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The film industry in Hong Kong is as vibrant as ever and provides tremendous opportunities to local and international filmmakers.
These remarks were made by the acting Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mrs Laura Aron, today (July 30) at a press conference to announce the details of the six Hong Kong films to be featured in the Focus on Asia International Film Festival Fukuoka (IFFF) in Fukuoka, Japan.
"Our film industry and the creativity and innovation of our film talents have continued to flourish since Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China 16 years ago. The SAR continues to be a free and dynamic city with a free flow of information and freedom of expression," Mrs Aron said.
"Our access to the Mainland movie market has vastly expanded under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) - our unique free trade agreement with Mainland China.
"Foreign companies, including Japanese ones, can also enjoy preferential treatment under CEPA if they are incorporated as a Hong Kong company or if they partner with one."
Mrs Aron said that the Hong Kong Government is keen to promote the creative industries, arts and cultural development and is working to create an environment conducive to filmmaking and to promoting Hong Kong films overseas. "Over the years, Hong Kong movies have gained remarkable acclaim worldwide," she noted.
She also said the cultural and business ties between Hong Kong and Japan remain strong. Hong Kong continues to be a very safe, hospitable and welcoming place for visitors and investment from Japan and other countries.
"We look forward to ever closer co-operation between Hong Kong and Japan on all fronts," she said.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Tokyo, established in 1988, aims to promote closer economic and trade ties, understanding and co-operation, as well as cultural and tourism exchanges, between Hong Kong and Japan.
As one of the programmes to mark the 25th anniversary of the HKETO, the office has collaborated with the IFFF for the first time to bring six Hong Kong movies to the audience.
"We hope that the Hong Kong films will give the audience a better understanding of different aspects of Hong Kong, including its people, lifestyle, culture and scenery, and inspire their interest in knowing more about Hong Kong," Mrs Aron said.
The IFFF will be held between September 13 and 23 in Fukuoka. Two Hong Kong films, "The Way We Dance" and "Life Without Principle", will be featured at the festival. "The Way We Dance" is not only having its premiere screening in Japan, but is also the opening film of the IFFF. The movie has also been nominated for the Audience Award competition of the festival.
A Special Programme on Hong Kong will also be presented in the East Asian Film Festival under the IFFF, featuring four other Hong Kong movies: "A Simple life", "Nightfall", "The Great Magician" and "Overheard 2".
Ends/Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:23
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