HONG KONG – The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) returns next week for its 30th edition, expanding in scale with more than 790 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions across dozens of regional pavilions.

Running from March 17 to 20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the leading marketplace for screen content transactions will feature 10 international film promotion agencies, each curating delegations of renowned producers.

Through programs including panel discussions, fireside chats, and business matching sessions, the event is set to create networking opportunities for more than 100 local and international producers, driving new cross-regional co-production initiatives.

Several AI-themed workshops will be held during the expo, with expert instructors demonstrating practical AI applications across film-making workflows.

Annual report season

The coming week will see a wave of heavyweight companies unveiling their full-year results.

In insurance, FWD Group and AIA are scheduled to release their earnings on March 16 and March 19, respectively. In the tech sector, Chinese giant Tencent will release its annual report on March 18, with its counterpart Alibaba releasing its new quarterly performance report the following day.

Precious metals will also take center stage, with Zijin Mining Group Co – China’s biggest miner – and its international arm Zijin Gold, as well as Zhaojin Mining Industry Co Ltd set to announce their latest figures on March 20.

Foodies’ haven!

A 10-day food carnival, beginning on March 20, will feature 100 booths, including 28 from Chinese mainland cities and 32 from overseas countries. Venues are set at both Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and the pedestrian zone along Rua de Cantão and Rua de Xangai in the Macao Peninsula.

The carnival will blend tourism promotion, culture and heritage showcases and a variety of cuisine. Highlights include the International Gastronomy Promenade, the City of Gastronomy Showcase, and the International Gastronomy Forum, Macao.

New elements during the event, such as the World Wines Lounge event and the Global Goodies Market, will treat visitors with premium gastronomic offerings around the world.

Sea of flowers

The 2026 Huachao Festival is taking place at Guangzhou's Haizhu National Wetland Park until March 22, and some activities will be extended to the end of March. The event has continued its classic model of combining flower appreciation, Hanfu attire and showcases of intangible cultural heritage.

Activities such as flower meadow strolls, an intangible cultural heritage market, and traditional cultural interactions will be offered during the period.

One of the highlights is the Twelve Flower Goddess Selection, which will select 12 beauties through online preliminary rounds and on-site semi-finals. A grand final will be held on Sunday, after which the finalists will join others in a gorgeous Hanfu parade to create a lively atmosphere.