With the summer holidays approaching, the Film Programmes Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the International Children's and Youth Film Carnival 2018 (ICYFC), taking viewers on journeys filled with thrills and spills – up to the mountains, down to the sea, and even further beyond.

     The ICYFC is a highlight of the International Arts Carnival and will present a selection of international animations, feature films and short films to be screened from July 6 to August 12 at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall, the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive and the Lecture Halls of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum.

     Among the nine feature films, five are fun-filled animations. In "Pixi Post & the Gift Bringers" (2016), a gift-giving genie from Japan is absent from the annual Genies' Forum for Christmas presents. Christmas elf Pixi Post is sent to the human realm to investigate, and soon uncovers a horrible scheme set to turn the world upside down. The film won Best Feature Film for Children at the Anima Mundi Festival 2017. "The Dragon Spell" (2016), based on Anton Siyanika's children's book "Nicky Tanner", tells the story of Nicky Tanner, who dreams of being a dragon slayer, tails a sorcerer and finds himself on a thrilling journey across mysterious lands in search of a dragon. "The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales" (2017) takes the audience to what could well be the craziest animal farm in the world. The film won Best Animated Film in the César Awards 2018, Best Animated Film in the Lumiere Awards 2018 and the Golden Poznan Goat prize for Best Feature Film for Children at the Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival 2017.

     "Lila's Book" (2017) tells how Lila, a picture book character, persuades Ramon, the book's owner, to take her back to the fascinating forest she lives in from the cruel real world despite all the dangers lying ahead. The film won Best Animated Feature Film (Catbus Kids Children's Jury Prize) in the Children's International Film Festival Seattle 2018 and Best Children's Film at the Warsaw Film Festival 2017. In "The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear" (2017), a quirky professor turns a giant pear into a vehicle. Together with a small elephant and a little cat, they sail towards a mysterious island and embark on an adventurous journey. The film won Best Children's Film & Best Adapted Screenplay in the Robert Awards 2018.

     The remaining four feature films include "Casper & Emma: Go Hiking" (2017), in which two kids and their toy doll friends go out of their way to play matchmaker. In "Lotte & Luise: Twins on Board" (2016), twins who were separated at a young age begin a mission to find out their birth secrets by swapping identities after a camp and move into each other's home. The film won the Second Prize (Children's Jury) for Live-action Feature at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival 2017. In "Mister Twister at the Pitch" (2016), an oddball teacher divides his time between tending to his injured mother and leading his students to victory in a football tournament. The film won the Golden Calf Audience Award at the Netherlands Film Festival 2017. In "How to Steal a Dog" (2014), a girl named Ji-so comes up with a perfect plot to steal a dog so as to improve her family conditions. Unfortunately, she lands herself in a bitter feud over a rich woman's family estate. The film won the Golden Poznan Goat prize for Best Feature Film for Children at the Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival 2015.

     The "Youthful Encounters" section features three films for youths about overcoming obstacles and challenges when growing up. In "Windstorm and the Wild Horses" (2017), Mika tries to save the hometown of her beloved stallion Windstorm by reorganising a wild horse contest. The film won Best Feature Film in the Equinale Film Festival 2017. In "Storm – Letter of Fire" (2017), a 12-year-old boy who wants to save his father fights against tyranny for justice and becomes a mover and shaker in a big era. The film won the Starboy Prize (Children's Jury) at the Oulu International Children's and Youth Film Festival 2017. In "The Day My Father Became a Bush" (2016), war strikes and a father is drafted to go to the battlefield. His little daughter is left to her own devices, having to seek refuge with her mother in a neighbouring country. The film won Best Dutch Family Film (Cinekid Lion Jury Award) in the Cinekid Festival 2017 and Best Film (Professional Jury) at the KinoKino International Film Festival for Children 2017.

     The "Film Tunnel" section features "The Iron Giant" (1999), based on a sci-fi novel written by British children's book author Ted Hughes to his daughter. Set in 1957 when various countries were at odds during the Cold War, the novel not only celebrates the protagonists' friendship, but carries even bigger messages – no war and no nukes. The 2015 "signature edition", a re-edited and restored version two minutes longer than the original film, will be shown. The award-winning work won recognition with prizes including Best Feature Film (BAFTA Children's Award) in the BAFTA Awards 2000 and a total of nine awards in the Annie Awards 1999 including Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Theatrical Feature, Outstanding Individual Achievement for Directing, Outstanding Individual Achievement for Writing, Outstanding Individual Achievement for Effects Animation and Outstanding Individual Achievement for Music.

