Expansion of Animation at HKIFF Amidst China’s Booming Market
The HKIFF Industry Project Market has expanded to include animation at a pivotal moment following the global success of *Ne Zha 2*. Jacob Wong noted the auspicious timing related to the animation boom in China, which generates significant revenue. The project is backed by over $250,000 in prizes and collaborations with Indonesian film initiatives, emphasizing the need to connect with emerging markets and showcase global talent in animation.
At Hong Kong Filmart 2025, the overwhelming success of Ne Zha 2, which has earned over $2 billion, casts a prominent shadow as it becomes China’s most successful animated movie. Attention is now focused on the burgeoning animation sector in the region as the industry seeks to capitalize on this momentum.
The inclusion of animation in this year’s Hong Kong International Film Festival Industry Project Market coincides perfectly with Ne Zha 2’s popularity. Jacob Wong, head of the HKIFF Industry, remarked on the auspicious timing of this initiative, stating, “Of course, we didn’t plan it that Ne Zha 2 would be such an enormous moneymaker, but it’s good timing. Maybe I should open a business as a fortune-teller for the film industry!”
Through strategic initiatives over the past decade, HKIFF Industry has successfully funded productions such as the rural drama Living the Land, which recently won accolades at the Berlin Film Festival. This year, they are offering more than $250,000 in prizes for 24 categories of film development, demonstrating a robust commitment to fostering new talent in animation.
The inaugural animation section of the Project Market has attracted approximately 50 submissions, with six selected for showcase. This includes works in progress and seminars aimed at enhancing the animation landscape. Wong expressed confidence in the quality of submissions, suggesting that future editions may expand further if successful.
Among potential standout projects is Toe Yeun’s A Mighty Adventure, depicting three insects striving for their respective destinies. Furthermore, HKIFF aims to tap into the thriving Chinese animation market, currently valued at about $22 billion, while also recognizing growth opportunities in other regions like Indonesia, projected to reach approximately $6.6 billion by 2026.
Jacob Wong noted Indonesia’s significant contributions to animation, stating, “There’s a major production line. We’ve also started a small collaboration with Jakarta Film Week, bringing two Indonesian projects over, one of which is an animation.” This indicates a strategic intent to connect with burgeoning markets.
Pelixiano’s animated feature Fly! marks Indonesia’s entry into this genre, following a young boy’s magical journey to reconnect with his father. Wong emphasized the significance of these collaborations to introduce new talent to the global stage, declaring, “This is the start of something, I think,” while noting the prolific nature of Indonesia’s film production.
Overall, HKIFF Industry’s strategic expansions align with the substantial growth potential in animation both within China and across Southeast Asia, promising a vibrant future for the sector.
The Hong Kong International Film Festival’s focus on animation amidst the success of *Ne Zha 2* signifies a strategic pivot to harness the booming animation industry in China and Southeast Asia. With substantial funding allocations and international collaborations, HKIFF Industry aims to foster new talent and projects, indicating a promising trajectory for animated features in the region. The initiatives could pave the way for future growth and innovation in Asian animation.
Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
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