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The dynamism and vitality of Hong Kong will come to life in Western Australia this week with the launch today (March 16, Western Australia time) of Hong Kong Cultural Week in Perth.
The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Ms Lorna Wong, said the event marked a new milestone for Hong Kong and Western Australia as it was the first time in Western Australia where an entire week of activities were organised to promote Hong Kong.
"Indeed, not just in Western Australia, but elsewhere in the country, we have not seen a week of uninterrupted programmes focussed entirely on Hong Kong."
She thanked the Western Australian Chapter of the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association for their time and effort in organising the Cultural Week.
Ms Wong said, "In the following few days, the innovative and elaborate programmes of the Hong Kong Cultural Week will provide West Australians with a feel for life in Asia's most dynamic city.
"You will have a chance to appreciate Hong Kong's unique cosmopolitan culture and its vibrant creativity through our movies; our fashion; our photography; and, of course our food."
Ms Wong said it was fitting that the event kicked off with the screening of "Infernal Affairs I" -- a box office hit in Hong Kong and went on to achieve worldwide acclaim with the remake of the film by Martin Scorsese. The remake – "The Departed" – won several Oscars including the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay in 2007, she added.
Apart from the Hollywood connection, she said 'Infernal Affairs' had its Australian connection as well, as Australian-born cinematographer Christopher Doyle played a leading part behind the film's success.
"In addition to 'Infernal Affairs', the film festival includes a masterpiece by our own living legend of the box office: Jackie Chan. With the typical Jackie Chan style fast action, 'Rob-B-Hood' will surely be an entertaining movie to be enjoyed by all," she said.
Ms Wong said Hong Kong's film industry was a source of pleasure and pride for all Hong Kong people, adding that Hong Kong films were renowned the world over for their dynamic and moving plots, often packed with fast-paced action and delivered with stunning cinematography.
The week-long programme includes a film festival, a food festival, a fashion show, a photo exhibition and even a breakfast briefing on Hong Kong's recently released annual Budget.
Ends/Monday, March 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:25
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