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The "Chinese Film Panorama 2001" which is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd and Southern Film Co. Ltd, opened tonight at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC).
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony were the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Fengchao; the Head of Publicity, Culture and Sports Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Zhao Guangting; the Director of Xian Film Studio, Mr Zhang Peimin; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Paul Leung and the Chairman & General Manager of Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, Mr Dou Shaofang.
Other guests present included the director of opening film "Purple Sunset" Mr Feng Xiaoning; the director of "Dancing Girl", Ms Li Ziyu and the leading actress Ms Han Xiao; the leading actor of "Who Cares", Mr Feng Gong and the leading actor of "A Love of Blueness", Mr Pan Yueming; local stars Mr Stephen Chow, Ms Yip Tung, directors Mr Ng See-yuen and Mr Stephen Cheung.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Leung said 10 films which were all interesting and original in terms of style, theme and filming techniques would be screened. The films were all new works of talented directors from the Mainland.
"The 'Chinese Film Panorama 2001' will not only provide a valuable opportunity for filmmakers to share their accomplishments with the audience, but through open forums and meet-the-audience sessions, will also enable the local audience and filmmakers to know more about the Chinese film industry," he said.
"In recent years, Mainland-produced television drama series have become very popular in Hong Kong. It is therefore our hope that these high-quality films will not only arouse the local community's interest in Mainland films and broaden the vision of local filmmakers, but will also promote cultural exchange of films between the Mainland and Hong Kong and generally bring about a higher international status for all Chinese films," he added.
The opening film "Purple Sunset" is the last film in director Feng Xiaoning's "War and Peace" series. Some of the highlights at the Chinese Film Panorama are "The Gua Sha Treatment" played by Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka-fai; "Who Cares" is the latest comedy director of Huang Jianxin whose previous works are well-received by Hong Kong film buffs. "A Love of Blueness" is the latest production of director Huo Jianqui who made the award-winning film "Postmen in the Mountains" while his new film won him many awards.
Other films include "Dancing girl", a delightful film featuring young love of dancers and "For There To Be Love" featuring friendship of youths, "Fathers" which depicts fatherly love, "Crash Landing" by Mr Zhang Jianya and "My 1919" by Mr Huang Jianzhong.
In addition to the screenings, a forum on "The Transition of Chinese Movies into Commercial Cinema" will be held at 7 pm on October 17 (Wednesday) at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. The forum moderator will be veteran film practitioner, Mr Ma Fung Kwok and speakers will include Mr Zhang Peimin, Ms Li Ziyu, Ms Han Xiao and Mr Pan Yueming. Admission is free.
A total of 30 screenings will be held from tonight until October 28 at the HKCC Grand Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, Sha Tin Town Hall Cultural Activities Hall and the Hong Kong Science Museum Lecture Hall.
Reservations can be made at 2734 9009 with internet booking at www.urbtix.gov.hk and programme enquiries at 2734 2900/2527 7284/2780 5355. Details can also be obtained at www.lcsd.gov.hk.
End/Tuesday, October 16, 2001
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