkiff Collection, and the facilitation of third-party co-productions.
“In addition to Haf’s main program for in-development projects, we have extended our support to early-stage projects in recent years through Film Lab and Wip for in-progress projects seeking post-production and completion funding. Selected Wip projects could gain international exposure through Haf Goes to Cannes. With Hkiff Collection and third-party co-productions, we aim to offer distribution and festival placement strategy to emerging filmmakers, as well as bringing more high-quality contents to the audience,...
Wong will oversee Hkiff Industry, a new umbrella that coordinate Hkiffs’ industry initiatives, including: Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), In-Development (Idp) and Work-in-Progress (Wip) programs, Haf Goes to Cannes, Haf Film Lab, Hkiff Collection, and the facilitation of third-party co-productions.
“In addition to Haf’s main program for in-development projects, we have extended our support to early-stage projects in recent years through Film Lab and Wip for in-progress projects seeking post-production and completion funding. Selected Wip projects could gain international exposure through Haf Goes to Cannes. With Hkiff Collection and third-party co-productions, we aim to offer distribution and festival placement strategy to emerging filmmakers, as well as bringing more high-quality contents to the audience,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
New umbrella will oversee Haf, Haf Goes to Cannes, Haf Film Lab, Hkiff Collection and the facilitation of co-productions.
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) is bringing all its industry initiatives under one umbrella, Hkiff Industry, as it gears up for a physical edition of its festival and projects market in 2022.
Hkiff Industry will oversee the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), which now includes both development and work-in-progress (Wip) programmes; Haf Goes to Cannes; Haf Film Lab; Hkiff Collection, and the facilitation of third-party co-productions.
Jacob Wong, previously Haf director, has assumed the role of director, Hkiff Industry.
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) is bringing all its industry initiatives under one umbrella, Hkiff Industry, as it gears up for a physical edition of its festival and projects market in 2022.
Hkiff Industry will oversee the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), which now includes both development and work-in-progress (Wip) programmes; Haf Goes to Cannes; Haf Film Lab; Hkiff Collection, and the facilitation of third-party co-productions.
Jacob Wong, previously Haf director, has assumed the role of director, Hkiff Industry.
- 8/31/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Tan Chui Mui is a Malaysian film director who has been actively working in Malaysian independent film industry. She’s one of the pioneers of Malaysian New Wave Cinema in the early 2000s. Her short films have won numerous prizes and awards in European festivals and her first feature film “Love Conquers All” won the New Currents Awards and Fipresci Award at the 11th Busan International Film Festival in 2006 and the Tiger Award from the 36th International Film Festival Rotterdam. Her 2010 second feature film, “Year Without a Summer” was selected for the Asian Cinema Fund, receiving funding for both the script and post-production. She has been actively involved in the Malaysia independent film scene, working as a producer, editor, script writer, and occasionally an actress. In 2004, she set up Da Huang Pictures with Amir Muhammad, James Lee and Liew Seng Tat. In 2015, she inaugurated Young Filmmakers Workshop under Next New...
- 8/25/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
“Barbarian Invasion” wins the Jury Grand Prix in the 24th Shanghai International Film Festival Golden Goblet Awards on 19 June. The film is presented by Heaven Pictures, in co-production with The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society.
Tan Chui Mui, a staple of the Malaysian New Wave, returns to the international film scene with third feature film “Barbarian Invasion”, filling the roles of director, writer and lead actor, her poignant and fun piece on body sovereignty, motherhood and martial arts. She brings much of her old crew back in front of the cameras, Pete Teo, James Lee and Bront Palare give strong performances in the film while Woo Ming Jin produces alongside Bianca Balbuena, known for her work with Lav Diaz.
In awarding “Barbarian Invasion”, the jury stated, “This film takes a genre that is familiar to us all and turns it on its tail. Its handling of pace is pitch perfect,...
Tan Chui Mui, a staple of the Malaysian New Wave, returns to the international film scene with third feature film “Barbarian Invasion”, filling the roles of director, writer and lead actor, her poignant and fun piece on body sovereignty, motherhood and martial arts. She brings much of her old crew back in front of the cameras, Pete Teo, James Lee and Bront Palare give strong performances in the film while Woo Ming Jin produces alongside Bianca Balbuena, known for her work with Lav Diaz.
In awarding “Barbarian Invasion”, the jury stated, “This film takes a genre that is familiar to us all and turns it on its tail. Its handling of pace is pitch perfect,...
