A general view of the Fujian Pavilion at the 27th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) on March 13, 2023, at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Hong Kong. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Fujian’s movie makers are hoping to scale new heights via the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), Asia's premier film industry event, with development opportunities coming back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. 

The Fujian Pavilion, the second largest pavilion in this year’s FILMART, was launched on Monday morning, when the first in-person film trade fair in three years in Hong Kong opened after the city fully lifted its COVID restrictions.

Hong Lei, Deputy Chairman of Fujian Media Group, told China Daily that communicating with other media firms is his priority, and he hopes to seek more cooperation through the event. 

Media practitioners (from Fujian and Hong Kong) haven’t met in three years because of the pandemic … We hope the information exchange within the industry can go more smoothly through face-to-face communication this year.

Peter Wong, Regional Director for South China of Hong Kong Trade Development Council

The ties between Fujian and Hong Kong are very close since there is a huge population of people from Fujian in the city, Hong said.

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“There must be more cooperation projects in the future. We are still discussing it,” he added.

Peter Wong, Regional Director for South China of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said Fujian offers an important platform for film development, adding that parties from both sides will negotiate more collaboration. 

“Media practitioners (from Fujian and Hong Kong) haven’t met in three years because of the pandemic,” said Wong, “We hope the information exchange within the industry can go more smoothly through face-to-face communication this year.”

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As one of Asia's largest entertainment markets, FILMART brought together more than 700 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries or regions, offering a platform for film and TV productions to seek potential buyers and investors.

Xu Shouyao (third left), Director of Fujian Provincial Film Bureau, and other guests launch the Fujian Pavilion at the 27th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) on March 13, 2023, at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Hong Kong. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Taking part in the trade fair for the first time, Lu Fang, Director of Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau of Fujian’s Taining county, said her county has great natural resources for film shooting. 

“We hope our advantages can be seen by the industry … And we are very much looking forward to investment from Hong Kong,” she said.

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Wong also said he was hopeful that films made in Hong Kong gain success not just in the SAR but also in the Chinese mainland market. 

“I hope Hong Kong movies can maintain their local characteristics, and at the same time resonate with audiences outside the city, especially those from the Greater Bay Area.”