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Dragon Film Festival in Florence pays tribute to Simon Yam through five outstanding films (English only) (with photos)
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     The third edition of the Dragon Film Festival in Florence, Italy, opened yesterday (April 18, Florence time). Organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) in co-operation with the Florence Eurasia Association, the Festival will present five outstanding Hong Kong films as a tribute to its guest of honour, actor and director Simon Yam.

     The Vice President and Minister for Culture, Universities and Research of the Tuscany Region Government, Ms Monica Barni, and the Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi, spoke at the opening reception, which was followed by a screening of Benny Lau's nostalgic coming-of-age tale "Wong Ka Yan".

     Miss Choi said that Hong Kong movies have been, and are still, the major players in the Asian film market, thanks to Hong Kong's tradition of being a place of open borders and open minds, where artistic freedom can flourish amidst a mix of Chinese and Western cultural influences.  

     "Despite Hong Kong's modest size, our local film business has maintained a production output of some 50 movies a year over the past decade," she said.

     Hong Kong itself also continues to be a favourite location for overseas filmmakers, especially those from Hollywood. They are attracted to Hong Kong's unique mixture of Chinese and Western influences and appreciate its talented post-production professionals, from special-effects creators to digital animators.

      Miss Choi said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is also playing its part to support the film industry, particularly for smaller films which may struggle in such a competitive business.

     "One of the films that was supported in this was the award-winning 'Echoes of the Rainbow', which will be screened during this festival."

     In the evening today (April 19, Florence time), a meet-and-greet session will be held with Simon Yam, who will present Lau Ho-leung's film "Two Thumbs Up", in which he plays a starring role. The Festival will also bestow a lifetime achievement award on the actor.

     The other Hong Kong films in the Simon Yam tribute are "PTU" by director Johnnie To; "Tales from the Dark 1" by Fruit Chan, Lee Chi-ngai and Simon Yam; "Eye in the Sky" by Yau Nai-hoi; and "Echoes of the Rainbow" by Alex Law. Also screening at the Festival is "A Tale of Three Cities" by Mabel Cheung as well as Mainland productions directed by Hong Kong film directors Ann Hui ("The Golden Era") and Billy Tang ("Death Trip").

     The Festival is being held at Cinema Odeon in Florence from April 18 to 21, and at the textile museum Museo del Tessudo, in nearby Prato, on April 23 and 24. The museum is an Anchor Point on the European Industrial Heritage Route.

Ends/Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:51

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