Hong Kong stocks close higher Friday

Hong Kong's stock market ended higher on Friday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index up 0.24 percent to close at 25,978.07 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index rose 0.49 percent to end at 8,775.62 points, the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 0.75 percent to end at 4,902.20 points.

The ongoing Beijing International Film Festival is trying to involve all people, being them celebrities, distributors, emerging filmmakers or fans, with its rich and diverse events.

Running from April 16 to 25, the 16th edition of the festival offers more than star-studded red carpets, award competitions and film screenings - what most people picture at a film festival. For emerging filmmakers, it's a launchpad to debut their works, connect with industry peers, and even walk away with funding.

The film festival's many panels offer film students good opportunity to learn from industry experts on subjects from directing to cutting-edge technology.

Many people also attend as business professionals, representing their companies, negotiating distribution deals.

"We are here screening one of our films that we are representing as a sales agent. And I'm here to share that movie with potential buyers and to meet distributors here in China," said Robert Carney, senior vice president of international sales at the American entertainment company FilmNation.

"It's very important to connect with domestic industry here. So I think this is a very important initiative - to have direct contact with Chinese companies, always helps a lot to find distribution in a very tough market," said Luis Renart, CEO of Spanish distributor Bendita Film Sales.

"For new connections, new networks, I think it is a great way to bring people together, and understand much diversity exist in the world, in regards to animation, films, storytelling and everything, where people can really connect with it and just step away from those geopolitical issues that are happening at the moment," said Lorena Booth, development producer and senior sales manager of German distributor Studio 100 International.

Tech firms are also on site, exploring collaborations and forming partnerships.

"Our company focuses on integrating AI technology into films. We also offer AI classes for aspiring filmmakers - and we provide job opportunities for some of our learners. The Beijing International Film Festival gives us a great chance not only to sell our classes, but also to find talent for our company," said Zhao Liang, IP department manager for AIGC company Jinhuigu.

For film lovers, the film festival has stepped up its game, introducing various cultural experiences beyond just screenings.

"I used to come to the Beijing International Film Festival mainly for the movies. But this time, there's so much more - markets, booths, open-air screenings - all of which make the whole experience feel special," said Xiong Jiarui, a student.

The festival's efforts fit into China's larger vision "Film Plus" - film IPs becoming products and immersive experiences. By introducing film-related tourism, this model turns movie-watching into a broader boost for local consumption.