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Four blockbuster Hong Kong movies feature prominently in this year's Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Queensland's finest cultural events. They provide a fascinating glimpse of the extraordinary depth of the Hong Kong film industry.
Speaking at the reception to officially launch "Hong Kong Focus" of the 15th BIFF at the Hilton Brisbane this evening (August 4, Brisbane time), the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Mrs Jenny Wallis, said that her office, in addition to working with the film festivals in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, was delighted to become a "cultural supporter" of the Brisbane Festival for the first time.
"The Brisbane Festival provides a marvellous showcase for our film industry to demonstrate its vibrancy and innovative flair, as well as casting the spotlight on Hong Kong's creative talent," she added. "I'm sure our partnership will bring mutual benefits to the film industry here in Queensland and to our own back in Hong Kong."
Mrs Wallis said that 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 added that 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 individual style, incisive direction and sometimes off-beat story lines.
Following the reception, guests were invited to the screening of "Everlasting Regret" at the Regent Cinema. Directed by Stanley Kwan Kam-pang and starring Sammi Cheng and Tony Leung Ka-fai, this Hong Kong and Mainland China co-production depicts how a legendary Shanghai beauty copes with changing circumstances from a life of glamour and privilege to one of anonymity, while witnessing the dramatic changes to her city from 1947 to 1981.
The other Hong Kong titles featuring in the 15th BIFF include "2 Young" directed by Derek Yee Tung-sing, "Isabella" directed by Edmond Pang Ho-cheung and "Perhaps Love" directed by Peter Chan Ho-sun.
Ends/Friday, August 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:27
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