************************************************************
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 HKFA's most prized titles, "White Powder and Neon Lights" (1947), Hong Kong's first 16mm colour Cantonese film.
Part of the Early Treasures programme, "White Powder and Neon Lights" will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA at 7.30pm on October 26. The HKFA dedicates this screening to the saving of the fading cinematic heritage.
The audiovisual heritage comprises all forms of moving images and recorded sounds, including film. In 2005, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated every October 27 as the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage to raise awareness of audiovisual documents as an integral part of national identities, the fragility of these documents and the urgent need to protect them.
"White Powder and Neon Lights" was made by the Grandview Film Company, which was established by Chinese American Chiu Shu-sun. With a cast of mostly Cantonese opera players, the film was shot in California and released in Hong Kong in 1947.
Produced by Chiu and directed by the opera player Wong Hok-sing using the pseudonym Wong Kam-yan, the film tells the backstage story of an opera player who, after falling for a rich man, indulges in pleasure-seeking and neglects her opera calling. Her poor performances lead to several on-stage mishaps and the troupe is forced to close down.
The film is in Cantonese without subtitles.
Tickets priced at $30 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. Credit card bookings can be made on 2111 5999, or on the Internet at www.urbtix.hk.
Detailed programme information can be found in the "ProFolio 59" distributed at all performing venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. For enquiries, please call 2739 2139 or 2734 2900, or browse the webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/filmprog/english/2011et/2011et_index.html.
Ends/Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 10:02
NNNN
