SCED congratulates First Feature Film Initiative-funded projects on scooping Hong Kong Film Awards
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The FFFI, launched by the Government-financed Film Development Fund (FDF) in March 2013, seeks to identify and nurture talent in a new way through a competition focusing on screenplays and production proposals.
"Mad World" and "Weeds on Fire" were the winning film projects in the Higher Education Institution Group of the 1st FFFI. The two winning teams received full funding from the FDF to make their films. Apart from achieving critical acclaim and support from audiences, both films have had relatively good box-office results since they were commercially released in Hong Kong.
"It is very encouraging to see these two films produced by new directors achieve impressive results at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards. It proves that Hong Kong is full of film talents, who will thrive provided that there are pertinent opportunities and support," Mr So said.
"I thank the film trade for its support and contribution in making this film talent-nurturing initiative a success. I also hope more young people will push forward in pursuit of their dreams in the movie industry," he said, adding that the industry generally agrees that the FFFI has given young talents aspiring to join the film industry a chance to polish their skills and show their flair, and the scheme has proved its worth in identifying and grooming prospective talents, with a view to injecting new blood, for the local film industry.
Director Wong Chun, actor Eric Tsang and actress Elaine Jin won Best New Director, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively for "Mad World". One of the lead characters of "Weeds on Fire", actor Tony Wu, won Best New Performer. The film also won Best Original Film Song.
The FFFI is one of the Government's initiatives to support the film industry. It takes the form of a competition in two groups, the Higher Education Institution Group and the Professional Group. The director of each participating team shall not have previously shot any commercial film of 80 minutes or above. The FDF will provide funding for the winning teams to implement their film proposals and make their first commercial feature films. The winning teams are required to complete the whole film production and sales process, involving planning, shooting and distribution, and in the process acquire practical knowledge in making a feature film.
Ends/Monday, April 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:10
Issued at HKT 11:10
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