Event Coverage
Filmart 2008 kicks off in Hong Kong; draws 480 exhibitors
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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.
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
