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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at a reception for Hong Kong Cinema at the Melbourne International Film Festival in Melbourne, Australia today (August 5):
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here tonight to be part of the Hong Kong Cinema presentation at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival - Australia's most acclaimed film festival and one of the world's oldest, now in its 57th year.
Hong Kong movies are a brilliant cultural ambassador for us. Many people around the world, especially those who have never visited Hong Kong, get to know our city through our movies and movie stars. The movie industry is well established as the flagship of our creative economy.
Hong Kong, as Asia's most cosmopolitan city, takes pride in itself as a financial centre as well as a creative hub. Most recently, those dual identities have been highlighted by the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, which features breathtaking scenes set against our stunning skyline.
Film production crews around the world have chosen Hong Kong to make their movies because of our scenery, our dramatic cityscape, the professional expertise of our film personnel and above all, the staunch support of the Hong Kong Government in facilitating film production.
For many of the world's greatest cities, the promotion of the arts is seen not just as an integral part of a vibrant and dynamic economy, but also key to the fabric of its society.
Melbourne's film makers enjoy the support of Film Victoria - the state government agency dedicated to promoting this city as a leading international location. Their recent success in winning over Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg to produce their World War II mini-series, The Pacific, in Melbourne is testament to an effective partnership between government and the film industry.
Similarly, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to the ongoing development of the Hong Kong film industry. We may boast that we are one of the world's most dynamic and prolific film industries, but we're not content to simply rest on our laurels.
That's why in April last year we established the Film Development Council to advise government on the policy and strategy for the promotion and development of this industry. We have also injected AUS$40 million into the Film Development Fund and expanded its scope to finance the production of small-to-medium budget films.
We understand that if Hong Kong is to stay at the forefront of the cinematic world and support a growing industry talent pool, the government must play its part.
This year, we are delighted that three Hong Kong films - The Drummer directed by Kenneth Bi, Triangle by Johnny To and Ashes of Time Redux by Wong Kar Wai - will be presented under the "Hong Kong Cinema" segment of the Melbourne International Film Festival. They have been selected for their filmmaking flair and entertainment pleasure. The three directors represent a cross-generation of film directors in Hong Kong. In the case of Ashes of Time Redux, the movie buffs among you will also know this features the stunning cinematography of Christopher Doyle. Chris is Australian-born, but his great contribution to Hong Kong's film industry means we readily claim him as one of our own.
I sincerely hope you find these films entertaining and appreciate the diversity and creativity of Hong Kong's filmmaking talent.
Today is the 5th of August. In three days, the 2008 Olympics will be officially opened in Beijing. Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, looks forward to the Olympics with equal fervour, but unlike the rest of the world, Hong Kong is actively preparing for it, and in a way that has not been done before. For the first time in its history, Hong Kong will take an active part in the hosting of the Olympic Games by providing the venues for the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events and the Paralympic Equestrian Events.
As our Olympic theme song goes, we are ready. As well as being a co-host city for the Beijing Games, Hong Kong will have its own team and Special Administrative Region flag at the Olympics, highlighting the key principle of "One Country, Two Systems". For those of you who are lucky enough to be going to Hong Kong or Beijing to watch the Games, I wish you an enjoyable trip.
In closing, enjoy the film tonight.
Have a good time.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:32
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