26 March 2014 - Four Philippine representatives namely, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Film ASEAN, ABS-CBN International Distribution and GMA Worldwide, Inc., are currently participating in the 18th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from March 24 to 27.
As part of its promotions, FDCP, the government agency mandated to promote and support the
Philippine film industry, is featuring the Philippines as an ideal location for filming.
According to GMA Worldwide, Inc.’s Assistant Vice President Ms. Jocelyn D. Co, Philippine television series or teleseryes are in-demand in the ASEAN region. GMA’s teleseryes are now shown in Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Viet Nam, as well as Canada and Hawaii, USA.
Ms. Pia Bacungan-Laurel of ABS-CBN International Distribution on the other hand noted that ABS-CBN’s teleseryes have all been sold-out to the ASEAN market and the company is now building its supply of teleseryes to offer to ASEAN countries.
FILMART is the largest film market in Asia with a record-high of over 770 exhibitors from 32 countries participating this year and it runs from March 24 to 27.
The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), Asia’s premier project market where Asian filmmakers with upcoming film projects are linked with film financiers, distributors and buyers, is also featuring films by award-winning Filipino directors Brillante Mendoza (The Embroiderer and Gay Messiah) and Jun Robles Lana (Our Father). The forum is from March 24 to 26 at HKCEC.
FILMART and HAF are part of a series of events under the auspices of the 10th Entertainment Expo Hong Kong which includes the 38th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) from April 7 to 24 and the Hong Kong Film Awards on April 13.
The 38th HKIFF will have a “Philippines Day” on March 30 with screenings of the movies Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel and On The Job for the benefit of the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims. The festival will also feature six other Filipino films including Lino Brocka’s Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag (Manila In The Claws Of The Night). END