| HONG
KONG: The 12th edition of Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (Filmart
2008), which kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention Centre, saw the participation
of over 480 exhibitors from 30 countries. The
filmart is today Asia's major entertainment industry fair, showcasing the latest
in film and TV productions, post production services, locations, digital entertainment
applications, promoting Hong Kong as one of the leading players in Film and TV
production and distribution. 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. | 
