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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto (HKETO) and the Vancouver International Film Centre yesterday (March 14, Vancouver time) jointly presented the Hong Kong Spirit Film Gala during the Hong Kong Business and Film Week proclaimed by the City of Vancouver. The gala is part of a series of events featured in HKETO's major promotion "Hong Kong under Spotlight" across Canada.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the HKETO, Miss Gloria Lo, said that the purpose of this film gala is to display, through a number of selected Hong Kong films, the core values and spirit which make Hong Kong one of the most decent, vibrant and successful cities in the world.
"Hong Kong people are hardworking, competitive and perseverant," Miss Lo said. "Hong Kong also has great respect for rule of law which is the cornerstone of our success. All these make Hong Kong an attractive place for business and other ventures by our Canadian friends who are interested in Asia."
The HKETO also took the opportunity to promote Hong Kong's film industry. Over the past decade, Hong Kong's film industry has received more than 300 international awards. Miss Lo stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government would continue to support film production by providing funding support and organising major events.
"Film talents and professionals from around the world are welcome to Hong Kong and join our annual International Film and Television Market which will be held from March 24 to 27 this year," Miss Lo said. "Hong Kong is also a great place for location shooting with our freedom of expression and unique cityscape and features. Between Hong Kong and Canada, there is a Memorandum of Understanding on film co-production and we are looking forward to further collaboration between the two places for film production and access to Asian markets."
To celebrate the close social and business link with Hong Kong, the Mayor of Vancouver, Mr Gregor Robertson, proclaimed the week of March 12 to 16 as the Hong Kong Business and Film Week to showcase the width and depth of Hong Kong business and filming. The Hong Kong Spirit Film Gala featured three Hong Kong films, namely "Cold War", "The Way We Dance" and "Unbeatable".
"HKETO will continue to work closely with Canada and all relevant agencies to further advance our bilateral relations and great friendship," Miss Lo added.
Ends/Saturday, March 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:31
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