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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) continues to promote Hong Kong Film culture in London by supporting the British Film Institute (BFI) in its showing of the European premire of Hong Kong film director Johnnie To's new film "Office" at the BFI London Film Festival.
The London Film Festival is the UK's largest public film event, screening films from more than 50 countries every year. This year, Johnnie To's "Office" ¡ª a musical comedy-drama ¡ª was one of the 13 films that featured in the Official Competition at the festival, competing for the "Best Film Award".
The London ETO held a reception on October 16 in honour of Johnnie To to mark the screening. The film's co-producer, screenwriter and star Sylvia Chang, and co-star Tang Wei, also attended the reception and screening.
Speaking at the reception, the Director-General of the London ETO (Designate), Ms Priscilla To, praised Hong Kong's success in film-making. "The Hong Kong film industry has gained a global reputation with many Hong Kong directors, actors, cinematographers and producers becoming household names around the world. They are winning acclaim for their unique style, incisive direction and sometimes off-beat storylines," she said.
Ms To also highlighted the initiatives put in place by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to support the Hong Kong film industry and nurture film talent, including the new round of the First Feature Film Initiative launched by Create Hong Kong, as well as the Film Production Grant Scheme launched under the Film Development Fund to subsidise small-budget film productions.
Johnnie To is one of Hong Kong's most renowned film directors, and has to date directed more than 50 and produced 70 feature films. Johnnie To and his films have won many important film awards in Hong Kong and in the region, as well as received nominations and commendations from film festivals around the world.
Ends/Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:16
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