Premiere screening of "Vengeance" in Sydney
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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Sydney, supported the premiere screening of "Vengeance" in Sydney today (November 18, Sydney time). The film is a recent Hong Kong-France co-production, directed by Johnnie To and starring an international cast with actors from both Hong Kong and France.   

     Speaking at the event, the Director of the HKETO, Ms Lorna Wong, hoped the successful premiere screening of "Vengeance" would encourage movie distributors to bring more of Hong Kong's latest blockbusters to Sydney.

     The premiere of "Vengeance" was organised by the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (New South Wales Chapter), the first of its kind in the chapter's activity calendar.

     "Film is undoubtedly an important cultural ambassador for Hong Kong.  Hong Kong's unique history, our strategic location in the Asia Pacific Region where East truly meets West, together with our freedom of expression and creation, have all helped to nurture a highly creative film industry whose productions display the best of Hong Kong's vibrant cosmopolitan culture."  Ms Wong said.

     Ms Wong said Hong Kong films were more than a cultural ambassador. She said the cultural and creative industries were part of an important core group of industries which would help to propel Hong Kong's further development as an innovative and knowledge-based economy.  

     "The HKETO will continue to work closely with our collaborators to promote Hong Kong films in Australia and to foster bilateral trade and economic collaborations in film production.  

     "Australia has long been a favourite place for Hong Kong film companies for their post-production work.  I look forward to seeing a Hong Kong-Australia co-production like what we see today in 'Vengeance' between Hong Kong and France."

Ends/Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:00

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