Reel winners

Fund facts

The Thai push comes at a time when the Hong Kong government has just closed off the first round of applications for its new Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, launched in February with the stated aim of providing funding for Hong Kong and Asian coproductions.

Each approved project will receive a grant of up to HK$9 million ($1.15 million), as part of the four strategic directions being followed by the city's Film Development Fund, listed as nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audiences."In-depth exchanges between Asian and Hong Kong filmmakers" are being encouraged with the hope that they can "produce high-quality films, and enhance the diversity of Hong Kong cinema".

"Since the launch of the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, we've received a unanimous positive response from the industry," says Wilfred Wong, chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council. "Many established and famous filmmakers and film companies have indicated their interest. I'm confident that collaboration between Asian and Hong Kong filmmakers can widen their vision and inspire their creativity, increasing the diversity of Hong Kong films."