FOCUS ASIA 2021 took place in a hybrid version in June 30-July 2, 2021, bringing together both physically and virtually over 200 film professionals from Asia and Europe confirming the two main sections and launching a brand-new initiative to bridge even more Europe and Asia:
ALL GENRES PROJECT MARKET
One of the most important events dedicated to artistic and productive connections between Asia and Europe.The objective of the platform is to encourage and facilitate co-production between the two continents.
All Genres Project Market 2021 selected projects are:
Adabana, directed by Sayaka Kai - Robot Communications Inc, Japan
Ash Valley, directed by Shu Zhu - East Films, United States / China
Back Home, directed by Nate Ki - mm2, Hong Kong
Getting Nowhere, directed by Yang Mingming - China > Focus Asia Award at HAF 2021
Little Bastard, directed by Difei Zhou - China / Seven Dreams Production, Italy / Starry Dome Productions Inc, United States / France
Low-End, directed by Meng-Chieh Lai - Swallow Wings Films Co. Ltd & MaplessLab Co Ltd, Taiwan
Mayang, directed by Nadiah Hamzah - Wayang Works, Malaysia
MISHIMA, The Roses of Vendetta, directed by Gigi Roccati - Harakiri Films, Japan / Italy
Pierce, directed by Nelicia Low - Potocol, Singapore / Taiwan
Three Funerals and a Wedding, directed by Kenneth Bi - Kenbiroli Films Ltd, Hong Kong
FAR EAST IN PROGRESS
For the second consecutive year FAR EAST IN PROGRESS presented upcoming Asian feature films in post-production looking for festival premiere and international distribution; selected teams had the chance to screen max 10′ of their films to a large panel of international sales agents, festival programmers and buyers from both Europe and Asia.
The platform represents a natural follow up for films previously presented in Asia project markets or developed at workshops such as Ties That Bind.
Far East in Progress 2021 selected works in progress are:
Ademoka's education, directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov - Kazakhfilm JSC & Short
Brothers, Kazakhstan / Arizona Productions, France
Bird Eyes, directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar - Arkeofilms, Philippines
Day Tripper, directed by Chen Yanqi - Factory Gate Films, China
The Old Town Girls, directed by Yu SHEN - Laurel Films, China
Reborn, directed by Danny Pang - Jazzy Pictures (M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia / China
Zombie Crush in Heyri, directed by Hyun Sang Chang - Gate6 production, South Korea
>Thanks to the renewed partnership with 108 MEDIA, all selected films at Far East In Progress will be in the running for the 108 MEDIA Distribution Award.
Besides the project market and the work in progress section, Focus Asia 2021 launched the first edition of the SECOND-HAND FILM MARKET, a brand-new section designed to showcase a fine selection of restored hits from the recent past ready to be released in the near future.
Among 2021's innovations, the ASIAN GATES section is certainly worthy of mention: a programme of masterclasses, conferences and case studies aimed at European film professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of the opportunities offered by the Asian market.
The programme also featured a series of lectures, case studies, one to one meetings and networking activities.
Focus Asia is organized by Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche with the collaboration of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Audiovisual Fund and with the support of MiC. It is developed in collaboration with the workshop Ties That Bind and is promoted in association with Eave, European Film Promotion, HAF - Hong Kong, and Taipei Golden Horse Film Project Promotion.
Far East in Progress has been supported by 108 media.