Asian Contents & Film Market 2024

Business Booms in Busan Despite Budget Cuts

The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) is poised to report its biggest numbers in five years, even in the face of major budget cuts. The market, which is the industry platform for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), is eyeing a date change for next year.

According to reports, the organisation is considering September 17-26 as the new dates, which would take place before the Korean Thanksgiving holiday season. This would also coincide with the 30th anniversary of the festival and the 20th anniversary of the market.

Landmark Year for BIFF and ACFM

The new dates would put the market shortly after the Venice Film Festival, which takes place from August 27 to September 6, and narrowly avoid the Toronto International Film Festival, scheduled for September 4-14. Both festivals are significant events for the Asian film industry.

ACFM’s Progress

Organisers are hoping to continue the momentum of this year’s market, which has seen a slightly higher number of executives, booths, and speakers. The market has also collaborated directly with Netflix for the first time on a Creative Asia Forum, and the streamer’s presence has been felt widely across the festival.

ACFM director Ellen YD Kim expressed optimism about the market’s progress, saying, “Two days in, all the signs are very encouraging. There has been more activity and traffic, and the conferences are full.”

Producer Hub and Sales

Kim also mentioned that there had been many requests to host next year’s Producer Hub, which was launched with South Korea as its inaugural country of focus. However, there were mixed messages on the sales front, with some sellers reporting a lack of appetite for independent Hong Kong arthouse films.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, the Asian Contents & Film Market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by innovation and collaboration. As the industry continues to evolve, ACFM remains a crucial platform for filmmakers and producers to connect and showcase their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What are the new dates for the Asian Contents & Film Market?
+ The new dates are September 17-26, 2025.
* Why are the dates being changed?
+ The dates are being changed to take place before the Korean Thanksgiving holiday season.
* What are the key highlights of the market?
+ The market will feature a conference dedicated to AI, a forum exploring the growth of local OTT platforms, and a Creative Asia Forum with Netflix.
* What are the challenges facing the market?
+ The market is facing challenges such as a lack of appetite for independent Hong Kong arthouse films and an absence of new titles.