UPDATE: The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society has just announced an exciting lineup of 12 work-in-progress titles for the 24th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF24), set to take place from March 17-19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This selection showcases a powerful mix of established stars and promising new filmmakers, making it a must-watch event for industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike.
These projects, which feature budgets reaching up to $2.2 million, include contributions from notable figures such as Nick Cheung Ka-fai, Chung Suet-ying, Reza Rahadian, and Dian Sastrowardoyo. Among the standout projects is “Good Trip,” a comedy-drama directed by Norris Wong Yee-lam and Wong Hoi, featuring Cheung and Chung in a poignant tale about a production assistant fulfilling her dying father’s last wishes.
Seven of the twelve projects highlighted will mark directorial debuts, with first-time filmmakers like Arvin Belarmino and Chahat Mansingka stepping into the spotlight. Belarmino’s “Ria” follows a hotel housekeeper leading her punk community against displacement while caring for her foster mother, showcasing the deep emotional narratives these new voices are bringing to the forefront.
The urgency of these projects cannot be overstated, as they will be pitched at the HKIFF Industry Project Market alongside the 30th edition of FilMart. Each team will present 10-minute first looks to an audience of distributors, producers, investors, festival programmers, and funding representatives, creating immediate opportunities for collaboration and investment.
The lineup also includes “The Sea Speaks His Name” (Laut Bercerita), a political drama featuring Rahadian and Sastrowardoyo, which follows a family grappling with the mysterious disappearance of a student activist. This narrative not only highlights the political climate but also delves into personal grief and resilience.
Moreover, “My Mother,” directed by Eddie Cahyono, features acclaimed actress Christine Hakim in a desperate search for connection with her daughter on death row in Saudi Arabia. This gripping story promises to resonate deeply with audiences, reflecting urgent social issues.
Other notable projects include “A Ghost in the Market,” directed by Chin Chia-Hua, which examines themes of life and death through the story of a murdered housewife returning from the grave. The supernatural angle adds a unique twist that is sure to captivate viewers.
The excitement surrounding these projects is palpable, with the potential for significant impacts on Asian cinema and beyond. The HAF24 has previously unveiled 17 in-development projects, with more announcements set to come next week, focusing on animation and genre projects.
As the film industry gears up for this pivotal event, all eyes will be on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where groundbreaking stories and innovative voices are primed to reshape the cinematic landscape. Stay tuned for updates as these films progress toward completion and release.