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The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney, Ms Lorna Wong, told audiences in Brisbane today (August 7) that Hong Kong, as Asia's world city, did not only position itself as a financial centre but also a creative industry hub.
Speaking at the opening of Hong Kong Cinema at the St George Bank Brisbane International Film Festival, Ms Wong said creativity was at the heart of Hong Kong's cosmopolitan culture and no doubt its film industry had made a significant contribution towards nurturing that unique Hong Kong culture.
"Hong Kong movies are a very effective cultural ambassador. Many people in the world get to know Hong Kong through its movies and movie stars," she said.
Introducing the two special movies in this year's Hong Kong Cinema segment, Ms Wong said: "Jiang Wen's 'The Sun Also Rises' was screened in competition in last year's Venice Film Festival and will have its Australian premiere tomorrow. Wong Kar-wai's 'Ashes of Time Redux' is a re-edited and re-scored version of the original made in 1994. In the movie, Wong Kar-wai has given a special interpretation to the martial art genre."
With the 2008 Olympics to be officially opened in Beijing tomorrow, Ms Wong said for the first time in its history, Hong Kong would take an active part in the hosting of the Olympic Games by providing the venues for the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events and the Paralympic Equestrian Events.
"As well as being a co-host city for the Beijing Games, Hong Kong will have its own team and Special Administrative Region flag at the Olympics. This highlights the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle that is vitally important to Hong Kong's continuing success."
Ends/Thursday, August 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:45
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