Latest news with #FilMart
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Train to Busan' Director Yeon Sang Ho set to release the new thriller ‘Colony'; the project hits the Cannes sales launch
From the director of 'Train to Busan' comes another action and thriller film that still follows a similar biological horror concept. The film has officially entered the Cannes market and is all set for release by next year. 'Colony' features a powerful star cast The film 'Colony' is currently in production and set to be released in 2026. The cast features some of the best and most sought-after names in the Korean entertainment industry. The cast features Gianna Jun , Koo Kyo Hwan , Ji Chang Wook , and Shin Hyun Been in the main roles, with many others to follow in supporting roles. The film is currently being produced by some of the biggest studios and media houses and will be distributed through an online movie streaming platform from South Korea. Sales launch along with Hong Kong FilMart The announcement of the Cannes sales launch has come alongside the streaming platform's lineup at the Hong Kong FilMart . FilMart is Hong Kong's very own international film and TV market, where 'Colony's' streaming platform has presented a powerful lineup of projects. Some of the most renowned additions to the market have been 'Taboo: The Silent Day', which follows a set of friends in Bali who make the mistake of breaking an urn during Bali's sacred Day of Silence, turning their holiday into a nightmare. More additions include 'Big Deal', 'Once We Were Us', 'The Verdict', and 'White Blast'. About the new project 'Colony' 'Colony' is another action-packed thriller that follows the plotline of a genetically mutating virus. It features a biotechnology conference that ends up turning deadly as a mutating virus is released in the building. In order to contain the situation and quarantine the virus, government officials seal the building off from the rest of the world. The major twist comes from the survivors that are still trapped inside with the infected and how they deal with the situation.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aaron Kwok Drama ‘IOU' Unveiled by Distribution Workshop at Hong Kong FilMart
Distribution Workshop has revealed its latest feature film 'IOU' for international sales at Hong Kong FilMart, starring award-winning actor Aaron Kwok in the lead role. Directed by Steven Zhang Zhonghua, an emerging filmmaker from China's post-80s generation, 'IOU' tells the story of a desperate man (Kwok) who blockades the rural lodging of siblings in China's Shaanxi province, attempting to force their father to repay a loan. The siblings' simple-mindedness and compassion eventually transform Kwok's character, leading to an unexpected decision when he returns to their shabby lodging on Lunar New Year's Eve after fleeing other creditors. The comedy-drama, set against the backdrop of recent illegal fundraising scams, satirizes what the producers describe as 'the selfishness of an interest-driven society.' More from Variety 'Game of Thrones' Star Iain Glen Joins TBA Studios' Philippines Historical Biopic 'Quezon' (EXCLUSIVE) Venice Winner Aditya Vikram Sengupta Produces Hong Kong's HAF-Selected Indian Satirical Comedy-Drama 'Republic of Mahalaxmi Apartment' 'Squid Game' Star's Cannes Closer 'Next Sohee' Nabbed for North American Release in Deal Unveiled at Hong Kong FilMart (EXCLUSIVE) The film represents a reunion between Kwok and accomplished Hong Kong producer Julia Chu, following their previous collaborations on 'Port of Call' (2015) and 'Where the Wind Blows' (2022). 'IOU' has already gained industry attention as a Top-30 finalist in the 33rd Golden Rooster Film Project Market and at the 20th HKIFF Industry event. Production began in early March with a budget of approximately $3 million. Director Zhang has built a reputation for his work with child actors, with previous credits including 'Hearty Tomato' (2012), which was selected for the 28th Warsaw International Film Festival; 'The Home in the Tree' (2019), nominated for Best Children's Film at the 32nd Golden Rooster Awards; and 'Home by the River' (2025), which competed at the Poland Kinolub Film Festival. Other titles in Distribution Workshop's current lineup include Juno Mak's 'Sons of the Neon Night,' Dante Lam's 'Operation Hadal,' Vincent Chow's 'Little Red Sweet,' and 'Penguin Girl' from Taiwanese first-time director Yuyu Yang. The company is also representing 'Dear Black Sheep,' a documentary following Taiwanese TV personality Bowie Tsang's experiences with cancer patients. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Studio 100 Rides Animation Wave as Hong Kong Market Takes Aim at Booming Toons
