HAF (Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum) is a core initiative of HKIFF Industry, which offers independent filmmakers comprehensive services and opportunities to showcase their work to the world. With over 20 years of experience, HAF has established itself as a leading film co-production market in Asia. It serves as a platform connecting filmmakers with investors, producers, sales agents, and others, facilitating investment and co-production ventures. Over the years, HAF has provided support and recognition to numerous acclaimed films.

Starting from the second half of 2023, HAF alumini have consistently achieved success on the international festival circuit. If Only I Could Hibernate by Zoljargal Purevdash was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. A Journey in Spring by Wang Ping-Wen and Peng Tzu-Hui won the Silver Shell for Best Director at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Guras by Saurav Rai picked up the jury prize in the Proxima Competition at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Stonewalling by Huang Ji and Otsuka Ryuji received four nominations at the 60th Golden Horse Awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Fly Me to the Moon by Sasha Chuk, a work-in-progress from the 2023 edition, has been nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best New Performer at the Awards.

Eight HAF projects were showcased at the 28th Busan International Film Festival. Among them, Borrowed Time by Cai Jie, The Spark by Rajesh S. Jala, and Solids by the Seashore by Patiparn Boontarig competed in the New Currents section, with Patiparn receiving the New Currents Award.

Additionally, Who Were We? by Tomina Tetsuya, and La Luna by M. Raihan Halim, had their world premieres at the Tokyo International Film Festival. They participated in the main competition and the Asian Future section respectively.

Looking ahead, HAF22 is scheduled to take place from 11 to 13 March 2024. Among the Class of 2024, there are many hidden gems awaiting your discovery.