FILMART 2026 Kicks Off with Focus on AI and Global Collaborations

Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market) 2026 today (March 17):

Wilfred (Chairman of the Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. A very warm welcome to all of you, joining us from near and far, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026.

FILMART, which opens today and marks its 30th anniversary this year, is Asia's largest film and entertainment content marketplace. It is also one of the world's premier film industry events, proudly presented by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a valued partner of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government in promoting Hong Kong films and fostering international collaborations.

FILMART offers a vital platform for entertainment and film industry professionals from across the globe to showcase their content and explore opportunities for cross media, cross-sector collaboration and partnerships. Since 2023, my bureau - the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau - has hosted Hong Kong Night, a gathering designed to bring together our partners and collaborators, and to share highlights of this year's FILMART before your busy schedule begins.

As in previous years, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under my bureau, together with the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), are organising several events at FILMART 2026. A key highlight is the debut of "AI Academy, AI Hub", a programme that brings together specialists and pioneering users to share their professional knowledge and practical applications of AI engines and tools in the creation and production of high-quality film and animated content. While AI's full potential is yet to be realised, it is undoubtedly the most transformative development in decades - reshaping content, production models and business strategies, and redefining the core competitiveness of the film industry. We are ready to embrace and seize the new opportunities this brings.

Another major highlight is "Producers Connect", launched last year to great success. This initiative brings together local and international film professionals to explore co-production and business opportunities, while also nurturing emerging local producers. The Government has long recognised that talent development is fundamental to the sustainable growth of the film industry. To that end, CCIDA and the FDC have been working tirelessly. We sponsor filmmakers to attend overseas film festivals and subsidise various training programmes to support young directors and scriptwriters.

Enhancing international collaboration with industry partners beyond Hong Kong remains a core policy objective, especially as Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as the centre of East-meets-West cultural exchanges. FILMART is a prime example of this role. In addition, CCIDA leads industry delegations to international film festivals and promotes coproductions with Asian filmmakers.

While you are in Hong Kong, I encourage you to step out and explore our city's vibrant landscape. Over the past year, we have launched two film-related exhibitions in local settings. One is the "Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey" Exhibition in Kowloon Walled City Park, recreating the set of the acclaimed Hong Kong film, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In". The other is "Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey" at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, reimagining a 1980s police station often featured in classic Hong Kong crime films. Both have become major attractions for tourists and film lovers alike. I highly encourage you to join the tour and discover many of our city's fascinating sites.

I would like to thank Dr Wong, the Chairman of the FDC, and all FDC members for their invaluable contributions and steadfast support for the development of Hong Kong's film industry. I wish you all a very pleasant evening and a rewarding and productive FILMART in the days ahead. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images

Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

CHP investigates probable case of botulism

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 17) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin in Seoul, Korea. The CHP reminded the public that they should only receive botulinum toxin injections as prescribed and performed by registered doctors after clinical assessment.

The case involves a 25-year-old female patient. According to the patient, she received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes at a beauty establishment in Seoul on February 27, but could not confirm whether the person who performed the injections had the relevant qualification. She then returned to Hong Kong and presented with progressive dysphagia from March 9. As symptoms persisted, she attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday (March 16)and was admitted for treatment. She is now in stable condition. She was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by a botulinum toxin injection. The CHP has reported the case to the health authority of Korea.Epidemiological investigations are still ongoing.

In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against thelist of registered doctorsof the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with the relevant jurisdictions for practice. Injections offered by suspicious sources may contain contaminants or varied dosages, and their quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. One should refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible.

Due to weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may experience drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.

The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:

Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;

Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;

Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;

Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;

Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and

If symptoms develop after injections, such as muscle weakness or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

The public may visit the DH's webpage on thedifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, theDrug Databaseof the Drug Office and the CHP'sbotulism pagefor more information.

Source: AI-found images