- 6/22/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
The three-day 19th edition of Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF19) successfully concluded today with the announcement of 17 cash and in-kind awards with a combined value of Hk$1,200,000 to outstanding projects.
Returning to its regular March slot concurrent with the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (Filmart), HAF19 was staged online for the second year running as the battle against the global Covid-19 pandemic continues. HAF19 showcased a total of 48 projects this year, including 20 works-in-progress, from 24 countries and regions.
Despite the challenging circumstances, HAF19 attracted 7% more registered participants than its first virtual edition last year and an astounding increase of over 80% in the number of online meetings arranged for industry professionals to discuss potential business opportunities with the participating filmmakers.
“Learning from last year’s experience, our team has worked hard to come up with a more efficient and user-friendly online platform, and I am encouraged to see the market’s enthusiastic response,...
Returning to its regular March slot concurrent with the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (Filmart), HAF19 was staged online for the second year running as the battle against the global Covid-19 pandemic continues. HAF19 showcased a total of 48 projects this year, including 20 works-in-progress, from 24 countries and regions.
Despite the challenging circumstances, HAF19 attracted 7% more registered participants than its first virtual edition last year and an astounding increase of over 80% in the number of online meetings arranged for industry professionals to discuss potential business opportunities with the participating filmmakers.
“Learning from last year’s experience, our team has worked hard to come up with a more efficient and user-friendly online platform, and I am encouraged to see the market’s enthusiastic response,...
- 3/17/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Haf and Wip award winners also include The Way We Ad, I Come From Ikotun, Stonewalling and No Winter Holidays.
Oliver Chan’s Her Lullaby won the Haf Fiction Award for a Hong Kong project at the close of this year’s Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum, while The Catch, directed by India’s Rishi Chandna, took the Haf Fiction Award for a project from outside Hong Kong.
The Haf Documentary Awards went to The Way We Ad, to be directed by Hong Kong’s Bud-ming, and France-Hong Kong co-production I Come From Ikotun, to be directed by China’s Wang Bing.
Oliver Chan’s Her Lullaby won the Haf Fiction Award for a Hong Kong project at the close of this year’s Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum, while The Catch, directed by India’s Rishi Chandna, took the Haf Fiction Award for a project from outside Hong Kong.
The Haf Documentary Awards went to The Way We Ad, to be directed by Hong Kong’s Bud-ming, and France-Hong Kong co-production I Come From Ikotun, to be directed by China’s Wang Bing.
- 3/17/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
“Her Lullaby” from Hong Kong and “The Catch” from India were the winners of the top fiction prizes at the 2021 edition of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum.
A total of 17 cash and in-kind prizes worth a combined Hk$1,200,000 were awarded at the conclusion of the three day project market, which was operated in parallel with the FilMart rights market.
Haf returned to its regular March slot after the 2020 edition was first delayed until August, and then went wholly online. The 2021 round showcased a total of 48 projects, including 20 works-in-progress.
Organizers report that 2021 edition attracted 7% more registered participants than the first virtual edition last year, and an substantial 80% increase in the number of online meetings arranged between producers and industry professionals.
“Learning from last year’s experience, our team has worked hard to come up with a more efficient and user-friendly online platform, and I am encouraged to see the market’s enthusiastic response,...
A total of 17 cash and in-kind prizes worth a combined Hk$1,200,000 were awarded at the conclusion of the three day project market, which was operated in parallel with the FilMart rights market.
Haf returned to its regular March slot after the 2020 edition was first delayed until August, and then went wholly online. The 2021 round showcased a total of 48 projects, including 20 works-in-progress.
Organizers report that 2021 edition attracted 7% more registered participants than the first virtual edition last year, and an substantial 80% increase in the number of online meetings arranged between producers and industry professionals.
“Learning from last year’s experience, our team has worked hard to come up with a more efficient and user-friendly online platform, and I am encouraged to see the market’s enthusiastic response,...
- 3/17/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) today unveils the lineup for its 19th edition (HAF19), with 29 projects from established Asian directors and producers such as Hur Jin-Ho, Kawase Naomi, Ning Hao, Ogigami Naoko, Wang Bing, Yee Chih-Yen, emerging filmmakers like Cai Chengjie, Oliver Chan, Roya Sadat, Yang Mingming, as well as nine first-feature directors.
Returning to its regular March slot, HAF19 will run concurrently with the 25th Hong Kong Filmart (Filmart) from 15 to 17 March. It will again take place online following Haf’s first-ever virtual edition held in August 2020.
