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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said today (July 27) that the Government attaches great importance to the contribution made by the local film industry to the economic development of Hong Kong, and will join with movie practitioners in promoting the healthy development of the sector in the long run.
To gain a better understanding of the challenges and aspirations of local film production companies, Mr So visited the location filming of a new action movie directed by Teddy Chan and starring renowned martial arts icon Donnie Yen in the late hours of Thursday (July 25).
The movie is a Hong Kong-Mainland co-production which pays tribute to the classic kung-fu genre of Hong Kong's cinematic history. Another of Mr Chan's Mainland co-productions, "Bodyguards and Assassins", scooped Best Film at the 2010 Hong Kong Film Awards.
The director and actor chatted with Mr So about the state of play in the film industry, and floated suggestions on how the Government might work with movie practitioners in exploring more business opportunities in the film production chain and promoting film culture in Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong has many special ingredients, including first-rate artistes and other production talents, creativity and the unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures to shine in the global movie market.
"Hong Kong's film industry also has the experience, the contacts and the know-how to make the most of new opportunities on the Mainland. In recent years, Hong Kong and Mainland moviemakers have collaborated in an average of 30 co-productions annually to tap the huge Chinese and Asian markets.
"I wish this new title tremendous success at the box office, both in and outside Hong Kong," Mr So said.
Ends/Saturday, July 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:00
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