More than 50 Australian producers and screen industry representatives are heading to China for the 5th Australia-China Film Industry Forum (ACFIF) and the Beijing International Film Festival and Beijing Film Market.
That’s the largest ever delegation from Australia, including VFX and post-production businesses and federal and state government officials.
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason and Ausfilm CEO Debra Richards are leading the mission to pursue co-production opportunities with China.
Co-hosted by Ausfilm and Screen Australia, the forum is part of the Beijing Film Market’s Industry Conversations program.
Two panels of Australian, Chinese and international producers and screen industry decision makers will discuss opportunities for co-production, locations, studios, facilities and visual effects, and focus on Australia’s federal and state incentives for international production.
The participants will include Ellen Eliasoph, president/CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures Asia, director/producer Pauline Chan, Alex Sangston, Screen Australia’s senior manager, producer offset and co-productions, Spectrum Films GM Adam Scott and Jennie Zeiher, head of sales at Rising Sun Pictures.
Mason said, “The Australian screen production industry is strengthening its well-earned reputation around the world. We have worked particularly hard to build the profile of our exceptional industry in China which we see gaining momentum. We will continue to work hard to progress Australian-Chinese screen relations and business partnerships. This is part of a global strategy to invigorate co-production and collaboration opportunities in partnership with Ausfilm.
“Australians on the ground will meet with industry leaders from China and around the world, taking the next step to solidify business, promote talent and create stories that resonate internationally.”
Richards noted Ausfilm members from production, visual effects, sound and post-production businesses have been collaborating with key players from China for some years.
She pointed to Animal Logic, which is working on Chen Kaige’s martial arts feature The Monk Comes Down The Mountain, which Columbia Pictures will release later this year.
Chinese director Jia Zhangke and producer Shozo Ichiyama shot their film Mountains May Depart primarily in southern WA, depicting Australia in 2025, in January.
Beijing International Film Festival April 16–23
Beijing Film Market – Australian Pavilion April 17-20
Australia-China Forum Networking Event April 19
Australia-China Film Industry Forum April 20