Asian cinema ready to unite

"Building better resources is important as this will lead to greater transparency and provide clarity."

More funding and support for independent and non-mainstream filmmakers is also needed, he said.

Thanks to the internet and streaming services, there is now a lot more access to content from across Asia, so filmmakers and consumers are no longer limited to their domestic market, Barker said.

In addition to the rapid spread of film and TV content across the region, he said, film festivals contribute to the strong network of regional filmmakers, which presents opportunities for collaboration and investment from numerous sources.

Locman2011 said it will be among the few delegations from Thailand to take part in the 14th Beijing International Film Festival from April 19 to 22, and Phasit said he hopes to convince more Chinese companies to visit Thailand to film.

"China has one of the world's biggest entertainment and media markets, and Thailand has many talented directors and scriptwriters."

Many Thai film directors lack funding and opportunity, he said.

He said he hopes the governments of China and Thailand can work more closely together to encourage coproduction in the film and TV industry and create more opportunities for investors and directors to connect, which will greatly boost the film markets of both countries.