The gobsmacking success of Chinese animated feature 'Ne Zha 2,' which recently topped $2 billion in China to become the first ever to break that record in a single market, has got toon-makers in Asia, well, animated… More from Variety Hong Kong's FilMart Gets Animated as More Toons Join Project Market Lineup Aaron Kwok Drama 'IOU' Unveiled by Distribution Workshop at Hong Kong FilMart 'Game of Thrones' Star Iain Glen Joins TBA Studios' Philippines Historical Biopic 'Quezon' (EXCLUSIVE) 'Ne Zha 2' is now well on track to become one of the six best-performing movies of all time. These are heady days for toons in Asia. The HKIFF Industry Project Market has seen a staggering 60% jump in animation submissions versus last year — of the 48 projects in the project market, six are toon features. 'Animation may be an area that Hong Kong is trying to play a role to become some kind of a hub that people can come and exchange ideas and projects … we think this may be an area for growth,' HKIFF industry director Jacob Wong told Variety. 'We have people coming in from Japan, a traditional powerhouse production country for animation. And then we have people coming in from China, who recently produced this mega-box office animation hit ('Ne Zha 2'). And then we have people coming in from Indonesia, which is a major animation production country in Southeast Asia. They do a lot of animation for children, which is a really big market,' said Wong. The animation slate in the project market comprises both industry veterans and rising toon talents, including Hong Kong director Toe Yuen ('My Life as McDull,' 2003 Annecy best film winner) whose 'A Mighty Adventure' (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia) was shot live in Taiwan, with 90% of computer animation completed in Malaysia. The development slate includes Kunming-born artist Gao Yuan's 'Cloud of the Unknown' (Hong Kong, France), backed by producer Isabelle Glachant. Gao's previous short of the same name premiered at Locarno 2020, winning the Arte Laguna prize. Mumbai-based Triparna Maiti brings 'The Tale of the Holy Beast' (India), which previously pitched at Annecy's Mifa market, the Busan Asian Project Market and Seattle's Tasveer Film Market. Rounding out the animation slate is Xu Zao's 'Light Pillar' (China), produced by actor-director Da Peng. Among the companies hoping to ride the wave of Asian animation is success is Munich-based family entertainment specialist Studio 100 Film. After securing strong international sales across multiple territories for 'Miss Moxy' and 'North', Studio 100 Film is seeking Asian distribs at FilMart for its slate of animated films. As well as 'Miss Moxy' and 'North', Studio 100 Film is bringing 'Rally — From Paris to the Pyramids', helmed by Rasmus A. Sivertsen ('Captain Sabertooth and the Magic Diamond') and written by Rob Sprackling ('Gnomeo & Juliet'). The film is set for delivery at the end of 2025. 'The global animation market remains vibrant, with a strong appetite for independent productions. However, given the saturation of animated content in the market, quality has become the key differentiator. Distributors are seeking well-crafted stories with broad audience appeal, ideally on strong Ips,' said Lucrecia Magnanini, who manages sales and acquisition at Studio 100 Film. 'We are closing strong deals in markets like Taiwan and Vietnam, which reflects the ongoing potential for quality animated content,' she said. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hong Kong Veteran Stanley Kwan Backs Rotterdam Winner Zheng Lu Xinyuan's ‘A Stranger at My Door'
Hong Kong veteran filmmaker Stanley Kwan Kam-pang has thrown his weight behind 'A Stranger at My Door,' the sophomore fiction feature from director Zheng Lu Xinyuan. The film is selected for the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the project market that operates concurrently with Hong Kong FilMart. More from Variety Visit Films Unveils Multiple Deals at Hong Kong FilMart (EXCLUSIVE) Studio 100 Rides Animation Wave as Hong Kong Market Takes Aim at Booming Toons Hong Kong's FilMart Gets Animated as More Toons Join Project Market Lineup The drama, which carries a budget of $1.1 million, explores themes of trauma and healing through the story of Lee, an amateur film director working on a project about her late mother's sexual abuse while navigating the end of a long-term relationship. The film, set to be shot in Putonghua and English, follows Lee as she finds solace in Clément, a French composer, while dealing with the haunting presence of her mother's ghost. The production is looking for funds, co-producers, sales agents and pre-sales at HAF. Zheng's debut feature, 'The Cloud in Her Room,' won the Tiger Award at International Film Festival Rotterdam and two Golden Firebird awards at the Hong Kong International Film Festival in 2020, while her essay film 'Jet Lag' premiered in the Forum section of the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival and received a special mention at Festival des 3 Continents. 'After reading the materials Xinyuan handed me, I felt that it was a good script,' Kwan told Variety. 'After reading a script, I like the project and have feelings for it, that is the most important thing. For this reason, I agreed to back 'A Stranger at My Door,' there is no other reason.' Kwan added, 'I think I have enough confidence in my judgment, and I believe that young directors who can write such scripts should also have enough confidence. A good script is the key to giving audiences a reason to watch their movies.' On the genesis of the project, Zheng said: 'Certain unspoken truth, after a period of time, becomes buried and irrelevant. Yet, to someone, it was significant. When I find myself part of this ignorance, that frustration makes me doubt what some of us have been through.' The director hopes the film will forge unique connections with audiences. 'If in the future, the film will make someone at some corner of the world a bit less lonely, I would be glad,' Zheng added. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hong Kong's FilMart Gets Animated as More Toons Join Project Market Lineup
