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The Hong Kong Spirit Film Gala in Toronto, the finale of a series of special promotion with the theme "Hong Kong under Spotlight", will be launched tomorrow (May 16, Toronto time) showcasing the core values, can-do spirits and success of Hong Kong through a number of selected Hong Kong films, said the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Miss Gloria Lo.
Speaking at the media conference, Miss Lo remarked that the Gala also aimed at promoting Hong Kong's film industry and encouraging collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada in film business. "There is a Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Hong Kong on film co-production and we hope to see more collaboration between the two places for film business," Miss Lo said.
The first part of this film event across Canada took place in Vancouver where three Hong Kong movies were screened in March. The event in Toronto will be featuring another three movies including "The Way We Dance", "Echoes of the Rainbow", and "As the Light Goes Out". Among them, "The Way We Dance" and "Echoes of the Rainbow" were supported by the Hong Kong Film Development Fund Scheme for Financing Film Production (the Fund Scheme) from which 30 Hong Kong films of different genres have received financial support, totaling more than CAD$11.5 million.
"The films supported by the Fund Scheme have engaged 15 directors who are film directors for commercial films for the first time. It shows that the Fund Scheme is conducive to the nurturing of film talents," Miss Lo said. "HKSAR Government will continue to promote the film industry through funding support and the organisation of major events. We welcome Canadian film makers to go to Hong Kong for film shooting. Hong Kong is a great place for location shooting with freedom of expression and unique cityscape and features."
"The Way We Dance", directed by Adam Wong, is the opening film of the Gala in Toronto. The movie is about a youthful and energetic tribute to street dancing, friendship and finding one's passion in life. Featuring ebullient rising star Cherry Ngan, "The Way We Dance" was a 2013 box office hit in Hong Kong and has found enthusiastic audiences around the globe with its unique mix of contemporary dance culture and traditional Chinese martial arts. At the recent 2014 Hong Kong Film Awards, "The Way We Dance" won Best New Performer for Babyjohn Choi, Best New Director for Adam Wong, and Best Original Film Song. Director Adam Wong will attend the opening ceremony and industry forum tomorrow.
Interim Executive Director of Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Miss Louanne Chan, said that the Hong Kong film industry reflects the rich culture of its people. "Reel Asian is proud to showcase a selection of outstanding films representing the dynamic history and heritage of this region. Reel Asian has been presenting Hong Kong films for over 15 years. We are excited to shine the spotlight on Hong Kong especially during Asian Heritage Month and give Toronto audiences the chance to see these films on the big screen," Miss Chan said.
Film screening dates & times:
The Way We Dance (director in attendance)
May 16 (Friday), 7pm
AGO Jackman Hall ¡ª 317 Dundas Street West (@ McCaul)
Cantonese with English subtitles
Echoes of the Rainbow
May 17 (Saturday), 3.30pm
AGO Jackman Hall ¡ª 317 Dundas Street West (@ McCaul)
Cantonese with English subtitles
As the Light Goes Out
May 17 (Saturday), 7pm
AGO Jackman Hall ¡ª 317 Dundas Street West (@ McCaul)
Cantonese, Mandarin with English subtitles
Free admission. No advanced ticketing. Tickets will be given out one hour before the showtime.
Ends/Friday, May 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 06:41
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