Hong Kong is making a bold statement on the Croisette in 2025. Through the initiative Hong Kong Cinema @ CANNES 2025, the city is not only showcasing its latest slate of films, but also affirming its ambition to become a central player in international IP trading and cultural exchange between Asia and the West.
Running from May 13 to 24, the initiative is driven by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It combines industry promotion, film screenings, and strategic networking under a single banner designed to elevate Hong Kong’s global profile.
Spotlight on Sons of the Neon Night
One of the high points was Hong Kong Night, held on May 17 at the Majestic Beach, which brought together more than 800 industry professionals — from producers and filmmakers to distributors and regional film commissions. Guests also celebrated the world premiere of Sons of the Neon Night, directed by Juno Mak, screening in the Midnight Screenings section. Cast members Louis Koo and Gao Yuanyuan joined the director at the event, offering a rare opportunity for direct exchange between Asian talent and international buyers.
A Showcase of Genre Cinema and Market Muscle
The Hong Kong Pavilion in the Riviera section of the Marché du Film featured heavyweight sales companies such as Edko Films (Cold War 1994, Cold War 1995), Emperor Motion Pictures (The Last Dance – Extended Version), Media Asia Film (Twilight of the Warriors), One Cool Pictures (The Trier of Fact), and Universe Films Distribution (Dog Day Evening). These titles represent the cutting edge of Hong Kong genre cinema — from neo-noir thrillers to action epics — and were pitched to buyers as powerful export-ready IP.
Bridging East and West through FILMART and Cannes
The HKTDC emphasized that Hong Kong Cinema @ CANNES 2025 is an extension of its flagship FILMART event, one of Asia’s top content markets. The goal is to position Hong Kong as both a creative hub and a business facilitator, particularly for international co-productions and IP trading.
A dedicated conference program deepened this engagement, with panels addressing topics such as East-West studio collaboration, export strategies for Asian content, and the increasing influence of AI in scriptwriting and development processes.
In the globalized landscape of 21st-century cinema, Hong Kong isn’t just exporting stories — it’s designing the frameworks for how those stories are financed, licensed, and brought to screens around the world.