Filmmakers Yosep Anggi Noen, Arvin Belarmino & Norris Wong chosen for HAF work-in-progress

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) has shared the 12 selected films for this year's work-in-progress section at the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), featuring new projects from Indonesia's Yosep Anggi Noen, the Philippines’ Arvin Belarmino, and Hong Kong’s Norris Wong.

Starring Reza Rahadian and Dian Sastrowardoyo, Yosep Anggi Noen's The Sea Speaks His Name (Laut Bercerita) is a political drama about a student activist who vanishes in the chaotic 1990s, leaving a family grappling with hope, memories, and an ardent pursuit of truth.

The film is produced by Gita Fara, known for 24 Hours With Gaspar and the award-winning On Your Lap from the Busan Film Festival.

Other Indonesian contributions include Ariani Darmawan’s Jani Be Good, produced by Meiske Taurisia (Sleep No More), and Eddie Cahyono’s My Mother, featuring Christine Hakim and produced by Tika Bravani alongside Isabelle Glachant.

Ria marks the feature debut of Arvin Belarmino, the director behind the award-winning short Agapito.

The film follows a hotel housekeeper battling violence and displacement within her punk community while caring for her unwell foster mother.

In Wong’s comedy-drama Good Trip, starring Nick Cheung Ka-fai and Chung Suet-ying, a film production assistant takes an unplanned trip with her ailing father to fulfill his last wishes. The project is produced by Mabel Cheung and Wong Hoi.

With most projects in post-production and budgets of up to $2.2M, there are seven debut features.

These films will be showcased at HAF from March 17-19 during the HKIFF Industry Project Market, alongside Filmart.