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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Berlin of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held a reception on February 17, 2010 in Berlin, Germany to mark the participation of four Hong Kong movies at the 60th Berlinale and promote the Hong Kong film industry.
"For decades, Hong Kong was home to the third largest movie industry in the world. The reason is simple. Hong Kong is a unique international city with a blend of Oriental and Western cultures and a place of creative talent. Together with the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Basic Law and close ties with the mainland of China, Hong Kong's film industry has been growing vigorously", said Mr Stephen Wong, Director, HKETO.
This reception provided a networking platform between the Hong Kong film professionals and their German counterparts. About 250 film producers, directors and agents from the film industry in Germany as well as government officials, diplomats and representatives from business and professional sectors attended the reception. The guests had an extensive exchange with the film crews from Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong and Berlin have a few things in common. One of these is that both are a city of culture and creativity. Both of us are vibrant global cities with a wealth of theatres, concert halls, cinemas, and museums. Hong Kong's cultural and creative industry is one of the six priority industries promoted by the HKSAR Government. The HKSAR Government has established a Film Services Office to promote Hong Kong films and support film productions, as well as to provide one-stop and free services to filmmakers who choose Hong Kong as a filming location. We have allocated EUR 27 million to a Film Development Fund to provide financial support for the production of small-to-medium budget films, and to finance projects which are beneficial to the long-term development of the film industry," Mr Wong said.
He added, "for the German film industry, there is a very useful option which one can consider in cooperating with Hong Kong film producers, i.e. CEPA, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. CEPA provides preferential treatment for Hong Kong films when entering the markets in the mainland of China. International film production companies can partner with, invest in or form a Hong Kong-based company to enjoy the benefits of CEPA and capitalise on the experience of the Hong Kong film industry."
At the 60th Berlinale, four Hong Kong movies are screened, namely, "Echoes of the Rainbow", "True Legend", "Amphetamine" and "Little Big Soldier".
Crew members of three movies including Mr Alex Law and Ms Mable Cheung (Director and Producer of "Echoes of the Rainbow' respectively), Scud and Mr Lawrence Lau (Director and Executive Director of "Amphetamine" respectively) and Mr Ding Sheng and Mr Jackie Chan (Director and lead actor of "Little Big Soldier" respectively) graced the reception.
In addition, HKETO, Berlin lined up a press conference for the Hong Kong film crews. Media attending the conference and covering the reception included local German media TV-Berlin, ZDF, Arte, N24, RTL, MRD, Der Tagesspiegel, Berliner Zeitung, Berliner Morgenpost, BZ; as well as Hong Kong and mainland media i-cable Hong Kong and Sina.com.
On February 15, HKETO, Berlin organised the first Chinese New Year reception in Berlin since its commencement of operation in March 2009. Dr. Bernd Pfaffenbach, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, was the Guest of Honour. Miss Mary Chow, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, also attended the event. A face changing performance and a flute recital was staged. About 200 guests attended the reception.
Ends/Friday, February 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:55
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