HKIFF Industry Targets Expansion Amid China’s Animation Boom

The Hong Kong Filmart 2025 is buoyed by the monumental success of “Ne Zha 2,” prompting a new focus on animation within the HKIFF Industry Project Market. Jacob Wong highlighted the project market’s expansion, which includes significant funding and a showcase of promising animated projects. Increased collaboration with Indonesia is suggested as part of the growing trend in animation across Asia.

The 2025 Hong Kong Filmart is significantly impacted by the success of “Ne Zha 2,” which has garnered over $2 billion in the global box office, establishing itself as the highest-grossing animated film of all time. This phenomenon has sparked heightened interest in animation within the industry, prompting the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry Project Market to expand its focus to include animation.

Jacob Wong, the head of HKIFF Industry, commented on the timely success of “Ne Zha 2,” acknowledging the unexpected financial triumph of the sequel and the fortuitous timing of the project market’s animation expansion. He humorously suggested his potential as a fortune-teller for the film sector, given the auspicious circumstances.

The HKIFF Industry initiatives have successfully supported various projects over the past decade, including the acclaimed film “Living the Land,” which won the Berlin Silver Bear for Best Director in 2023. This year, HKIFF has allocated over $250,000 in cash and in-kind prizes for 24 awards across 20 categories of film development. Wong noted the positive reception of the inaugural animation section, highlighting that six out of approximately 50 submissions were selected for showcase.

Among the anticipated projects is “A Mighty Adventure,” created by Toe Yeun, the animator known for “My Life as McDull.” This new animated film, produced across Taiwan and Malaysia, follows three determined insects—a grasshopper, a spider, and a butterfly—on their quest for autonomy. Additionally, HKIFF is keen on capitalizing on the $22 billion animation market in China and recognizes growth opportunities within other Asian regions, notably Indonesia.

Wong expressed excitement about Indonesia’s burgeoning animation sector, projected to reach a valuation of $6.6 billion by 2026. He mentioned a collaboration with Jakarta Film Week, which aims to showcase local animation projects, including Pelixiano’s “Fly!”—a story about a boy who uses a magical kite to reconnect with his deceased father. Wong is optimistic about fostering connections between Indonesian filmmakers and international participants at Filmart, indicating a significant shift in the animation landscape.

Overall, the Hong Kong Filmart seeks to harness the upward trajectory of animation, both locally and across Asia, making strides towards connecting with a broader audience through innovative storytelling and collaboration.

The expansion of the HKIFF Industry Project Market into animation coincides perfectly with the unprecedented success of “Ne Zha 2,” reflecting a significant trend in the animation sector. With substantial funding and robust engagement from industry professionals, the market aims to explore promising prospects in both Chinese and other Asian animation industries. Jacob Wong’s optimism regarding collaborations, especially with Indonesia’s growing animation market, indicates a strategic approach to harnessing global opportunities, enhancing connections between filmmakers.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com