***********************************************************
Following is a speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at "Made in Hong Kong - A season of seven Hong Kong movies from 1997-2007" event at Institute for Contemporary Arts in London on October 16 (London time):
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you on this finale evening for the 'Made in Hong Kong' film season. We are proud to support this film season, which forms part of our Europe-wide celebration programme. I wish to congratulate and thank the Institute for Contemporary Art for putting all this together.
Hong Kong has been a film-making, TV production and movie centre for almost half a century. We are the world's third largest film production centre.
Our actors and directors have been successful in Hollywood - and some Hollywood directors are inspired by the work of our directors.
Despite some rather creative works, our filming industry has had its ups and downs over the past two decades. Today, it has gained a global reputation with many Hong Kong actors, directors, cinematographers and producers becoming household names. They are winning acclaim for their unique style, incisive direction and sometimes off-beat storylines.
I am happy to note that the Hong Kong Film Panorama, set up to present films produced between 1997 and 2007, demonstrates Hong Kong's key role in the world film industry. It comprises a mix of some old favourites and recent productions, and has already visited Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. We hope that audiences around the world have come to know Hong Kong, and to experience its diversity and vibrancy, through its films and stars.
The Hong Kong Government has been playing its part behind the scenes to encourage the film industry. We're promoting 'Hong Kong on location' as a film centre with the facilities, expertise and support for every movie occasion. In April this year, we formed the Film Development Council to advise us on the policy and strategy for the promotion and development of the film industry. Our $300 million Film Development Fund, set up to help finance film production and overcome the shortage of talent, opened for business in early October. It will provide all-round support to the local film industry, including training and overseas promotion.
As I'm not an artist, my comments on the changes in Hong Kong in the past decade are inevitably a little more prosaic. We, indeed, have a lot to celebrate on the occasion of the 10th anniversary. Since 1997, Hong Kong has gone from strength to strength, overcoming a number of unprecedented setbacks including the Asian Financial Crisis, avian flu and SARS.
Hong Kong continues to thrive as Asia's World City, a centre for financial and professional services, trade, shipping and tourism. The "One Country, Two Systems" concept also means that Hong Kong has been able to maintain its lifestyle and continues to enjoy prosperity and stability. Hong Kong, with its unique "east meets west" culture, has been the place for talented people to unleash their creativity and pursue their dreams.
Our London Office has spared no effort in promoting Hong Kong and its culture through film festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, and seminars in the UK. More exciting cultural events will be coming next year and we look to your support for these events.
I hope you have enjoyed this film season, and that you will enjoy "Ordinary Heroes", the film we'll be seeing shortly.
Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:15
NNNN
