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Preserving Hong Kong's cinematic heritage is a major goal of the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA). In support of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, the HKFA will present one of the Archive's prized titles, "Princess Hibiscus" (1957), China's first colour puppet film.
The "Early Treasures" programme will be held at the Cinema of the HKFA at 7.30pm on October 27 (Wednesday).
Audiovisual heritage comprises all forms of moving images and recorded sounds, including film. In 2005, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designated October 27 of every year World Day for Audiovisual Heritage to raise awareness of audiovisual documents as an integral part of national identity, the fragility of these documents and the urgent need to protect them.
Activities are organised every year around the world to observe this day with a different theme each year. The theme in 2010 is "ave and savour your audiovisual collectionsˇVnow!". The HKFA dedicates the screening of "Princess Hibiscus" to the saving of Hong Kong's fading cinematic heritage.
"Princess Hibiscus" is a special film in more ways than oneˇVChina's first colour puppet film and the oldest puppet film in the HKFA's collection.
It is a Cantonese opera film, sung in a traditional tone that is extremely rare today. Adapted from a Sichuan opera and performed by members of the Guangdong Puppet Art Troupe, it is the story of the fairy Princess Hibiscus, who is banished to the Icy Spring Mountain for falling in love with a mortal.
The film is in Cantonese with English and Chinese subtitles.
Tickets priced at $30 for the screenings are available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessionary tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Detailed programme information can be obtained in "ProFolio 54" distributed at all performing venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Credit card booking can be made on 2111 5999 or on the Internet at www.urbtix.hk. For enquiries, please call 2739 2139/ 2734 2900 or browse the websites: www.filmarchive.gov.hk or www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp.
Ends/Thursday, October 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:46
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