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The Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau (ITBB) will organise a cocktail reception to pay tribute to the achievements of the local film industry. The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, will be the Guest of Honour of the cocktail reception.

In recent years, the local film industry has made its name by winning a number of awards in major international film festivals. Most recently, the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", starring Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh and produced by Bill Kong, has received 10 nominations for the 73rd Academy Awards. Of them, the nominees for the Best Picture, the Best Cinematography, the Best Costume Design and the Best Art Direction are from the Hong Kong film industry. These awards and honours signify that Hong Kong films have won the recognition and compliments of the international community. These are encouraging achievements.

The ITBB will organise a cocktail reception on April 11 at the Government House to pay tribute to local film personnel who have gained recognition in major international film festivals since 1997. The Hong Kong Film Workers Guild (Preparatory Committee) will support in the organisation of the event.

A spokesman for the ITBB said, "The Government is committed to creating an environment that is conducive to the development of the film industry. Efforts made include the setting up of the Film Services Office under the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority to assist the local film industry and to promote Hong Kong films overseas, the establishment of the Film Services Advisory Committee to advise on the support for and promotion of the development of the local film industry, and the setting up of the $100 million Film Development Fund to provide funding support to projects which will facilitate the long-term development of Hong Kong's film industry."

He said, "The Government will continue to work closely with the industry in furtherance of the development of local films."

END/Friday, March 23, 2001

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