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Melbourne audiences will again be able to sample the depth and creativity of Hong Kong's film industry, with the screening of a number of Hong Kong movies at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). There are movies for all tastes, including action, drama, comedy, romance and a 1960s flashback to the heady days of Hong Kong's lavish musicals.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) marked the official opening of "Hong Kong Express" with a reception this evening (July 28, Melbourne time). Guests of honour were the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser and Mrs de Kretser. Other guests included Parliamentary Secretary and Special Adviser to the Premier on Victoria-Asia Business Relations, Mr Hong Lim; Chair of the MIFF Board, Ms Claire Dobbin; Executive Director of MIFF, Mr James Hewison; and Ronny Yu, Director of the Hong Kong martial arts epic, "Fearless".
Speaking at the reception, Director of the HKETO, Mrs Jenny Wallis, said the festival provided a marvellous showcase for Hong Kong's film industry to demonstrate its vibrancy, innovative flair and creative talent. "This is the fifth year that we have been involved in the Melbourne International Film Festival and I am sure we will continue to be a strong and enthusiastic partner in the years to come."
Mrs Wallis said many people saw Hong Kong essentially as a global centre for trade and finance, and a business bridge between China and the rest of the world.
"But behind the frenetic pace of life in the city, there is a vibrant arts community that gives Hong Kong the edge as the most cosmopolitan city in Asia," she said.
"We like to call it Asia's world city – a city where you can find a unique fusion of the creative talents from the East and West. This fusion manifests itself in many art forms, not the least being the Hong Kong film industry."
Mrs Wallis said many of Hong Kong's actors, directors, cinematographers and scriptwriters had become household names, not just in Asia, but around the world, winning acclaim for their individualistic style, incisive direction and sometimes off-beat story lines.
Following the reception, "Fearless", starring Jet Li, was screened to a packed audience at the Regent Theatre and its director, Ronny Yu, was on hand to introduce his film. This Hong Kong and Mainland China co-production depicts the life of martial arts legend, Huo Yuan Jia, at the turn of the 20th century. Yu's masterful direction and his flair for rich visual narration make the film a must see for all kung-fu fans.
The other Hong Kong releases featuring in the 2006 Melbourne International Film Festival include "Election 2" directed by Johnnie To; "Seven Swords" by Tsui Hark, who will be in Melbourne on August 7 to introduce the film; "Perhaps Love" by Peter Chan; "Everlasting Regret" by Stanley Kwan; "McDull, The Alumni" by Samson Chiu; and the 1960s classic, "The Wild, Wild Rose", directed by Wang Tian-lin.
Ends/Friday, July 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:51
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