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The 25th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) reached its climax tonight (April 12) when it announced "Barking Dogs Never Bite" and "GeGe" as the winners for the FIPRESCI (The International Film Critics Federation) Award.

The humorous "Barking Dogs Never Bite" is directed by Mr Bong Joon-ho of South Korea while "GeGe", which is about a young man in search of his missing brother in Northern China, is directed by local film director, Ms Yan Yan Mak.

The officiating guests at the FIPRESCI Award Presentation Ceremony include the Assistant Director (Heritage & Museums) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), Mr. Tony Ma; Chairman of Film and Media Arts Committee of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), Mr. Gordon Chan and Chairman of the FIPRESCI Jury, Mr. Klaus Eder.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) tonight, Mr Tony Ma said the Asian cinema has witnessed rapid development in recent years.

"It has been our honour to collaborate with FIPRESCI in presenting this distinguished Award to new Asian directors during the Hong Kong International Film Festival. We look forward to continued cooperation between the HKIFF and FIPRESCI in future." he said.

The FIPRESCI jury panel comprises five members including panel chairman Mr Klaus Eder, General Secretary of the International Federation of Film Critics; Mr Sandor Korospataki, Chairman of the film critics' juries in Chicago, Pusan and Brussels; Ms Adrienne McKibbins, Executive Officer of the Film Critics Circle of Australia; Mr Andrea Martini, General Delegate of the International Critics' Week of Venice Film Festival and Mr Thomas Shin, Film Editor for the Hong Kong Economic Times and Vice President of the Hong Kong Film Critics Society.

The sixteen participating films for the FIPRESCI award include "Barking Dogs Never Bite", "The Child and the Soldier", "The Day I Became a Woman", "Die Bad", "Djomeh", "GeGe", "Glass Tears", "Interview", "Lips to Lips", "Mirror Image", "Platform", "So-called Friends", "Sunday's Dream", "Sunflower", "Tears" and "Whispers".

The latest programme changes at the HKIFF are: ¡§The Isle" and "The Goddess of 1967" have been classified as Category III after the programme booklets were printed. Ticket holders that are aged under 18 could seek refunds from now until May 4 at box office of the Hong Kong City Hall or the HKCC.

Jointly presented by the LCSD and the HKADC, the HKIFF is held from now to April 21. Tickets are available at all URBTIX outlets. Internet booking can be made at www.urbtix.com and telephone reservation at 2734 9009. Enquiries can be made at 2734 2903. Information can also be obtained from web site: www.hkiff.org.hk and newsletters distributed at the screening venues.

End/Thursday, April 12, 2001

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