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Hong Kong films featured prominently at this year's 9th New York Asian Film Festival.
This year's festival, which runs from June 25 to July 8 at the Walter Reade Theatre, Lincoln Center and the IFC Center, features a total of 45 films from across the Asia Pacific Region, including 11 from Hong Kong.
In partnership with the organisers of the festival, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) is showcasing leading Hong Kong films to the New York audience, with a special Hong Kong sidebar programme titled "Return to the Old School: Hong Kong's New Martial Arts Cinema".
Launching this special sidebar programme, the HKETONY greeted the audience at a reception held at the Walter Reade Theatre this evening (June 26, New York time). Leading Hong Kong film stars Sammo Hung and Simon Yam were among the more than 100 guests who attended the function.
The reception was followed by the screening of the U.S. premiere of the award-winning film "Echoes of the Rainbow".
Speaking at the reception, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Miss Monica Chen, said, "'Echoes of the Rainbow' was made with funding support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund, a programme launched in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of Hong Kong's film industry.
"The Film Development Fund along with the Film Guarantee Fund and the Film Services Office, operating under the auspices of the Create Hong Kong agency, will continue promoting and fostering the long-term development of Hong Kong's film industry," she added.
This year, the Festival organisers recognised Mr Yam and Mr Hung at its Star Asia Awards ceremony, held on June 25.
Miss Chen presented that "Star Asia Award" to Mr Yam at the Star Asia Awards ceremony, in recognition of his acting achievements and contributions to the film industry.
A special Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to actor and director, Sammo Hung, to honour his legacy of onscreen work as well as a producer, director, action-choreographer or stuntman in over 230 films.
"It was a wonderful evening last night, as we honoured our two great friends at the award presentation ceremony," said Miss Chen.
The ten Hong Kong films featured under "Return to the Old School: Hong Kong's New Martial Art Cinema" are: "Bodyguards & Assassins", "Development Hell", "Eastern Condors", "Kung Fu Chefs", "Gallants", "Ip Man", "Ip Man 2", "Little Big Soldier", "Storm Warriors" and the uncut version of "Red Cliff".
The HKETONY partners with various cultural organisations in the different states to bring the best of Hong Kong cinema to the American audience. Upcoming festivals include the Chicago International Film Festival and a Hong Kong film series with the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago.
Ends/Sunday, June 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:41
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