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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Film Development Council:
The local premiere of the film "Twilight Online" will be held this evening (September 4). This is the 23rd film financed by the Film Development Fund (FDF) to be screened in Hong Kong. The production budget for the film was $5 million, with government finance amounting to $1.5 million.
Directed by emerging filmmaker To Yuk-ching, "Twilight Online" is a horror movie and is based on two real-life events which occurred in Tuen Mun: a serious bus accident that happened on Tuen Mun Road some years ago; and a woman dressed in red who leapt to her death at Yau Oi Estate.
Not yet publicly released in Hong Kong, the film has already won internationally recognised awards at the IndieFEST Film Awards and the Accolade Global Film Competition. Its leading actor (Cheung Siu-fai) and actress (Emily Li) also scooped awards at these two events for their outstanding performances.
The Chairman of Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), Mr Ma Fung-kwok said, "The FDC is committed to nurturing talents for the industry. Through financing film productions which engage up-and-coming directors, we provide young talents with opportunities to show their flair.
"The film has attained a number of international awards. It has helped the director and her production team to build up their reputations, which is conducive to their future development. The FDC will continue to encourage the local film industry to participate in international film festivals and competitions, and promote Hong Kong films in overseas markets."
Since the Government injected $300 million into the FDF and expanded its scope to finance small-to-medium budget film productions in 2007, 30 applications have been approved involving total funding of $82.68 million.
Ends/Thursday, September 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:00
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