Hong Kong Cinema Heads to Cannes 2025

A Strategic Showcase of Talent, Industry, and International Collaboration

‘Hong Kong Cinema’ will participate in the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, with a focused presence at the Marché du Film from May 13 to 24, 2025. The initiative aims to connect Hong Kong’s dynamic film industry with international markets at one of the world’s most influential platforms for global cinema.

The programme is jointly presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC). Two dedicated Hong Kong pavilions will be located at Village International Riviera 117 and Riviera J13.

At Riviera J13, the Hong Kong Pavilion will bring together a strong line-up of leading film distributors and production companies, including Celestial Pictures Limited, Edko Films Limited, Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia Film Distribution (HK) Limited., One Cool Pictures Limited, and Universe Films Distribution Co., Ltd.

The Cannes programme highlights Hong Kong’s growing role as a premier gateway to the Asian and Mainland China markets, reinforcing its strategic value in cross-border collaboration, cultural exchange, and regional IP trade. As a hub for East-meets-West partnerships and international co-productions, Hong Kong will present a compelling showcase of its creative talent, cinematic depth, and rising global influence.

A highlight of programme is the official Festival de Cannes selection of Sons of the Neon Night, directed by Juno Mak, which will have its world premiere in the Midnight Screenings section. The film features an all-star cast including Takeshi Kaneshiro, Sean Lau, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Louis Koo, and Gao Yuanyuan, delivering a high-intensity narrative of corporate conspiracy and drug wars set against a snow-struck and surreal Hong Kong backdrop.

Two industry seminars “A Better Tomorrow: The Success of Hong Kong & Asian Cinema in the World” will take place at the Palais Stage (Palais-1). It will explore the global rise of Asian cinema, featuring insights from Judy Ahn (Head of International Business, Showbox Corp.), Todd Brown (Head of International Acquisitions, XYZ Films), Eric Lin (General Manager, International Content Development Centre, Alibaba Pictures), and Juno Mak (Director, Producer and Actor, Kudos Film), moderated by Lorna Tee (Secretary General, Asian Film Alliance Network).

On May 17, from 11:00 to 12:30, the Village Forum titled “Asian Film Collaboration: Navigating Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges in a Global Landscape” will be held at the HK Pavilion in Village International Riviera 117. Speakers include Cristiano Bortone (CEO, Orisa Produzioni), Debbie Lam (Producer), Eric Lin (Alibaba Pictures), Ronan Wong (AR Asia Production Limited) and Shin Yamaguchi (KNOCKONWOOD Inc.), who will discuss the evolving dynamics of cross-cultural storytelling and collaboration.

Additional networking events include the Hong Kong Pavilion Opening Ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 16:15 to 16:45 at the HK Pavilion, Village International Riviera 117.

Happy Hour hosted at the HK Pavilion, Riviera J13 on May 15, 17:00 to 18:00, followed by a Dim Sum Reception on May 16 12:30 to 14:00 at the Village International Riviera 117, offering opportunities for informal industry engagement.

On May 17, from 20:30 to 00:30, Hong Kong Night at Majestic Beach will welcome international producers, directors, distributors, buyers, press, and film commission representatives for an evening of industry networking. The director and cast of Sons of the Neon Night, directed by Juno Mak, will be in attendance, including Tony Leung Ka Fai, Louis Koo, and Gao Yuan Yuan. Members of the Hong Kong delegation will also be present.

As part of the Marché du Film’s Producers Network and Spotlight Asia programme, Hong Kong will also participate in the following key events at the Producers Club (Lérins):

• Roadmap to Co-Production with Asia on May 18, 11:00 to 12:30 Producers Club, Lérins
• Spotlight Asia Networking Lunch on May 18, 12:30 to 14:30 (Producers Club, Lérins – by invitation)

Please note registration is required to attend the Producers Network Events.