The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) is supporting the screening of six Hong Kong films at the 25th Fantasia International Film Festival being held from August 5 to 25. This year the Fantasia festival is presenting its programme in person and online for moviegoers in Montreal and film lovers across Canada.

     Speaking before the screening of the Hong Kong films in a pre-recorded message, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Ms Emily Mo, said that Hong Kong has long been a favourite location for moviemakers from around the globe. She also highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been very supportive of the film industry's development and around $260 million has been earmarked under the Film Development Fund to increase local film production and nurture young talents.

     "The HKSAR Government finances the production of small- to medium-budget films, subsidises new filmmakers in their productions, supports the industry to join international film festivals, as well as launches training programmes to help nurture young talents. We are proud that a number of government-sponsored Hong Kong films have successfully made their way to various international film festivals across Canada," Ms Mo said.

     Deeply impressed that Hong Kong and Canada share a love for movies, Ms Mo said the Toronto ETO will continue to support more Hong Kong films to participate in various international film festivals held in Canada, including Fantasia. 

     Among the six Hong Kong films, two will be screened at the Cinéma Impérial in Montreal. The two films are "Septet: The Story of Hong Kong", which features works by seven legendary Hong Kong directors, namely Johnnie To, Tsui Hark, the late Ringo Lam, Sammo Hung, Yuen Woo-ping, Ann Hui and Patrick Tam, and "Raging Fire" directed by the late Benny Chan and starring Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse. The Hong Kong films to be presented online at the Festival are Chiu Sin-hang's "One Second Champion", Ricky Ko's "Time", Chan Kin-long's "Hand Rolled Cigarette" and Tony Lu's "Return of Bastard Swordsman". More information about the Festival and the Hong Kong films is available at Fantasia's official website: fantasiafestival.com/en/festival-2021/program.

Ends/Thursday, August 5, 2021
Issued at HKT 22:25

NNNN