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Hong Kong film director Tony Ching opens Hong Kong Focus at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (with photo)
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     Hong Kong film director Mr Tony Ching was in Brussels on April 6 (Brussels time) to officiate at the opening of a special focus on Hong Kong films, organised by the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels).

     Speaking at the opening reception hosted by the HKETO, Brussels and the BIFFF, the Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Hinny Lam, said that Hong Kong, as Asia's most cosmopolitan city, takes pride in itself as a creative hub as well as a financial centre, and its films serve as a brilliant cultural ambassador. Keen to support the further development of the film industry, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established the Film Development Fund to assist small to medium-budget films in particular. Since the Fund's launch in 2007 it has supported 21 productions, some of which, like Alex Law's "Echoes of the Rainbow", have won international awards.

     Miss Lam added that beyond sponsorship, the Government also ensures that the right environment is in place in our city for creative industries to flourish.

     "Freedom of speech and the free flow of information, ideas and talent are our core values and are guaranteed by our constitutional document, the Basic Law," she said.

     Mr Tony Ching introduced his film "The Sorcerer and the White Snake", which was screened after the reception, and replied to questions from the audience.  Mr Ching said he had received a warm welcome and praised the festival's contribution in bringing Hong Kong movies to the attention of the European public.   

     The Hong Kong Focus includes seven recent Hong Kong productions to be screened at the Brussels industrial heritage site Tour & Taxis during the festival, which is running from April 5 to 17.  

     The BIFFF, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is the most important festival of its kind in Europe, screening an average of 80 films in the fantasy, horror, thriller and science-fiction genres. It is known for its enthusiastic audience participation and attracts huge media coverage.

     Last year the iconic festival attracted some 60,000 people, and BIFFF's international jury awarded a Silver Raven to Tsui Hark's film "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame".

     Another film by Tsui, "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D", is being shown this year. Other films in the Hong Kong Focus are "Don Quixote 3D" by Ah Gan, "City Under Siege" by Benny Chan, "Mural" by Gordon Chan, "Zombie 108" by Joe Chien, and "Mr and Mrs Incredible" by Vincent Kok.

Ends/Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:49

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