Asian animation continues to evolve and grow its profile on the global stage in both artistic and commercial terms. That is perhaps most evident at this year's Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum, where a half-dozen promising projects will be pitched to potential buyers, sellers and co-producers. A seventh animated project will also feature in this year's Indonesian spotlight. Held alongside FilMart, HAF received 60% more animated submissions than last year. This year's animation slate features industry veterans and newcomers alike, including acclaimed director Toe Yuen, who won the 2003 Annecy Cristal for best feature with 'My Life as McDull.' The following is an overview of the animated films at HAF. More from Variety Aaron Kwok Drama 'IOU' Unveiled by Distribution Workshop at Hong Kong FilMart 'Game of Thrones' Star Iain Glen Joins TBA Studios' Philippines Historical Biopic 'Quezon' (EXCLUSIVE) Venice Winner Aditya Vikram Sengupta Produces Hong Kong's HAF-Selected Indian Satirical Comedy-Drama 'Republic of Mahalaxmi Apartment' Cloud of the Unknown Director: Gao Yuan (Hong Kong, France) Based on Yuan's short of the same name and produced by Isabelle Glachant and Camille Li, this 2D feature is a surreal exploration of dreams and reality. Produced by Chinese Shadows and Shasha & Co. Production, the film follows Yun, a girl who vanishes into strange worlds when she falls asleep, and Sha, who dreams of being a paralyzed painter in a dystopian world. As their paths cross, they begin to question the nature of their existence. 'The encounter between Yun and Sha motivates them to explore themselves further,' said Yuan. Fly! Directors: Pelixiano Saputranovic, Ellen Xie (Indonesia) 'Fly!' is a tale set against the backdrop of Bali's spiritual landscape. Produced by ArtCodeStory and MOAI Entertainment, the film follows Wayan, a young Balinese boy who embarks on a mystical journey to reunite with his lost father. As he navigates the spirit world, Wayan faces a choice that could alter his destiny forever. 'In a world where so many have experienced loss and longing from separation, 'Fly!' is a reminder that love never truly fades — it simply transforms,' said Saputranovic. The film is currently in development, with an estimated finish date of 2027. Light Pillar Director: Xu Zao (China) Produced by Da Peng and Lu Xiaowei, 'Light Pillar' is a story set in a nearly deserted film studio that mixes live action and animated sequences. Lao Cha, a janitor, finds companionship in a stray cat and befriends a woman named Li in a virtual world, only to discover that Li is actually a 10-year-old boy. Produced by Fengduan Film, the film explores themes of love, happiness and cycles of renewal. 'Love and happiness sometimes need to be pursued, but more often, they need to be discovered,' said Zao, who previously won DOK Leipzig's Golden Dove for a feature with 'No Changes Have Taken in Our Life.' A Mighty Adventure Director: Toe Yuen (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia) Keeping up with a resurgent dialogue-free trend in top animation — think Oscar-winner 'Flow' and nominee 'Robot Dreams' — action-packed comedy 'A Mighty Adventure' follows three insects — a grasshopper, spider and butterfly — as they navigate a vast concrete jungle. Produced by Zero One Film and Flystudio, the film blends live-action footage with CG insects to create a raw yet enchanting visual experience. 'This isn't just a visual experiment — it's a universal, entertaining ride for all ages,' said former Annecy winner Yuen. The film is currently in post-production and should be finished by summer. MIN Director: Li Jiajia (China) 'MIN' delves into the silent struggles of its titular character as she navigates the complexities of marriage and motherhood. Produced by the China Academy of Art, School of Animation and Games, the film explores the delicate balance between personal desires and societal expectations. 'The movie uses animation, a medium most distant from 'reality,' to present a story with a strong sense of realism,' said Li Jiajia, who previously served as art director on the Berlin competition player 'Art College 1994.' Wildheart Director: Marceau Nakayama (France, Belgium, Japan) 'Wildheart,' co-written by Nakayama and John A. Scott, is a Showa-era family drama set in late 1960s Tokyo. Produced by Keytales Studio in France and Forerunner Films in Belgium, the story revolves around Makoto, an 11-year-old girl who cares for her younger brother Kenta. As they search for their mother, Makoto grapples with the guilt of hiding a crucial piece of information from Kenta. 'Wildheart' employs a unique CineMation approach, blending live-action storytelling with the visual freedom of animation. Nakayama described the film as a fusion of Japanese and international cinema sensibilities, resulting in a distinct and original narrative. The Tale of the Holy Beast Director: Triparna Maiti (India) Produced by Bejon K Vinod, 'The Tale of the Holy Beast' is a heart-wrenching story of a young elephant calf who loses his herd to poachers and is subsequently sold to various owners throughout his life. Produced by FAEM, the film explores the bond between humans and animals through the lens of captivity. 'Using animation, we are exploring the wild emotions and complexities of captivity,' said Maiti. The project is currently in development, with an estimated finish date of October 2028. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
