Global Flicks: Hong Kong’s FilMart features Upcoming Titles, 'Mami Wata' makes its way to Japan
C.J. Obasi
Africa: The Nollywood black-and-white thriller Mami Wata is making its way to Japan. Directed by C.J. Obasi, the film will hit Japanese cinemas later this year under the title Mami Wata: The Divine Feminine. The announcement came from Japanese distributor Medallion Entertainment, which plans a nationwide release. Known for bringing African cinema to Japan, Medallion previously handled The Milkmaid (2020) and Lionheart (2018). Set in a fictional West African village, Mami Wata follows two sisters caught in a power struggle after their mother, a priestess to the water deity Mami Wata, loses the community’s trust. Blending folklore with striking visuals, the film has drawn comparisons to classic cinema while celebrating African storytelling. Since its 2023 premiere, Mami Wata has toured global festivals, including BFI London and Sydney, before its U.S. release via Dekanalog.
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Asia: Night Edge Pictures in Bangkok is accelerating work on the Thai horror-sci-fi film There’s Something Wrong With the TV, starring Sukollawat Kanaros (Once Upon a Star, Thirteen Lives). The movie will be showcased at Hong Kong’s FilMart, offering buyers an early preview. Set for a 2026 Q1 release, the project is in pre-production under directors Lertsiri Boonmee, Vutichai Wongnophadol (SLR), and Sathanapong Limwongthong (Chef’s Table). The story follows teen Kla and his friend as they uncover an old TV hidden beneath a staircase. When turned on, it shows four children trapped inside by dark forces. Kla enlists his father, Krit (Kanaros), to save them, unaware of the TV’s true evil.
Hong Kong’s FilMart will also feature Filipino actor Anthony Jennings’ first solo international lead role in Mother Maybe, a horror-comedy-drama directed by Sonny Calvento (Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss). Filming kicks off late this year. The story centers on Marco (Jennings), who reunites with his missing mother on a high-pressure Asian game show—only to learn a horrifying truth: at night, she turns into something inhuman.
International production and sales company EST N8 picked up Family Secrets, a Korean family drama from director Lee Sang-hoon (Windmill), during Hong Kong’s FilMart. The film follows an ordinary family where each member hides a surprising double life—like Mina, the eldest daughter, who ditches piano lessons for martial arts training. Their secrets trace back to unfulfilled promises made to Seung-hyun, a relative lost in the Sewol ferry tragedy. The cast includes Revolver (2024) star Kim Hye-eun and Lingering (2020) actor Kim Bo-Yoon.
Drive My Car producer Yamamoto Teruhisa is backing newcomer Sakamoto Yukari's first feature, White Flowers and Fruits, which was selected for Hong Kong's HAF project market during FilMart. The film is still securing funding and festival slots and examines the ripple effects of a student's suicide at a Christian boarding school. When lonely, outcast Anna finds her dead roommate's diary, she encounters a spectral flame containing the girl's spirit. After ingesting it, Anna develops remarkable dancing skills while uncovering dark truths about her friend's death.
The Indian thriller Martin has landed global distribution deals, as announced by sales agent Indywood Distribution Network at Hong Kong FilMart. The movie, about an Indian tax officer who suffers memory loss after a dangerous mission in Pakistan, will be released in Latin America (Energia), Russia (Capella Film), the U.S. (C2 Entertainments), and the U.K. (Trinity Creative Partnership). Directed by A.P. Arjun and produced by Uday K. Mehta, the film features Dhruva Sarja as the lead, alongside Vaibhavi Shandilya, Anveshi Jain, and Sukrutha Wagle in key roles.
Latin America: The Dominican Republic, this year's Country Guest of Honor at the Malaga Film Festival, has brought several notable films, including Lantica Studios' family dramedy Perez Rodriguez. Originally Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, it rebranded in May 2024 after Pinewood sold its stake to local company Lantica Media. Directed by Humberto Tavárez in his feature debut, Perez Rodriguez is a bittersweet satire about a Dominican family grappling with generational tensions. After a sudden tragedy, the arrival of the father’s secret son cracks their polished image, revealing buried truths. Structured around three family gatherings, the film blends humor and heart to explore class, identity, and binding ties.
