Filmart 97, Hong Kong's first international film market, which ran 11-13 June, managed to override early worries about bad timing and slack buyer attendance to immediately establish itself as a useful event for buyers and sellers of Asian movies.

"It was much better than we expected," emoted a Filmart organiser, a feeling echoed by a number of local sellers. Said one Hong Kong producer: "We didn't expect a lot, but it has actually turned out to be quite good - there are more international buyers than we thought.

"It's a lot better than Mip-Asia," the producer added, referring to the region's annual TV bash.

Filmart 97 attracted 75 exhibitors, along with buyers from 33 countries. Many agreed it succeeded in its aim to showcase both internationally established producers and smaller companies that rarely make it to foreign markets.

Hong Kong Major Golden Harvest's booth saw much interest, as did one-time top producer Shaw Bros., which was hawking its extensive back-catalogue of Chinese-language classics. Some smaller companies, such as Goldharbour Films, also managed to create a buzz.

China watchers were intrigued to see how the struggling studios from mainland China are gradually adapting to the international marketplace.

Studios like Xian provided extensive catalogues in English and were confident and helpful - a marked improvement on their scrappy flyers and nervous approach at the Shanghai Film Festival's 1995 market.

Next year's Filmart will be held 24-26 June.
Richard James Havis