Opportunities for Midlands Filmmakers in Asia via Hong Kong

The Midlands has a growing and increasingly diverse film and creative sector, yet for many independent filmmakers and production companies, accessing international markets, partners and distribution networks can still feel distant.

As part of the Odyssey 2026 Industry Programme, we are launching the inaugural Hong Kong–UK Film Connect: Midlands Edition — bringing some of those international conversations directly to Leicester.

The event will introduce filmmakers from across the Midlands to Hong Kong as a gateway to the wider Asian screen industries, while offering practical insights into international markets, co-production, financing, sales and distribution.

More importantly, we want this to be a space where conversations can begin: between local filmmakers and international industry professionals, between projects and potential partners, and between the Midlands and Asia.

Programme

17:00 | Welcome Remarks

Dr Hiu Man Chan
Artistic Director, Odyssey Film Festival
Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries, De Montfort University

An introduction to the event and why creating more direct connections between filmmakers in the Midlands, Hong Kong and the wider Asian market matters.

17:05 | Keynote: Hong Kong – Gateway to the Asian Screen Market

June Chan
Marketing Manager, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, London Office

An introduction to Hong Kong’s film industry and international networks, with practical insights into opportunities available to UK filmmakers through FILMART, co-production, financing, distribution and connections with the wider Asian market.

17:30 | Panel Discussion: From the Midlands/UK to the International Market

Moderated by Dr Hiu Man Chan

How can a filmmaker or producer working from the Midlands begin thinking internationally? Our panel brings together perspectives from local filmmaking, international production and global film sales.

Keith Allott leads PLATFORM, a programme supporting filmmakers and digital artists working with moving image in Leicester. Led by Phoenix in partnership with Liminal Screens and Badshoes Film, PLATFORM brings the local creative community together through regular events and conversations with speakers from film, television and the digital arts.

Jackson Pat is a film director and producer with more than thirty years of experience across Hong Kong, Mainland China and the UK. Beginning his career in television commercials before working with Hong Kong’s TVB, he later moved into feature filmmaking and established his own production company. His producing credits include Ip Man 4: The Finale and Vanguard, while his directing credits include Who Moved My Dream and Goodbye Mr. Vampire. Through Octopus Media Ltd., he continues to develop film and television projects with an emphasis on international collaboration and stories capable of travelling across cultures.

Martin Glew is Acquisition, Sales and Marketing Manager at Screenbound International, bringing a particular perspective on how independent films move from production into international markets. Screenbound provides international sales and distribution services for producers and attends major film and television markets throughout the year. As part of the wider Screenbound Entertainment Group, its activities span international sales, UK distribution, production and post-production.

18:30–19:00 | Project Pitching, Feedback + Networking

Bring a project. Bring a question.

Our speakers and invited guests will stay with us for an informal final session, giving filmmakers an opportunity to briefly pitch projects, receive initial feedback and continue conversations over a small reception.

This is deliberately not a formal pitching forum. It is a chance to test an idea, ask questions, meet people working across different parts of the industry and perhaps discover where your project could travel next.

Sometimes an international collaboration begins with something very simple: putting the right people in the same room.

Organisers:

HKTDC, London
De Montfort University
Odyssey, a film festival

Organised & Supported by:

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🎬 Odyssey, a film festival | 2026 theme #Fashion
📅 28 September – 10 October 2026
🇬🇧 Online & in cinemas across the UK
🔗 odysseychinesecinema.uk | @odysseyccs