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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Urban Council:
The curtain went up this (Friday) evening at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for the 22nd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) in which the venue was packed by local and overseas celebrities, especially those from stardom.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Provisional Urban Council's Culture Select Committee, Mr Pao Ping-wing said after over 20 years of hardwork, HKIFF not only became one of the annual highlights, but was also a reputable international event.
"One of the objectives in organizing the Film Festival is to bring to our local film lovers high quality films from all over the world. The Festival also provides them with a diversity of film genres and increases their cultural horizons.
"Without the Film Festival, only a limited number of these films can be shown by local distributors, and Hong Kong audience will miss a lot of valuable chances to view these fine selections," he said.
HKIFF's another objective, he pointed out, was to offer an occasion for local and overseas filmmakers, cultural film circle and audience to meet and exchange views.
"Through various extension activities including talks and seminars, we hope to arouse and promote public interest in the film culture which indirectly enlighten the depressed film industry," he added.
More than 260 latest and archival movies will be screened over the next two weeks, more than any other previous film festivals.
The two opening films this year were "Beast Cop", a new production from local director Gordon Chan and "The Dragon Inn", box office hit of the famous late director King Hu. The screening copy of the latter was a totally new print provided by the Hong Kong Film Archive.
Director Gordan Chan and the stars of "Beast Cop" Anthony Wong, Kathy Chow and Roy Cheung; stars of "Dragon Inn" Shi Jun and Bai Ying; Anne Hui, director of "As Time Goes By"; and Julie Shles, director of "Afula Express" are among the many overseas and local celebrities who graced the premier with their presence.
Many of the films shown this year are winners at the Academy Awards, Berlin, Cannes and other film festivals. The latest winner is "The Character" which won the Academy Awards in "The Foreign Language Film".
In addition to the popular programmes "Gala Presentations"; "Animation"; "Global Images" and "Asian Vision"; special topics on Asian cinema include "Song and Dance in Indian Cinema" and "A Tribute to Anand Patwardhan". The directors-in-focus will have Errol Morris from America and Tong Gatlif from France together with "Six Rare Fassbinder Films" provided by Goethe-Institut Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Cinema Retrospective this year will feature the works of master of martial arts cinema King Hu and those of the renowned literary figure Eileen Chang.
Tickets for most of the screenings are still available. The films that have already sold out include: "Hana-Bi", "Happy Valley/Largo & Fugue", "Made in Hong Kong", "Moebius", "The Ugly", "After the Crescent", "Digital Biogrophy of HK 1997 (II)" "Destiny", "Dry Cleaning", "End of Violence", "Fishes in August", "Forbidden Woman", "Junk Mail", "Kids Return", "Bounce (Leaving)", "Long Twilight", "Love, Math & Sex", "Riding the Tiger", "The Saltmen of Tibet", "The Scar" and "Ten Girls of Dong Loc".
Although seats for the screenings of "Bath House: 3 pm Paradise" (April 4 and 8), "The Love Eterne" (April 17) and "Still Love You After All These/ As Time Goes By" (April 4 and 15) have been sold out, tickets are still available for additional screenings for the three pictures. The schedules are : "Bath House : 3 pm Paradise" (April 14, 9.45 pm, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre); "The Love Eterne" (April 18, 12 noon, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre) and "Still Love You After All These/ As Time Goes By" (April 5, 2.30 pm, Hong Kong Science Museum).
Meanwhile, tickets for most other films are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Enquiries can be made on 2734 2903 and reservations at 2734 9009.
Web site: http://www.hkiff.com.hk
End/Friday, April 3, 1998
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