“Despite the challenging circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Haf remains strongly committed to filmmakers,” Haf director Jacob Wong said. “We will have our dedicated online meeting platform this year for accredited Haf and Filmart participants to schedule and conduct meetings directly. It’s hassle-free and user-friendly, requiring no download or additional log-on.”
HAF19 selected the 29 projects, including nine documentaries,...
Returning to its regular March slot, HAF19 will run concurrently with the 25th Hong Kong Filmart (Filmart) from 15 to 17 March. It will again take place online following Haf’s first-ever virtual edition held in August 2020.
“Despite the challenging circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Haf remains strongly committed to filmmakers,” Haf director Jacob Wong said. “We will have our dedicated online meeting platform this year for accredited Haf and Filmart participants to schedule and conduct meetings directly. It’s hassle-free and user-friendly, requiring no download or additional log-on.”
HAF19 selected the 29 projects, including nine documentaries,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Line-up includes nine documentaries and nine first-time feature directors.
The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) has announced the 29 projects selected for this year’s edition, including established Asian directors and producers such as Hur Jin-Ho, Naomi Kawase and Ning Hao, as well as emerging filmmakers and nine first-time feature directors.
Returning to its regular March slot, Haf will take place online from March 15-17, coinciding with Filmart Online, which runs March 15-18. Haf and Filmart also took place virtually in August 2020.
“Despite the challenging circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Haf remains strongly committed to filmmakers,” said Haf director Jacob Wong.
The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) has announced the 29 projects selected for this year’s edition, including established Asian directors and producers such as Hur Jin-Ho, Naomi Kawase and Ning Hao, as well as emerging filmmakers and nine first-time feature directors.
Returning to its regular March slot, Haf will take place online from March 15-17, coinciding with Filmart Online, which runs March 15-18. Haf and Filmart also took place virtually in August 2020.
“Despite the challenging circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Haf remains strongly committed to filmmakers,” said Haf director Jacob Wong.
- 1/18/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society today announces the postponement of the 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF44) and the 18th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF18) in response to the recent novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
In making the announcement, Hkiffs Executive Director Albert Lee confirms that the Society’s two flagship events, both scheduled to start in less than six weeks, will be postponed to the summer of 2020. However, the April/May edition of the year-round Cine Fan repertory programme has been cancelled.
“We hope to be able to share more information regarding a postponed HKIFF44 following discussions with screenings venues, as well as our many stakeholders, partners and sponsors,” said Lee.
Haf director Jacob Wong said plans are on track to hold HAF18 during the 24th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart), which the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has just postponed to 27-29 August.
In making the announcement, Hkiffs Executive Director Albert Lee confirms that the Society’s two flagship events, both scheduled to start in less than six weeks, will be postponed to the summer of 2020. However, the April/May edition of the year-round Cine Fan repertory programme has been cancelled.
“We hope to be able to share more information regarding a postponed HKIFF44 following discussions with screenings venues, as well as our many stakeholders, partners and sponsors,” said Lee.
Haf director Jacob Wong said plans are on track to hold HAF18 during the 24th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart), which the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has just postponed to 27-29 August.
- 2/14/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Haf on track to be held during Filmart, which in response to the coronavirus, has been postponed to August 27-29.
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) has announced that its two major events – the Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff) and Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) – will be postponed to summer in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The festival had been scheduled to take place March 24-April 6, while Haf was set for March 25-27 during Filmart, which announced today that it is being postponed to August 27-29. Meanwhile, the April/May edition of Hkiffs’ year-round Cine...
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) has announced that its two major events – the Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff) and Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) – will be postponed to summer in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The festival had been scheduled to take place March 24-April 6, while Haf was set for March 25-27 during Filmart, which announced today that it is being postponed to August 27-29. Meanwhile, the April/May edition of Hkiffs’ year-round Cine...
- 2/13/2020
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The Hong Kong International Film Festival will be postponed from its scheduled date in March and early April. The decision was a response to the growing fear of the novel coronavirus which has spread from mainland China to reach more than 20 countries and territories so far.
The festival’s organizer, the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society made the announcement on Thursday. It said that the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum, better known as Haf, and held within the perimeter of the FilMart trade show, would also be postponed.
Earlier in the day, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said that FilMart would be postponed from March, until Aug. 27-29.
“The Hkiffs’ two flagship events, both scheduled to start in less than six weeks, will be postponed to the summer of 2020. However, the April/May edition of the year-round Cine Fan repertory program has been cancelled (outright),” said Hkiffs...
