Ten outstanding Hong Kong films comprising martial arts, drama and Hong Kong-style comedy will be screened at the 2019 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) from June 28 to July 14 (New York time) in New York to showcase the many faces of Hong Kong cinema.  
 
     Meanwhile, acclaimed Hong Kong action choreographer and director Yuen Woo-ping was presented with the prestigious Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award by the festival organisers on July 1 (New York time)  in recognition of his substantial contribution to contemporary kung-fu and action movies. Following the award presentation, Yuen's latest feature, "Master Z: Ip Man Legacy", was screened to a full house the same evening. His other two classics, "The Miracle Fighters" and "Iron Monkey", will also be screened, on July 2 and 3 (New York time) respectively.
 
     Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Joanne Chu, praised Yuen for his tremendous contribution to the development of Hong Kong action cinema, and for bringing the unique Hong Kong kung-fu movies to the world stage. Having served in the film industry for more than 50 years, Yuen has produced countless classic action movies from Hong Kong to Hollywood.
 
     In addition to Yuen, other Hong Kong film talents will also attend the screenings at the NYAFF. Among them, film director Lee Cheuk-pan, along with cast members Hanna Chan and Kyle Li, will attend the US premiere of "G Affairs" on July 9 (New York time). Actress Crisel Consunji, winner of Best New Performer at the 38th Hong Kong Film Awards, will attend the New York premiere of "Still Human" on July 14 (New York time).

     Ms Chu said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to supporting the long-term development of the film industry. Two films showcased at this year's festival – "G Affairs" and "Still Human"– are winners of the Third First Feature Film Initiative (FFFI), and received funding support through the Government’s Film Development Fund. The FFFI is one of the Government’s initiatives to help identify and nurture new talent, as well as providing financial support for new directors and their film production teams to make their first feature films.

     The HKETONY has participated in the NYAFF for 11 consecutive years to promote the "Hong Kong Films" brand and showcase its home-grown film talents to the US audience. Other movies featured in the Hong Kong Panorama film series include the international premiere of "The Attorney" and the North American premieres of "The Fatal Raid" and "See You Tomorrow", and "Missbehaviour".

Ends/Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Issued at HKT 12:56

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