this Hong Kong International Film Festival Association (hkiffs) and Asia The Asian Short Film Fund (ASFF) has been officially launched, providing aspiring directors and producers for financial support and industry guidance in the region. The fund's soft launch took place in Hong Kong cinemas in March.
The initiative, due to start submissions from May 7 to June 15, will select three projects to receive a funding package of up to $35,000. Winners will also benefit from the mentorship of established Asian filmmakers and are supported throughout the script development and production phase. The full shorts will premiere at the 2026 Milestone 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Ten shortlisted projects will attend online sales conferences in early August and then attend a one-on-one mentor meeting. The three finalists will be announced later this month.
“ASFF emphasizes our commitment to fostering a bold original voice in Asian film,” said Albert Lee, executive director of Hkiffs. “By connecting creative talent with industry expertise, we aim to expand stories that reflect the vitality and diversity of the region.”
Singapore's Animation country Festivals and DreamWorks Channel joins together to focus on emerging animation talents in Southeast Asia with the newly formed short film category of the 2025 ANSEA Awards. The competition invites aspiring and professional filmmakers from ASEAN countries to submit two minutes of original animated shorts, exploring the theme of “family”, and a 100-word introduction.
Winners will receive guidance opportunities through Dreamworks animators and strategic exhibition platforms, and grand prize winners will ensure broadcast exposure across multiple networks of Dreamworks Channel. t
His panel brought together heavyweight industry talents, including Oscar winner Brandon Oldenburg, GKIDS acquisition director Rodney Uhler, animation curator HJ Jinny Choo and Dreamworks Channel creative director Annette Cryan.
Submissions will be accepted by August 15, with finalists announced from September to October. The competition ultimately depends on the final screening and the winner’s announcement, which is scheduled from October to November.