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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) is taking the Hong Kong Film Panorama to Istanbul and Izmir for the first time to introduce Hong Kong cinema to the Turkish audience and strengthen cultural ties between the two places.
The Hong Kong Film Panorama is an annual film festival organised by the HKETO, Brussels, which introduces some of Hong Kong's latest films to audiences across Europe. Following Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona and Florence, the Hong Kong Film Panorama will be held in Istanbul on May 10-20 and in Izmir on May 18-24.
The HKETO, Brussels is co-operating with local partners the Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul and Izmir Cinema Association, to bring the films to Turkey. Seven films will be screened, namely Mr Alex Law's "Echoes of the Rainbow", Ms Ann Hui's "All About Love", Ms Barbara Wong's "Break Up Club", Mr Freddie Wong's "The Drunkard", Ms Ivy Ho's "Crossing Hennessy", Mr Chan Hing-kai and Ms Janet Chun's "La Comdie Humaine" and Mr Clement Cheng Sze-kit and Mr Kwok Chi-kin's "Gallants".
Speaking at the opening reception of the Hong Kong Film Panorama in Istanbul today (May 10, Istanbul time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Mary Chow, said that Turkey and Hong Kong enjoy good trade and economic relations and the trade exchanges are growing.
"There are also increasing cultural exchanges", she said, noting that only last month, Hong Kong had hosted the Third Turkish Film Festival organised by the Izmir Cinema Association.
"This year, which is a special one for Hong Kong as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of our reunification with China, we are returning the favour by bringing the Hong Kong Film Panorama to Turkey.
"As one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong takes pride itself as a creative hub as well as a financial centre, and our films serve as a brilliant cultural ambassador. Many people around the world, especially those who have never visited Hong Kong, get to know our city through our movies and movie stars."
Miss Chow said that the creative industries, including the film industry, are one of six new economic growth sectors that the Hong Kong Government is actively promoting.
"The Film Development Fund, launched in 2007, has supported 21 productions, many with directors and producers engaged in commercial productions for the first time," Miss Chow said, adding that beyond sponsorship, the Government also ensures that the right environment is in place for creative industries to flourish.
"Free speech and the free flow of information, ideas and talent represent key elements of our cherished values and they are guaranteed by our constitution document, the Basic Law", said Miss Chow.
Miss Chow invited the audience to join the nearly 42 million visitors who came to Hong Kong last year to pay a visit and immerse themselves in the city's vibrant cultural activities.
Ends/Friday, May 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 02:00
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