top of page
The Communiqué News

HKTDC’s Ruzbeh Mistry Reveals Big Opportunities Ahead of Filmart 2026


Swati Bhat

ree

A/V Courtesy: Pritish Bagdi CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW

In an exclusive, wide-ranging conversation with Swati Bhat, Editor-in-Chief of The Communique News, Mr. Ruzbeh Mistry, Executive Head – South Asia at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), shed light on Hong Kong’s rapidly growing collaboration with India’s dynamic film and content ecosystem.

From bold new opportunities in co-production and content distribution to the rise of animation, AI, and regional cinema, the interview offered a definitive preview of what the industry can expect from Filmart 2026, Asia’s leading film and entertainment marketplace.

Strengthening India–Hong Kong Film Cooperation

Mr. Mistry emphasized HKTDC’s strategic focus on India — one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets — and highlighted why Hong Kong is emerging as a preferred business gateway for Indian producers, studios, and OTT platforms.

This year, HKTDC’s active presence at NFDC’s Film Bazaar is part of a larger push to expand bilateral collaboration.

Well-established Indian industry leaders such as Zee TV and Ultra are already regular participants at Filmart, leveraging Hong Kong’s global networking advantage.


Why HKTDC Filmart Matters for Indian Filmmakers & Media Companies?

Filmart is uniquely positioned to offer India direct access to global markets through:

*Co-production alliances with Asian and European partners

*Distribution deals for films, OTT content, and regional-language titles

*Networking with international sales agents & festival programmers

*Exhibitor opportunities for Indian streaming platforms and studios

*Panels, masterclasses, and pitching forums curated for content creators

For Indian exhibitors, the Hong Kong marketplace has consistently generated business outcomes ranging from licensing deals to high-value international collaborations.




Swati Bhat

Busan, South Korea –September 20,2025

India Showcases Global Ambition with WAVES Bazaar Pavilion at Busan Film Festival 2025

India strengthened its global creative footprint at the Busan Film Festival 2025 with the inauguration of the WAVES Bazaar Pavilion, a dedicated space designed to connect Indian creators with international markets. Dignitaries at the event emphasized India’s growing influence in the global content economy and the pavilion’s role as a bridge between Indian storytelling and global audiences.

The WAVES Bazaar Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing Indian films, digital content, and original stories to international buyers and distributors. It will also host B2B meetings between Indian and foreign producers, distributors, and content platforms, fostering new collaborations in global entertainment.

A major highlight of the pavilion is its focus on emerging creative industries such as animation, VFX, gaming, and immersive storytelling, aligning with India’s ambition to lead in new-age media innovation.

“WAVES Bazaar embodies India’s creative vision and its commitment to global collaboration,” noted one of the dignitaries at the Busan Film Festival.

The launch marks a significant milestone in India’s active participation in international film markets, further strengthening its position as a global hub for creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.





Swati Bhat

ree

In a groundbreaking move to elevate women’s voices in cinema, Women in Film (WIF) India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s WAVES Film Bazaar and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), will select six women-led Indian film projects to be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025.

The initiative, titled #WIFIndiaAtTIFF, reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering women through creativity and entrepreneurship. Led by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, WIF India is calling for entries from filmmakers across India — each project must feature at least one woman in a key creative role.

“This is not just a delegation, it’s a declaration — Indian women in film are owning the global stage,” said Guneet Monga Kapoor, Founder of WIF India.

Selected filmmakers will gain access to TIFF 2025, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to network with international producers, distributors, and festival curators.

Entries are open until August 20, 2025, via the official WIF India website. The chosen six projects will represent India’s diverse storytelling spirit at TIFF 2025, running from September 4–14, 2025, marking a historic moment for women in Indian cinema.






bottom of page