HKIFF Industry Looks to Expand on China’s Animation Boom

The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry is making waves at Filmart 2025 by embracing China’s booming animation market. With the success of ‘Ne Zha 2,’ a Chinese animated sequel that grossed over $2 billion globally, the HKIFF Industry has expanded its program to include animation.

This initiative features six new animated productions, including ‘A Mighty Adventure,’ a Taiwan-Malaysia collaboration. The festival, running from March 15 to March 20, 2025, aims to capitalize on the growing demand for animated content in Asia.

China’s Animation Boom: A $22 Billion Industry

China’s animation market has grown exponentially, generating approximately $22 billion annually. The success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ has set a new benchmark, inspiring filmmakers and investors to explore this lucrative genre. Jacob Wong, head of HKIFF Industry, remarked, “The timing of ‘Ne Zha 2’ couldn’t be better for our animation expansion.”

HKIFF Industry’s Animation Showcase: A First for Filmart

For the first time, the HKIFF Industry Project Market has introduced an animation section, receiving 50 submissions. Six projects were selected, including three works in progress. This initiative aims to nurture talent and bring innovative stories to life, reports Hollywood Reporter.

‘A Mighty Adventure’: A Cross-Border Collaboration

Among the showcased projects is ‘A Mighty Adventure,’ directed by Toe Yeun, known for ‘My Life as McDull.’ This Taiwan-Malaysia production follows three insects on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting the potential of cross-border collaborations in animation.

Expanding Beyond China: Indonesia’s Growing Animation Market

While China leads the animation boom, other Asian countries like Indonesia are also making strides. The Indonesian animation industry is projected to reach $6.6 billion by 2026, with projects like ‘Fly!’ gaining international attention.

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The Future of Animation in Asia

The HKIFF Industry’s focus on animation is a strategic move to tap into Asia’s growing market. With seminars, showcases, and collaborations, the festival is setting the stage for a new era in Asian cinema.

The HKIFF Industry’s expansion into animation at Filmart 2025 marks a significant milestone for Asian cinema. By leveraging the success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ and fostering new talent, the festival is poised to become a hub for innovative animated content. As Jacob Wong aptly put it, “This is just the beginning of a bright future for animation in Asia.”