The Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026, running from March 15 to April 19, will feature eight signature events spanning film, television, music, and digital entertainment. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Expo aims to strengthen cross-regional exchange and showcase Hong Kong as a premier entertainment hub. This year's Expo includes milestone editions: the 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) and the 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).
FILMART, held from March 17-20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will bring together over 790 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. The event features more than 30 regional pavilions, including markets from France, Italy, Korea, the UK, the US, and ASEAN members. New exhibitors from emerging markets will also participate. The second edition of Producers Connect, in collaboration with 10 international film institutions, will gather over 100 global and Hong Kong producers. Highlights include a keynote forum with director Peter Chan and Golden Globe-winning producer Janet Yang. The AI Hub will expand, featuring companies like Alibaba Cloud, Kling AI, MiniMax, and Vidu, alongside local academic institutions. The newly launched AI Academy, funded by CCIDA and the Film Development Fund, will host over 15 workshops on AI tools for film production.
The 50th HKIFF, taking place April 1-12, adopts the theme "50 and Beyond: Framing the Future." Local illustrator Siu Hak created the annual design, while actors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu serve as ambassadors. Acclaimed actress Gingle Wang and Thailand's Metawin Opas-iamkajorn have been appointed Asian Visionary Ambassadors. A special exhibition at Hong Kong City Hall will showcase HKIFF's half-century contribution. The festival will collaborate with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra for the Asian premiere of "In the Mood for Love in Concert."
The 44th Hong Kong Film Awards will be held April 19 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with Michelle Wai and Edan Lui announcing nominations. "Sons of the Neon Night" leads with 12 nominations, followed by "Back to the Past" with 11. The 19th Asian Film Awards features masterclasses with Zhang Ziyi, Jia Zhangke, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, and others. The Digital Entertainment Summit on March 19 focuses on animation IP, with speakers from Warner Bros. Discovery and France's CNC. EntertainmentPulse, concurrent with FILMART, covers AI, streaming, financing, and micro-short dramas, featuring experts from East West Bank, Warner Bros. Discovery, and CMC Pictures. The Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum showcases 42 projects from 22 countries, while the Microfilm Production Support Scheme awards ceremony on March 20 highlights local talent.
Leon Lai serves as Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador. More information is available at the Entertainment Expo website.
