The HKIFF Industry Project Market is expanding its focus on animation, inspired by the success of “Ne Zha 2,” which has grossed over $2 billion. More than $250,000 is available in prizes for developing animated projects, illustrating a growing interest in animation within the film industry. Collaborations with Indonesia aim to further enhance the reach and impact of Asian animation, projecting a promising future in this sector.
The Hong Kong International Film Market, Filmart 2025, is witnessing the significant impact of the animated feature “Ne Zha 2,” which has grossed over $2 billion globally. This monumental success has prompted industry stakeholders to amplify their focus on animation, as evidenced by the expansion of the HKIFF Industry Project Market to include animated content. Jacob Wong, head of HKIFF Industry, remarked on the serendipitous timing of this expansion coinciding with “Ne Zha 2’s” success and expressed optimism about future animation projects.
The HKIFF Industry Project Market has achieved a remarkable track record over the past decade, supporting various notable productions, including winning accolades at the Berlin Film Festival. This year, the market is allocating over $250,000 across 24 prizes, covering various development categories for film projects. With approximately 50 submissions for the inaugural animation section, six projects have been selected for the showcase, highlighting a strong interest in animation within the film community.
Noteworthy works, such as “A Mighty Adventure” from Toe Yeun, have been recognized, showcasing stories aimed at engaging viewers through innovative narratives. In seeking to capitalize on China’s robust animation market, valued at around $22 billion annually, the HKIFF is also looking beyond its borders to regions like Indonesia, where the animation industry is projected to reach $6.6 billion by 2026.
Wong indicates that Indonesia is emerging as a significant player in the animation sector, particularly with content targeting children. Collaborative efforts with the Jakarta Film Week have commenced, paving the way for Indonesian projects to gain international exposure. One such project, “Fly!” from game developer Pelixiano, represents this burgeoning collaboration, further emphasizing the expanding landscape of Asian animation.
In conclusion, the HKIFF Industry Project Market’s focus on animation reflects the growing significance of this sector within the film industry, spurred by notable successes like “Ne Zha 2.” With a commitment to nurturing upcoming talent and international collaboration, the future appears promising for animation, both in Hong Kong and across Asia.
The expansion of the HKIFF Industry Project Market into animation is a pivotal development timed with the immense success of “Ne Zha 2.” This strategic move aims to nurture creativity within the animation domain, backed by substantial prize offerings. As the partnership with Indonesian filmmakers unfolds, potential new pathways for collaboration signal a vibrant future for the animation industry in Asia.
Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
