Full Breakdown
Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum Unveils 2026 Lineup
2/11/2026, 6:03:27 PM
Overview of the 2026 HAF Program
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) has announced the complete lineup for the 24th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), featuring 42 projects that will be presented from March 17-19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's program includes 13 newly added projects, comprising seven animated features and six genre works, alongside 29 previously announced titles in development and work-in-progress stages.
Notable Projects and Directors
Among the highlighted projects is Brian Tse's animated feature "The Excreman – On the Road," which follows a piece of excrement that takes on a plumber's identity. Alireza Ghasemi, a Sundance award winner, presents "Rainy Dreams," a hybrid animation-live action film about displaced children in Calais. Other notable projects include "Zsazsa Zaturnnah," directed by Avid Liongoren, which tells the story of a shy gay hairdresser turned superhero, and "What My Bones Know," a suspense thriller by Qin Yuqi set in a dying mining town.
The genre slate features diverse narratives, including "In the Name of Right," directed by Zhou Jinghao, which explores the consequences of a campus newspaper article exposing violence in a military training program. Tayfun Pirselimoglu's "The Power Plant" delves into a crime thriller involving a married meatball vendor and a series of murders in a snow-covered mining town.
Animation and Genre Highlights
The animation section has gained recognition for its festival success, with projects like Xu Zao’s "Light Pillar" and Toe Yuen’s "A Mighty Adventure" previously achieving accolades. The genre projects span psychological thrillers, body horror, and action dramas, showcasing a range of international settings and themes. For instance, "Searchers: Blood in the Grass," directed by Park Kiyong, follows a Korean apple farmer's desperate attempt to rescue his pregnant wife from a political dynasty involved in fentanyl trafficking.
Official Statements & Responses
The HKIFFS expressed enthusiasm for the diverse range of projects, emphasizing the importance of supporting emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling. The forum aims to connect these projects with industry professionals, including distributors and festival programmers, to foster collaboration and funding opportunities.
Criticism & Opposition
While the forum celebrates creativity, some critics argue that the focus on genre films may overshadow more traditional storytelling methods. Concerns have been raised about the potential for formulaic narratives in genre projects, which could limit the diversity of voices in the film industry.
What's Next
All work-in-progress projects will pitch on March 17 at the Starlight Theatre, providing a platform for filmmakers to present their projects to industry attendees. This event is expected to attract significant interest from distributors, producers, and investors, potentially shaping the future of these films.
