Filmgoers and industry insiders have been wowed by the lineup of Hong Kong films seeking distribution deals at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France which runs to 24 May.
Crime thriller Sons of the Neon Night, directed by Juno Mak and starring actors Louis Koo, Gao Yuanyuan and Tony Leung (pictured), received a world premiere in a coveted Midnight Screening slot.
Other current and upcoming titles for international sale include two prequels in the acclaimed Cold War series - Cold War 1994 and Cold War 1995, the extended version of 2024’s highest-grossing film The Last Dance, and crime drama The Trier of Fact (also starring Louis Koo).
Two sequels to last year’s megahit Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In are also being promoted for distribution. The film’s screening at Cannes last year marked a major breakthrough as it was the first screening of a Hong Kong movie at the festival after a gap of 11 years.
To showcase the city’s depth of film talent, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised the “Hong Kong Cinema @ CANNES 2025” series of events in conjunction with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Film Development Council.
The campaign kicked off with the Hong Kong Night networking event on 17 May held at Majestic Beach and attended by over 800 international producers, directors, artists, distributors, buyers and film commission representatives, eager to explore cross-border collaboration opportunities and deals.
At the festival’s distribution marketplace, the Hong Kong Pavilion brought together major Hong Kong production companies including Celestial Pictures, Edko Films, Emperor Motion Pictures and Media Asia Film Distribution to build business connections with international industry players and maintain sales momentum after the Hong Kong FILMART content marketplace fair held in March which attracted 7,600 buyers.
Participating companies gave high marks to the pavilion, noting that it not only fostered business connections between Hong Kong and international industry professionals, helping to expand their business networks, but also facilitated cultural exchange and explored opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Meanwhile, two industry seminars featuring speakers from production houses and distribution companies with a focus on Asia highlighted the capabilities and impact of the city’s film industry. The seminars examined topics such as overcoming barriers and maximising resources in cross-border production and distribution, and looked at several successful case studies.
Summing up the campaign’s overarching goals, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Patrick Lau said: "This year's programme underscores the strength of our conviction in Hong Kong's vibrant film and creative industries.
“By facilitating quality business engagements and maximising industry participation, our goal is to foster meaningful international collaborations and bolster Hong Kong's status as a premier cultural and commercial exchange hub.”