The festival’s organizer, the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society made the announcement on Thursday. It said that the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum, better known as Haf, and held within the perimeter of the FilMart trade show, would also be postponed.
Earlier in the day, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said that FilMart would be postponed from March, until Aug. 27-29.
“The Hkiffs’ two flagship events, both scheduled to start in less than six weeks, will be postponed to the summer of 2020. However, the April/May edition of the year-round Cine Fan repertory program has been cancelled (outright),” said Hkiffs...
- 2/13/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Hugo Keiser’s “The Occupant” from the Netherlands, won the Bucheon prize, worth $12,800 (Krw 15 million) at Naff, the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival’s genre film project market.
Naff is part of BiFan’s B.I.G. industry support program. Prizes were awarded on Wednesday night.
Phan Linh’s sci fi comedy “Dogcow” won the Bound Entertainment award, which equally comes with a cash prize of $12,800. Boaz Armoni’s “Fingernail,” an Israeli horror project, took the Naff Award with a cash prize of $8,550. The Naff Korean Award was presented to Yu Eun-jeong’s “Lady the Ghost” and by Nakanish Mai’s “Hana” with cash prizes of $4,270 (Krw 5 million) given to each. Also worth $4,270, the Dhl award went to David Chang’s action fantasy “The Medium: The Flaming Exorcist Sinner” from Taiwan. Taiwan was the focus territory of the Naff’s Project Spotlight 2019.
Prizewinners were selected by a jury of veteran...
Naff is part of BiFan’s B.I.G. industry support program. Prizes were awarded on Wednesday night.
Phan Linh’s sci fi comedy “Dogcow” won the Bound Entertainment award, which equally comes with a cash prize of $12,800. Boaz Armoni’s “Fingernail,” an Israeli horror project, took the Naff Award with a cash prize of $8,550. The Naff Korean Award was presented to Yu Eun-jeong’s “Lady the Ghost” and by Nakanish Mai’s “Hana” with cash prizes of $4,270 (Krw 5 million) given to each. Also worth $4,270, the Dhl award went to David Chang’s action fantasy “The Medium: The Flaming Exorcist Sinner” from Taiwan. Taiwan was the focus territory of the Naff’s Project Spotlight 2019.
Prizewinners were selected by a jury of veteran...
- 7/4/2019
- by Sonia Kil
- Variety Film + TV
Japan’s Odoriko was presented with Haf’s first Wip Documentary Award.
Wong Hoi’s Wong Tai Sin Assassination was presented with the Haf Award for a Hong Kong project at this year’s Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), while Our Apprenticeship from Japan’s Ryusuke Hamaguchi took the Haf Award for a non-Hong Kong project.
Each project received a cash prize of $19,200 in recognition of their originality and creativity.
This year, Haf added a Wip Documentary Award, for a documentary presented as a Work-in-Progress project, which went to Japan’s Odoriko. The award came with a cash prize...
Wong Hoi’s Wong Tai Sin Assassination was presented with the Haf Award for a Hong Kong project at this year’s Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), while Our Apprenticeship from Japan’s Ryusuke Hamaguchi took the Haf Award for a non-Hong Kong project.
Each project received a cash prize of $19,200 in recognition of their originality and creativity.
This year, Haf added a Wip Documentary Award, for a documentary presented as a Work-in-Progress project, which went to Japan’s Odoriko. The award came with a cash prize...
- 3/20/2019
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Raising The Beast from Laos also picked up an award at Southeast Asian Fiction Film Lab.
Ajooma, to be directed by He Shuming and produced by Singapore’s Tan Si En, won the Seafic Award at the conclusion of the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (Seafic) in Bangkok.
The project, which picked up a cash prize worth $15,000, follows a middle-aged, Korean-drama obsessed widow from Singapore who travels to Seoul and promptly gets lost.
Jury members for the award include Killer Films CEO Christine Vachon, Jacob Wong, director of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) and Meinolf Zurhorst, head of fiction at Zdf/arte.
Ajooma, to be directed by He Shuming and produced by Singapore’s Tan Si En, won the Seafic Award at the conclusion of the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (Seafic) in Bangkok.
The project, which picked up a cash prize worth $15,000, follows a middle-aged, Korean-drama obsessed widow from Singapore who travels to Seoul and promptly gets lost.
Jury members for the award include Killer Films CEO Christine Vachon, Jacob Wong, director of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) and Meinolf Zurhorst, head of fiction at Zdf/arte.
- 11/7/2018
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
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