Representatives of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) attended the 21^st Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) in Hong Kong last month, leading a delegation representing several film and video production companies from Macao to participate in the event. A cocktail reception titled 'Experience Macao Cinematic Style' was held by MGTO during the FILMART event on 13^th March to showcase local film and video productions in tandem with the distinctive locations often serving as movie backdrops in Macao.

This year, MGTO - together with IC - once again held a Macao Pavilion in FILMART and invited several film and video production companies from Macao to introduce their business at the Pavilion whilst connecting and exploring partnership opportunities with filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world. The project was undertaken to enhance the standard of local productions and encourage local industry professionals to venture into the international film market.

In recent years, film crews from Asia, America and elsewhere have opted to film in Macao, opening in the process the eyes of audiences across the world to the charms of the territory through the camera lens, creating a promotional effect that continues to entice visitors to explore the historical beauty of Macao.

During the cocktail reception, MGTO introduced Macao's film production activities and promoted Macao's feature filming locations. Around 300 industry buyers and members of the press from 26 countries and regions attended the reception, during which local film and video production companies shared insights into their movie and post-production processes in Macao, while industry delegates from the territory exchanged perspectives with buyers and exhibitors at FILMART as well as the Hong Kong film media.

Reception attendees included MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, IC Vice President Chan Peng Fai, Head of the Destination Marketing Department of MGTO Betty Fok, and Acting Head of the Department for Promoting the Cultural and Creative Industries of IC Ho Hong Pan, among others.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) is the largest fair for international films and TV entertainment programmes in Asia and is the second largest in the world in terms of number of exhibitors. Every year, the event attracts thousands of buyers, offering a platform for exhibitors to showcase their diverse film and TV productions. By participating in the event, local filmmakers have the opportunity to connect with international clients and other industry professionals.