HÀ NỘI — Vietnam is participating in the 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), a key event in the global entertainment industry, with the country’s film industry seeking to strengthen its international presence. Represented by the Vietnam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema, along with major studios such as BHD and Mockingbird Pictures, the country is actively engaging in the event, which runs from March 17 to 20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Expanding Vietnam’s Cinematic Footprint

FILMART is widely regarded as Asia’s premier platform for the exchange of film, television, and digital content, attracting over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and territories. This year’s event will feature thousands of products across various genres, including animation, documentaries, and streaming content. Discussions on artificial intelligence, co-productions, and investment in the entertainment sector will also be held, offering valuable insights for industry participants.

Tina Phan, Indochina Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s Hanoi office, emphasized that FILMART is a vital networking hub for producers, distributors, and entertainment professionals. She noted that Vietnamese films have attracted strong interest from international buyers in recent years, with the Vietnam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema playing a central role in promoting the country’s cinema to global audiences.

Phan highlighted the growing influence of Vietnamese cinema, saying that over the past two decades, the association has worked closely with local studios to showcase the country’s film heritage. She added that FILMART provides a unique opportunity for Vietnamese filmmakers to connect with international buyers and investors, which is critical for the industry’s continued growth.

Spotlight on Vietnamese Films

At this year’s FILMART, BHD is presenting its large-scale historical action film Hộ Linh Tráng Sĩ – Bí Ẩn Mộ Vua Đinh (Warrior Guardians of the Royal Tomb – The Mystery of King Đinh’s Grave), a project that combines historical storytelling with cinematic spectacle. Meanwhile, Mockingbird Pictures is showcasing the horror film Phí Phông: Quỷ Máu Rừng Thiêng (Phi Phong: The Blood Demon), which has generated anticipation among regional audiences.

Ngô Thị Bích Hạnh, Senior Vice President of BHD, stated that Vietnam’s film industry is expanding rapidly, supported by growing government policies that encourage creative industries. She noted that events like FILMART are essential for promoting not only Vietnamese cinema but also the country’s culture and tourism to a global audience.

Hạnh emphasized that FILMART offers a platform for Vietnamese studios to gain visibility and establish partnerships with international distributors. “This is an opportunity to showcase our talent and the richness of our storytelling,” she said. “We are confident that our films will find a receptive audience abroad.”

Global Participation and Industry Trends

The 2026 edition of FILMART will see the participation of exhibitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, France, Italy, the UK, the United States, South Korea, India, and ASEAN countries. This diversity of participants reflects the event’s role as a key driver of global cooperation in the film and television industries.

According to the HKTDC, FILMART has become a crucial marketplace for content creators and distributors, with a growing emphasis on technology-driven production methods and digital distribution. Discussions on artificial intelligence in content creation, the impact of streaming platforms, and the potential for cross-border co-productions will be among the key topics of conversation at this year’s event.

Experts suggest that the growing interest in Vietnamese cinema is a result of both the quality of local productions and the increasing visibility of the country’s film industry on the international stage. With FILMART serving as a launchpad for new talent and projects, Vietnam is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the global entertainment market.

The Vietnam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema has been instrumental in organizing the country’s participation, ensuring that Vietnamese films are represented across multiple sections of the event. This includes participation in industry forums, film screenings, and one-on-one meetings with international buyers.

With the 30th edition of FILMART set to take place in March 2026, the event is expected to continue its role as a cornerstone of the Asian entertainment industry, providing a valuable platform for Vietnam and other countries to showcase their creative potential.