************************************************************

The Project Vetting Committee (PVC) of the Film Development Fund considered two applications for funds at its special meeting on October 5, 2000.

The PVC approved funds of about $300,000 to sponsor the directors, principal actors and producers of five films and the directors of three short films to participate in the 45th Asia-Pacific Film Festival. The sponsorship also includes a gala show.

The Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong Ltd. applied to the Fund for sponsorship of a Hong Kong delegation comprising personnel of films selected by the Federation for the Film Festival with an aim to promote Hong Kong film industry as a whole in overseas market. The Federation also applied for funds for sponsoring seven persons for putting up a gala show to publicise the local film industry.

Another application considered by the PVC was "Workshop for film producing". The PVC had approved a sum of about $400,000 for this project at its last meeting. Taking account of additional information provided by the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild, including the possibility of sponsorship from the private sector, the PVC approved an increase in funds from $0.4 million to $0.5 million for the project.

The Film Services Office (FSO) will continue to liaise closely with the film industry and to promote the wider use of the Fund to enhance the long-term development of the local film industry.

The Fund is now receiving applications for the fourth quarter of this year and the closing date is 30 December 2000. Interested parties may obtain application form from the FSO (40/F Revenue Tower, Gloucester Road, Hong Kong) or download it from the homepage of FSO (www.fso-tela.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the FSO at 2594 5846 or send message by e-mail (info@fso-tela.gov.hk).

End/October 9, 2000, Monday

NNNN