Film Development Fund awards funding to three projects
******************************************************

    The Projects Vetting Committee of the Film Development Fund has recently approved a funding of about $6.18 million for three projects conducive to the development of the local film industry.

     The fund was first set up in 1999 and operated for five years until 2004.  In 2005, the Government recommended and the Legislative Council approved the redeployment of $20 million to reactivate the fund to maintain government support for the local film industry.  Applications have been invited since October, 2005.

     The three approved projects are:

     "The 25th Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony" organised by the Hong Kong Film Awards Association.  The purpose of the event is to recognise the outstanding workers of the local film industry.  Funding approved for this project is $2.26 million.

     ¡°Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) 2006¡± co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Hong Kong Kowloon & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association Ltd. (MPIA).  The project aims at facilitating co-financing and co-production of films and developing Hong Kong as a regional centre for film financing and co-production.  Funding approved for this project is $2.56 million.

     ¡°Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2006¡± organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.  The Entertainment Expo amalgamates eight events of the film and entertainment industries organised by different organisations to achieve the synergy effect.  An amount of $1.35 million has been approved to fund the promotion and the gala opening of the Entertainment Expo.  

     The Film Development Fund accepts applications three times a year.  Applications for the next round are now invited and the closing date is April 30, 2006.  Funding support will be provided for projects conducive to the healthy and long-term development of the local film industry.

     Application forms and guidelines are available at the Film Services Office of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority at 40/F Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai or the Film Services Office¡¯s website: www.fso-tela.gov.hk/fdf/index.cfm.  For enquiries, please call 2594 5741 or e-mail info@fso-tela.gov.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:01

NNNN