International Distribution on Chinese-language Film

A crucial link connecting films and the world, a film distributor’s work is similar to that of a tailor. The distributors have to identify what makes a film different and tailor-make strategies to help it reach the right audience abroad, in spite of cultural, language and geographical barriers. In recent years, international distribution has been a significant force behind the prominent presence of independent Chinese-language films in international film festivals, art-house cinemas and streaming platforms.

In this section, we will look into the works of three international distribution companies, each with a different area of expertise. Ablaze Image from Taiwan specialises in promoting and distributing Taiwanese films in the international market, whereas Aview Images, founded by young Malaysian filmmakers, is one of the few companies devoted to distributing Chinese language shorts abroad. Parallax Films from China, on the other hand, focuses on producing and distributing director-driven Chinese independent films.

The segment will start off with an online masterclass by introducing the ins and outs of international distribution. Representatives from the three companies will come together in an online panel to discuss their collaborations with emerging directors, and explore what the future holds for international distribution in times of pandemic. Through screenings of debut features distributed by the three companies and post-screening talks, the audience could have a deeper understanding of each company’s philosophy and speciality.

With a selection of shorts from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Singapore, we hope to show how short films are important playing fields for young filmmakers to experiment with different techniques, find their voices, and respond to the times we live in.

This section invites a line-up of professionals – Ablaze ImageAview Images and Parallax Films, specialising in new Chinese-language cinema and showcases debut features they launched. It explores works of international distribution, and new opportunities during the pandemic. The programme also presents various Chinese-language short films that show us the potential of short film in reacting to current issues.

Screenings in cinema

Mirror Image

28/3 (Sat) 15:15 | iSQUARE

HSIAO Ya-chuan
Taiwan|2000|DCP|74’

Restored in 2018|Hong Kong Premiere
Q&A with filmmakers, hosted by CHAN Kin Long

Ablaze Image

Founded in 2013 in Taipei, Ablaze Image is a Chinese language feature international sales and distribution company dedicated to bringing quality Chinese language films to worldwide audiences. The company endeavors to promote Chinese language films on multiple platforms to be brought to global audiences, oversea theatrical releases cover Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, and America. Films distributed by the company have been selected and won many awards in major festivals.

Ohong Village

LIM Lungyin
Taiwan, Czech Republic|2019|DCP|98’

Is Life a Movie

CHAN Ching-lin
Taiwan|2017|DCP|17’

26/3 (Fri) 19:10 | iSQUARE

Hong Kong Premiere
Q&A with filmmakers, hosted by WONG Fei Pang

Aview Images

Established by producer Kuek Shee Heng, Aview Images is a film making company, also an international film sales agents, they see discovering “New Language and New Film” as their deputy, always trying to find a new possibility of the images. Latest works including Ohong Village, The Island That All Flow By, Arnie, Dossier of the dossier, Is Life A Movie, A Monk and His Mother etc.

All About ING

HUANG Zi
China|2019|DCP|110’

Mountain Dog

Renai WEI Yongyao
China|2020|DCP|16’

27/3 (Sat) 16:55 | iSQUARE

Q&A with filmmakers, hosted by REN Xia

Parallax Films

Parallax Films is an international film sales and distribution company. Specializing in the worldwide distribution of quality films and publicity at international film festivals, Parallax Films is a subsidiary of Midnight Blur Films, which has agents in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Beijing, and Shanghai, working closely with filmmakers, and providing them with international market exposure and festival opportunities.

Chinese New Visions - Short Film Programme

With a selection of shorts from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Singapore, we hope to show how short films are important playing fields for young filmmakers to experiment with different techniques, find their voices, and respond to the times we live in.

Chinese New Visions - Short Film Programme I

14/3 (Sun) 16:00 | HKAC (FULL)

Night is Young, Red Flag, No Flowers or Seasons, Kampung Tapir

Q&A with filmmakers, hosted by WONG Chun

Chinese New Visions - Short Film Programme II

14/3 (Sun) 20:00 | HKAC (FULL)

That Morning, In This Land We’re Briefly Ghosts, All the Things Belong to the River, Here is Not There

Q&A with filmmakers, hosted by KWOK Zune

Online Programme

Online Masterclass - International Distribution

Free Programme

27/2 (Sat) 17:00 | Zoom

Ablaze Image founder June Wu will go into films that she distributes to illustrate the concept and mechanism of international distribution, and talk about what and how to prepare for international film festivals. Through this masterclass, young filmmakers can have a better understanding of the film industry, its recent trends and development, and gain some insight on how to plan one’s creative path.

Online Panel

Free Programme

27/2 (Sat) 20:00 | Zoom

What role does international distribution play in taking Hong Kong independent films to the next level? Representatives of three distribution companies – Ablaze Image, Aview Images and  Parallax Films will come together to talk about the position of Chinese language films in the international market, ways to help up-and-coming directors and their works gain recognition, and reflect on the circumstances and opportunities under the current pandemic.

Subscribe to the latest news from New Cinema Collective

Copyright © 2021, Ground Up Film Society