The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM)’s international co-production networking platform, Producer Hub, has named Canada its 2025 Focus Country to foster global film production and financing collaboration.

As the 2025 Focus Country, Canada will co-host the Producer Hub Opening with ACFM through Telefilm Canada. A delegation of over ten Canadian producers will participate in various programs, including co-production seminars and speed meetings, to foster meaningful exchange with the Asian content market. This initiative is also expected to be a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation and increase opportunities for coproduction and collaboration, while celebrating the 2024–2025 Year of Cultural Exchanges between Korea and Canada.

Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, remarked, “With the growing global enthusiasm for Korean content, we are honoured that Canada is this year’s Focus Country for Producer Hub at ACFM! Partnerships between countries in the audiovisual industry have proven to be a powerful catalyst for creative innovation, cultural exchange and expanded audience reach. We value the meaningful connections platforms like the Producer Hub create for Canadian and international producers to enhance coproduction opportunities and to meet the rising demand for cross-border partnerships.”

Ellen Y. D. Kim, Director of the Asian Contents & Film Market, stated, “Canada’s selection as the 2025 Focus Country for Producer Hub is largely thanks to the strong will and initiative of our partner, Telefilm Canada. We are pleased to establish this meaningful partnership in line with the 2024–2025 Year of Cultural Exchanges, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Canada. This reflects the growing trust in ACFM as a global platform and high expectations for Korean production talent. We will do our best to meet these expectations.”

Launched in 2024 in response to growing demand for international co-productions, Producer Hub aims to foster substantial cross-border exchange and partnerships among countries. In its inaugural year, Korea, host country of ACFM, was selected as the first Focus Country, with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) serving as a co-hosting institution. Through a variety of programs, Producer Hub garnered significant attention by supporting the global expansion of Korean film IPs and showcasing Korea’s outstanding production talent. A total of 123 participants from 19 countries attended, and the platform facilitated the signing of partnership agreements with eight organizations from 7 countries. Additionally, nine sessions, networking luncheons, and happy hours laid the groundwork for lasting international collaboration. Notably, the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK) signed co-production MOUs with the Indonesian Film Producers Association (APROFI) and the Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association (HKMPEA), leading to a project-matching event at the JAFF Market in December 2024, thereby further expanding the scope of international co-production.

Chairperson Han Sang-Jun of the Korean Film Council commented, “It was meaningful to work with Producer Hub in 2024 as it marked the beginning of a differentiated global strategy well-suited to the changing film industry. We look forward to this year’s edition of Producer Hub, co-hosted with new institutional partners, providing valuable opportunities for Korean cinema to expand and engage with the global film industry.”

Building on its existing partnerships with 8 organizations across 7 countries, the 2025 ACFM is seeking further collaboration with an even broader range of nations and institutions. With a variety of programs including seminars, case studies, luncheons, and happy hours, ACFM aims to solidify its role as a global hub for international co-production.

■ The 30th Busan International Film Festival: Sep 17 (Wed) – Sep 26 (Fri)

■ The 20th Asian Contents & Film Market: Sep 20 (Sat) – Sep 23 (Tue)