The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is leading a Philippine delegation to the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) from March 17 to 20, positioning local films and producers for wider international reach.

Widely regarded as one of Asia’s leading markets for film, television, and digital entertainment, FILMART has become “a key gateway for advancing Philippine content in the global marketplace,” according to FDCP chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes.

At the Philippine Pavilion (booth 1D-D11), 12 production companies are presenting their work and seeking distribution and co-production deals. These include ABS-CBN Corporation, Epicmedia Productions Inc., Eyepoppers Multi Media Services, FUSEE Media, Gushcloud Philippines Inc., Mandala Productions, MQ Worldwide, Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, Quantum Films Inc., Rein Entertainment, and Viva Communications Inc.

The Philippine presence also extends to the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), where three projects are featured. “Sentinel,” directed by Carl Papa and produced by Geo Lomuntad, joins the in-development section under Animation in Focus. “Zsazsa Zaturnnah,” directed by Avid Liongoren and produced with Franck Priot, and “Ria,” directed by Arvin Belarmino, are part of the work-in-progress lineup.

Three Filipino producers are also participating in the Producers Connect Programme: Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE Media, Danzen Santos Katanyag of Digital Dreams International, and Charmaine Guzman of Rein Entertainment Productions.

The FDCP’s participation reflects a decade-long strategy to strengthen the country’s position in the global content market. Initially supporting individual filmmakers, the agency shifted in 2016 to a coordinated national pavilion that brings together vetted companies and projects under a unified platform.

The change addressed common challenges faced by independent participants, including unfamiliar deal structures and evolving market trends, while improving how Philippine content is presented to international buyers.

Since then, participation has steadily increased. In 2025, the FDCP hosted 18 companies at the pavilion, double the number from the previous year.

“This growth signals both heightened industry readiness and the effectiveness of FDCP’s targeted market support and selection mechanisms through FILMART,” Reyes said.

The market has also opened doors for Filipino projects. The Filipino-language thriller “Moonglow,” directed by Isabel Sandoval, was invited to the 2025 HAF, highlighting the platform’s role in expanding opportunities for local filmmakers.

For participants, FILMART offers more than exposure. “FILMART opened meaningful opportunities to connect with potential partners, particularly from Thailand and Malaysia, strengthening our regional network and paving the way for future co-production and distribution collaborations,” Katanyag said.

Meanwhile, Reyes said the FCDP views FILMART as both a promotional platform and a long-term investment in regional collaboration, especially as cross-border productions continue to grow.

“Hong Kong has proven to be the hub for Asian cinema, cutting across genres, platforms, and innovative developments. The FDCP hopes not only to be part of this forward thrust, but to help define the character and potential of a truly Asian cinema,” he said.

Now in its 30th edition, FILMART brings together hundreds of exhibitors across film, television, animation, digital entertainment and music. In 2025, the event drew more than 7,600 industry professionals from 42 countries and regions, underscoring its role as a central marketplace for Asian and global content.

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