Filmart 2008 kicks off in Hong Kong; draws 480 exhibitors

The seminars to be held in the fair include Asian co-productions, as well as film merchandising in this new era of electronic gadgets and digital distribution.

With the theme “Get into the Scene”, this year‘s Filmart has several features. They include:

Locations World – Tax breaks and government support in Asia and the Chinese Mainland, and spotlighting shooting locales.

TV World – Targeted at showcasing new opportunities available in the global TV business.

Animation and Digital Entertainment World – Showcasing convergence of film, music, TV and new media.

Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion – Spotlighting one-stop sources for post-production partners and showcasing the latest trends in film equipment.

There is also the Asia Film Awards (AFA), which takes place today. The awards ceremony will celebrate the best of Asian cinema, organised by the Hong Kong International Film Festivals (HKIFF) Society, and sponsored by HKTDC and the Film Development Fund.

The winners will be announced at the Awards presentation Gala later this evening. Nominees in the best actor category include Hong Kong‘s entertainment ambassador Tony Leung for his role in Ang Lee‘s film Lust, Caution.

There will also be The Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony (HKFA). These are awarded for excellence in Hong Kong filmmaking and will be held on 13 April at the HK Cultural Centre.

Meanwhile, the 32nd edition of HKIFF kicked off today and will continue till 6 April. It includes the screening of almost 300 motion pictures from 50 countries.

The other major events for the Expo this year include:

*The Hong Kong Music Fair (HKMF) organized by IFPI (Hong Kong Group) Ltd and HKTDC, showcasing new talent and record companies and labels, music publishers, mobile phone makers and service providers, Internet music service providers digital music entertainment and production companies besides other sectors of the music industry.

*The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) organised by the Hong Kong International Film Festival society and co-organised by HKTDC. HAF provides a common platform for film funding bodies, producers, distributors, buyers and investors looking at investing in new Asian film projects and film makers.

*Hong Kong Independent Short Film And Video Awards (IFVA), organized by Hong Kong Arts Centre. Its aim is to promote short films, video animation and interactive media this year, and includes an awards ceremony on 23 March at the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

*IFPI Hong Kong Top sales Music award – Hong Kong Group Ltd‘s IFPI to be held on 19 March. This annual telecast ceremony is not only broadcast on local TV, but also worldwide, as well as on radio and over the internet.

*Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) – Highlighting the themes immersive media and creative digital content, this forum by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Co is targeted at the digital entertainment professional and is to be held on 8 April.