Appointments to Hong Kong Film Development Council
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     The Government today (April 12) announced that the Chief Executive has appointed 18 non-official and two ex-officio members to the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC) for two years from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2015.

     The 18 non-official members include five re-appointed members and 13 new appointees. Mr Ma Fung-kwok has been appointed as the Chairman of the HKFDC and Mr Wilfred Wong Ying-wai the Vice-chairman. The Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) will continue to be the ex-officio Vice-chairman of the HKFDC. The Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his representative is re-appointed as the other ex-officio member.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, welcomed the new members to the HKFDC. He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairman and members for their invaluable contributions.

     "I would like to particularly thank Mr Jack So for his contributions in promoting the development of the film industry of Hong Kong. Under his leadership in the past six years, the HKFDC has been proactive in supporting the development of the local film industry, promoting Hong Kong films in the Mainland and overseas, and exploring the Mainland market," said Mr So.

     The new membership of the HKFDC is as follows:

Mr Ma Fung-kwok (Chairman)
Mr Wilfred Wong Ying-wai (Vice-chairman) (re-appointed)
Mr John Chu Ka-yan (re-appointed)
Ms Mak Hei-yan (re-appointed)
Ms Shi Nan-sun (re-appointed)
Ms Tsang Lai-fun (re-appointed)
Professor Cheuk Pak-tong
Mr John Chong
Mr Chong Man-keung
Mr Kenneth Ip
Mr Jason Lam Kee-to
Ms Connie Lam Suk-yee
Mr Alexander Law Kai-yui
Mr Albert Lee
Mr Maurice Lee Wai-man
Mr Alan Mak Shiu-fai
Ms Barbara Wong Chun-chun
Ms June Wong Bo-chu
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) (Vice-chairman) (ex-officio member)
Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his representative (ex-officio member)

     The biographies of the new members are as follows:

     Mr Ma Fung-kwok is a member of the Legislative Council for the Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication Constituency. He has been an advocate of the interests of the local film industry for a long time.

     Professor Cheuk Pak-tong is the Director of the Academy of Film of Hong Kong Baptist University. He is devoted to academic research on cinema and television.

     Mr John Chong is a veteran film producer. He has been a senior executive in the film industry and served as Chief Executive Officer and Vice-chairman of Media Asia Group.

     Mr Chong Man-keung is a famous local film director and screenwriter. His recent productions won several significant awards.

     Mr Kenneth Ip is the Dean of the School of Film and Television of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He has been an experienced producer, scriptwriter, film critic and distributor in the local film industry for over 30 years.

     Mr Jason Lam Kee-to is a famous scriptwriter and an active film critic. He is currently the Vice-President of the Hong Kong Screenwriters' Guild.

     Ms Connie Lam Suk-yee is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Centre with substantial experience in arts administration and management. She is also enthusiastic in film and video productions.

     Mr Alexander Law Kai-yui is a reputable film director, producer and screenwriter. He has produced a number of successful films. His 2010 release "Echoes of the Rainbow" achieved remarkable success.

     Mr Albert Lee is the Chief Executive Officer of Emperor Motion Pictures and has rich experience in international distribution of films. Mr Lee is also a producer of a number of popular films.

     Mr Maurice Lee Wai-man is the Partner of Maurice WM Lee Solicitors. He has diversified experience in community service and was previously the Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

     Mr Alan Mak Shiu-fai is a famous local film director, producer and scriptwriter. His recent works include the "Overheard" series and "The Silent War".

     Ms Barbara Wong Chun-chun is a young film director. Her recent work "Break Up Club" was well-reviewed and successful at the box office.

     Ms June Wong Bo-chu is the General Manager of Multiplex Cinema Limited. She is proactive in bringing in the latest cinema facilities to Hong Kong.

     The HKFDC was set up in 2007 as a non-statutory and advisory committee. Comprising mainly members of the film industry, the HKFDC gives advice to the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on relevant policies and activities, including manpower training, Mainland and overseas promotion, and film support.

Ends/Friday, April 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:26

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