FILMART, Asia’s World Entertainment Market, is returning for its 12th edition from 17 to 20 March 2008, as an ideal prequel to Cannes.

Attended by more than 4,000 trade visitors (surged by more than 10%) and over 450 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions in 2007, we are expecting continuous growth in terms of exhibitors and visitors in 2008.

Some of the exhibitors include China Film Promotion International, Unifrance, UK Film Council and Korean Film Council.

An exciting cross-media convergence of various thematic pavilions, namely “TV World”, “Animation & Digital Entertainment World”, “Locations World” and “Equipment & Post-production Services Pavilion”.

Series of seminars, networking events and screenings for industry players to promote themselves, network with other business professionals and negotiate deals.

It aims at honoring film workers for their outstanding performances in various roles in Hong Kong film industry. Every year, recognition is given to award recipients with objective of acknowledging their achievements, and encouraging further progress and excellence. All voting for the Hong Kong Film Awards is conducted by secret ballot.

Secrecy is maintained by the official auditor, the results of each award will only be announced by award presenters on stage during the live television program. After a quarter of century of recognising excellence in film making achievement, the Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony has become the most famous activity in entertainment field and the leading film awards in Asia.

The 27th Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on 13 April 2008 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

HAF is a project market that aims to bring the most exciting Asian filmmakers with upcoming film projects to Hong Kong for co-production ventures.

In 2007, HAF hosted 852 film professionals and successfully set up over 500 private meetings for 25 HAF projects. This year, HAF will continue to be a venue for film financiers, producers, bankers, distributors, buyers and film funding bodies to discover and invest in the hottest Asian talents and obtain a first look at 25 outstanding film projects. Acclaimed filmmakers who have participated in HAF include: Miike Takashi, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Jiang Wen, Jia Jiang-ke, Tsai Ming-liang, Gordon Chan Ka-seung, Ann Hui On-wah, Peter Chan Ho-sun, Stanley Kwan Kam-pang, Mabel Cheung, Fruit Chan, Nonzee Nimibutr, Hur Jin-ho, and Pen-ek Ratanaruang.

In support of the HKSAR Government’s initiative in promoting digital entertainment industry in Hong Kong, the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) will be held at Hong Kong Cyberport for the fifth consecutive year. Serving as a renowned international event linking up Hong Kong digital creativity with the global digital content industry, DELF provides industry professionals a great opportunity to exchange ideas, share experience, forge collaboration and work together - taking digital entertainment to a next level. DELF 2008 with a theme around the ultimate animation this year, Cyberport will invite the best and world class animators to the Forum to present to the Hong Kong industry professionals.

The recording industry in Hong Kong is a key player in the creation of Canto Pop markets. The industry association which represents over 95% of all record producers in Hong Kong had a long history of presenting music awards since 1977. The industry is proud to announce that the next IFPI Hong Kong Top Sales Award, a programme of the Hong Kong Entertainment Expo is to be held in 19th March 2008 at Hall 2A, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, at the same venue as the Hong Kong Music Fair 2008.

Aside from local TV broadcasting, the live performance will be relayed to Chinese and Asians around the world through the radio and internet network carried by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). The thematic production will be dedicated to fostering new artiste development by bringing them on stage.

This presentation is based entirely on audited sales, meriting successful achievements of local, regional and international artistes and producers, the only one of its kinds in Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit www.ifva.com or email ifva@hkac.org.hk