Hong Kong film director Johnnie To welcomed in London and Edinburgh (with photos)
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     Brand Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) have joined the film industry to support two unprecedented events in London and Edinburgh celebrating the career of renowned film director Johnnie To. The acclaimed filmmaker spoke about his career in movies at the "BAFTA A Life in Pictures" event at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London on June 22 (London time). He then attended the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) for a special screening of his film "Exiled" on June 24, followed by a talk in which he shared his experience in film in the Festival's "In Person" strand.

     "BAFTA A Life in Pictures: Johnnie To" was co-presented by BAFTA and the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), while "In Person: Johnnie To" was co-presented by the EIFF and the AFAA. The two events were financially supported by Create Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Film Development Fund, and supported by Brand Hong Kong and the London ETO. Speaking at the reception in Edinburgh, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Erica Ng, highlighted Hong Kong's success in filmmaking. She said, "Hong Kong is the third-largest film production centre in the world, and Hong Kong actors and directors have been successful in Hollywood - and some Hollywood directors are inspired by the work of their counterparts in Hong Kong."

     She added, "Over the past decade, Hong Kong movies have won over 300 international awards. This outstanding achievement has a lot to do with the creativity of our people, but is also helped by our proudly held freedom of speech and expression, free flow of information as well as protection of intellectual property rights."

     Ms Ng said that, with a remarkable career in which he has directed more than 50 and produced 70 feature films, Johnnie To is one of Hong Kong's renowned and most loved film directors, and has found great international acclaim for his films covering a variety of genres, in particular those involving crime and action. To has been named Best Director three times in the Hong Kong Film Awards, and has also won other film awards in Hong Kong and in the region. He has also received numerous nominations and commendations from film festivals around the world.

Ends/Friday, June 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:05

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