Hong Kong, February 23, 2025 – Lights, camera, animation! Hong Kong’s film fanatics are in for a treat as the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) dropped a blockbuster announcement today that’s got the city buzzing louder than a Mong Kok night market. Just in time to kick off the week, the HKIFF Industry Project Market revealed six dazzling new animation projects for its 2025 lineup, boosting the total to a record-breaking 48 titles. Move over, Hollywood—this is Hong Kong’s moment to shine as Asia’s animation capital!
Unveiled mere hours ago at a swanky press event overlooking Victoria Harbour, this expansion is a love letter to the city’s growing obsession with animated storytelling. From whimsical tales to cutting-edge visuals, these projects promise to blend Hong Kong’s signature East-meets-West flair with jaw-dropping creativity. “We’re not just screening films; we’re launching dreams,” gushed Jacob Wong, HKIFF Industry’s director, his eyes practically sparkling with cinematic zeal. “Animation is the future, and Hong Kong’s leading the charge!”
Among the freshly minted additions are standouts like Cloud of the Unknown, a Hong Kong-France collab directed by Gao Yuan, whose short film of the same name snagged the Arte Laguna prize at Locarno 2020. Then there’s A Mighty Adventure, helmed by local legend Toe Yuen—yes, the McDull mastermind!—promising a nostalgia-soaked romp that’ll have audiences giggling and gasping in equal measure. And don’t sleep on Wildheart, a coming-of-age gem from Tokyo-born, France-based Marceau Nakayama, blending delicate artistry with universal heart. It’s a lineup so diverse, it’s like a dim sum platter of animated brilliance!
The announcement comes hot on the heels of last week’s news that the HKIFF Industry Project Market, set for March 17-19 alongside Filmart, is already flexing its global muscle with collaborations spanning Asia, Europe, and beyond. With six animation projects now in the mix—three in development, three works-in-progress—this new section is a game-changer. “We’ve seen hits like Art College 1994 and City of Lost Things soar from our platform to Berlinale and Golden Horse glory,” Wong boasted. “Now, we’re doubling down on talent that’ll make waves worldwide.”
Fans are already losing their minds online, with X lighting up like a Lunar New Year firecracker. “Hong Kong animation at HKIFF? My inner child is screaming!” one user posted, while another chimed in, “Toe Yuen’s back? Take my money NOW!” The buzz isn’t just local—international cinephiles are eyeing this as the must-watch event of 2025, with whispers of potential festival circuit domination already swirling.
But it’s not all glitz and glamour; this move cements Hong Kong’s rep as a cinematic powerhouse. Paired with the upcoming Jakarta Film Week Projects showcase at the same market, it’s clear the city’s not just playing host—it’s setting the stage for Asia’s next big thing. Expect a red-carpet rollout of screenings, panels, and networking galore when the full festival hits April 10-21, with today’s announcement just the appetizer.
So, mark those calendars and polish your popcorn buckets, Hong Kong. The HKIFF is serving up an animation feast that’s equal parts dazzling, daring, and downright delightful—and it’s all happening right here in our backyard. Stay tuned for more juicy details when the complete lineup drops in early March. This is one show you won’t want to miss!
