For the first time, the Jameson CineFest Miskolc International Film Festival in Miskolc, Hungary, has introduced Hong Kong cinema to its audience. Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), the CineFest presented Hong Kong Film Days on September 12 and 13 (Miskolc time). The collaboration was part of a series with film festivals across Europe that HKETO Berlin has planned in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
 
     First held in 2004, the CineFest has developed into Hungary's leading film festival, attracting thousands of film fans from around the world. With its wide and diverse range of feature films, shorts, documentaries and animation movies, the CineFest has become one of Eastern Europe's most prestigious film events. Its 14th edition is running from September 8 to 17.

     The Hong Kong Film Days programme featured two ground-breaking Hong Kong productions from the past 20 years, namely the legendary crime thriller "Infernal Affairs" by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak and Pang Ho-cheung's horror movie "Dream Home". Before the screening of "Infernal Affairs" on September 13, the Deputy Director of HKETO Berlin, Ms Alison Lo, highlighted the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong's unique film industry. "Hong Kong has one of the largest and most dynamic film entertainment industries in the world. With concerted efforts, Hong Kong people have made progress and are ready for new opportunities ahead," she said. 

     Ms Lo also referred to Hong Kong's outstanding performance in the past 20 years, from completion of new infrastructure projects to achievements in economic performance and academic and cultural pursuits. In this regard, she expressed confidence that Hong Kong and Hungary will further intensify exchanges. "With China's Belt and Road Initiative, we will continue to utilise our strengths in connecting businesses and people between Hungary and Hong Kong," she said. 

     After the screening, Ms Lo together with the CineFest's Director, Mr Tibor Bíró, hosted a reception in the Ceremonial Hall of the Music Palace in Miskolc. Around 100 guests from all walks of life attended, using the special opportunity to learn more about Asia's world city and its flourishing film and cultural scene. 

     The CineFest is not the only European festival to have established a successful partnership with HKETO Berlin. The Munich International Film Festival screened the German premiere of Johnnie To's "Three" in late June, and the Zurich Film Festival (September 28 to October 8) in Switzerland as well as the Vienna International Film Festival (October 19 to November 2) in Austria have again agreed to feature Hong Kong productions. Furthermore, a Hong Kong film series was shown in Berlin in the second half of July with the support of Create Hong Kong, a dedicated agency set up under the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR.  

About Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin

     HKETO Berlin is the official HKSAR Government representative in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Hungary as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Ends/Friday, September 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:58

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