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Türkiye makes its debut at the third edition of the ASEAN Film Festival through the film "Champiyon." The festival, running from Aug. 7 to 31, brings together 24 films from 14 countries.
This year, the festival is spotlighting outstanding works from four Belt and Road countries—Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan and Türkiye—under the theme of “A Belt and Road Celebration."
The Belt and Road Initiative is China’s global development and trade strategy, designed to link Asia, Europe and Africa through infrastructure, investment and cultural exchange projects.
This initiative, launched in 2013, aims to foster economic and cultural connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure projects and people-to-people exchanges.
Showcasing films from Belt and Road countries is intended to deepen cross-cultural dialogue and promote meaningful people-to-people exchanges.
Their participation enriches the festival, sparking new exchanges and creative connections across borders.
"This further highlights Hong Kong's unique charm as a cultural hub and reinforces the city's vital role as a 'super connector' and "super value-adder' between Mainland China and the international community," said Chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation Daryl Ng.
Founded in 1976, the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is Asia’s oldest international film festival and a pioneer in introducing Hong Kong, Chinese-language, and Asian cinema and filmmakers to the world.
The participation of the Turkish film "Champiyon" in the ASEAN Film Festival 2025 underscores a significant cultural collaboration between Türkiye and Hong Kong, aligning with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
The movie, directed by Ahmet Katiksiz and starring Ekin Koc and Farah Zeynep, explores the nation’s rich equestrian traditions in an autobiographical tale interweaving love, sacrifice, betrayal and redemption.
The film will be screened at Tai Kwun on Aug. 23.
In a statement to the festival, Turkish consulate representative Kerim Sercan Evcin said the inclusion of Turkish films would deepen cultural exchange in Hong Kong, presenting the country’s cinematic heritage and societal narratives to a diverse international audience.
“Through showcasing Türkiye’s cultural heritage in Champion, we seek to bolster Türkiye’s cultural influence in Hong Kong, foster regional connectivity, and support the Belt and Road Initiative’s focus on people-to-people connections, alongside economic cooperation,” a consulate spokesman said.
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