CathayPlay.com Launches Award at Asian Project Market 2026 to Support Independent Filmmaking in Asia
The streaming platform dedicated to East Asian independent cinema will present a USD 5,000 cash award to one project from APM's official selection.
14 September 2026 — CathayPlay.com, a streaming platform dedicated to East Asian independent cinema, announces the inaugural CathayPlay Award at the Asian Project Market (APM) 2026 in Busan, South Korea. The award will provide USD 5,000 in cash to one project selected from APM’s official line-up, extending the platform’s commitment to independent cinema from connecting films with audiences to supporting new work in development.
CathayPlay’s work is rooted in the diverse perspectives, languages and lived experiences of East Asian independent filmmakers. Through streaming, educational access and screening partnerships, the platform helps these films reach viewers beyond their original production contexts. Establishing the award at APM brings that commitment to an earlier stage of filmmaking, offering direct support as a new project moves towards production.
The initiative also reflects CathayPlay’s connection to the wider Asian filmmaking community. Across the region, independent cinema gives space to personal stories, local histories and artistic approaches that are often underrepresented on screen. With this award, CathayPlay aims to encourage distinctive creative voices and contribute to the conditions that allow their work to take shape.
Established in 1998 as the Pusan Promotion Plan, APM is an international co-production platform connecting feature film projects with investors, producers and distributors. Its selection spans commercial productions and low-budget independent films by established and emerging filmmakers. The 29th edition will take place from 10 to 13 October 2026 at BEXCO in Busan, as part of the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), held during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
CathayPlay will meet participating project teams during the market and select one recipient from the official line-up. The award will be presented at the ACFM Award Ceremony on 13 October.
Through its partnership with APM, CathayPlay seeks to build lasting relationships with filmmakers and support the continued creation and circulation of independent cinema across Asia.