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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York (HKETONY) hosted the screening of Hong Kong movie ：Sparrow； for a full-house audience last evening (February 17, Chicago time) at the Gene Siskel Film Centre in Chicago.
The screening kicked off a series of Hong Kong film promotional events organised by the HKETONY on the East Coast for 2009. These film events are part of a cultural exchange program with the United States to highlight the many accomplishments of Hong Kong・s film industry.
Other film events in the series will be held in Atlanta, Boston and New York.
Another major film festival on Hong Kong・s new generation of film makers・ works will be held in May in Chicago in a month-long celebration of Hong Kong・s economic vitality and cultural creativity.
Speaking at the film screening, Director of the HKETONY, Ms Monica Chen, pointed out that Hong Kong films have received international recognition, winning major prizes in international film festivals.
：The HKETONY has worked with various film institutions and organisations around the US to actively promote Hong Kong films in the US,； she said. ：We have been working with the Gene Siskel Film Centre over the years to bring the best of Hong Kong films to the Chicago audience and we hope to continue this partnership.；
：Sparrow；, the latest film by Hong Kong・s versatile auteur Johnny To, has been described as the director・s ：love letter to Hong Kong； and celebrates the city・s many charms.
Aside from the film screening, the HKETONY will also host a Spring Reception later today (February 18, Chicago time) for academic, business and media contacts in Chicago as part of the festivities to celebrate the Year of the Ox.
Earlier this month, HKETONY hosted spring receptions for key interlocutors in New York (February 4) and Boston (February 12). It will host a spring reception in Atlanta on February 26.
Ends/Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 23:32
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