The Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum dedicates new award to the memory Wouter Barendrecht, who passed away last year.

The Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) is introducing a new award dedicated to the memory of Wouter Barendrecht, HAF and Fortissimo Films co-founder, who passed away last year.

The Wouter Barendrecht Award will commemorate his contribution both to HAF and Asian cinema. An internationally renowned film producer and sales agent, Barendrecht is credited with helping a generation of Asian film-makers, including Wong Kar-wai and Iwai Shunji, reach a global audience.

The new award, worth $6,440 (HK$50,000), will be funded by the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation and Hong Kong’s Film Development Fund (FDF); and will go towards supporting up-and-coming talent in Asia. It is open to HAF projects led by directors who have made less than three films, with the winner selected by the Foundation.

HAF also recently announced that it is increasing the value of two of its other awards – for best Hong Kong project and best project from outside Hong Kong – from $12,880 (HK$100,000) to $19,320 (HK$150,000).

Barendrecht died of heart failure on April 5 last year just a few weeks after Filmart and HAF.

This year’s edition of HAF is due to take place March 22-24 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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