     Experienced dubbing artists Pat Kwok and Kinson Lai will perform live Cantonese dubbing for "Casper & Emma: Go Hiking", "Pixi Post & the Gift Bringers" and "The Dragon Spell", which will also have English subtitles. The other films have Chinese and English subtitles.

     Apart from the feature films, 23 animations and shorts from around the world grouped into three programmes, which are suitable for both children and youths, will be screened during the ICYFC in the "World Animation & Shorts" section. Numerous adorable new characters will be introduced, such as a grumpy toad, a penguin who finds life too chilly, a selfie cat, and Johnny the space delivery courier. Ken Kwan, a veteran scriptwriter, director and actor of children's drama, will host interactive activities in Cantonese during the intervals for some of the programmes.

     In addition, three sessions of the Hand-painted Film Workshop, organised for the first time by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, will be held on July 15 in Cantonese for children aged 5 to 12 to work on an animation together and experience the joy and excitement of creating and projecting hand-drawn images frame by frame. The workshops will be held at the Function Room (AC2), Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets for all screenings and workshops, priced at $60 and $90 respectively, will be available from tomorrow (May 11) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries, please call 2734 2900 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en_US/web/fpo/programmes/2018icyfc/index.html.    

            

     This summer, the International Arts Carnival (IAC) will offer a splendid array of inspirational and enjoyable programmes for all. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the annual summer arts festival will run from July 6 to August 12 and will feature a series of arts programmes for families.
 
     In this year's carnival, performing groups from the Mainland, Australia, Belgium, Korea, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), along with local groups, will present a variety of programmes including ballet, electroluminescent puppetry, music theatre, multimedia circus theatre, multimedia shadow puppet theatre and magic. Films from around the world will also be screened.
 
     Renowned for its pioneering productions and technical excellence, the Scottish Ballet from the UK will start the festival with a delightful balletic feast in "Hansel & Gretel", bringing the Brothers Grimm story to the world of classical ballet with exquisite choreography and ingenious sets and costumes.

     Lightwire Theater from the US, an "America's Got Talent" semi-finalist troupe, will bring the uplifting show "Moon Mouse" with creative dance performers clad in black and wired with electroluminescent technology. Equally visually attractive is "Air Play" by Acrobuffos from the US, featuring filmy fabrics that float on high, glitzy confetti dance and balloons. "SNAP" by Korea's Gruejarm Production fuses the skills of illusionists in a stunning surrealistic mystery. It received a rapturous reception at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in two consecutive years.

     "Ukulele Ohana Jam" by IMY Creations will share the wide-ranging ukulele repertoire of three generations of players to showcase the spellbinding sounds of Hawaii. Drop Bear Theatre & the SEAM from Australia will offer a stimulating encounter in "Rain" for babies in arms and crawlers to hear, see and touch the arts. "Carrousel des Moutons" by d'irque & fien from Belgium will deliver an unconventional theatre work with live piano music and acrobatics. Upswing from the UK will bring "Bedtime Stories", turning the stage into bedroom sets for a dreamy adventure featuring 3D animation and aerial silk acrobatics.

     Other attractive programmes will include:
 
* "The Book of Magic" by Class 7A Drama Group;
* "Mulan" by Shanghai Puppet Theatre;
* "I Wish I Could Make a Wish – A Theatre Concert of Jimmy" by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra;
* "Fun Ride with Big Beard – Dancing Poems" by Hong Kong Dance Company;
* "BAUHAUS Magic Flute Playground" by Zuni Icosahedron;
* "B Free" by CCDC Dance Centre & Dance Theatre Auraco;
* International Children's and Youth Film Carnival 2018 by the Film Programmes Office;
* 2018 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp Concerts by the Music Office
 
     There will also be the Summer Fun Party presented by the Entertainment Office and outreach and school touring programmes. Workshops, backstage tours and an exhibition will also be part of the extension activities of the IAC.
 
     Tickets will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from tomorrow (May 11) onwards. For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999.

     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk.

        

     Olympian City 2 in Mong Kok discharged sub-standard wastewater into communal sewers and thereby violated the requirements of the wastewater discharge licence. The shopping mall was fined $20,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 10) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     Environmental Protection Department (EPD) enforcement officers conducted an inspection at Olympian City 2 in Mong Kok last October and found that wastewater discharged by one of the grease traps at the shopping mall was relatively turbid, and it was suspected that wastewater was not properly treated before being discharged to communal sewers. EPD officers then collected wastewater samples for analysis and the results showed that the biochemical oxygen demand as well as the concentrations of oil and grease exceeded the upper limits of the wastewater discharge licence. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the property management company of the shopping mall in accordance with the WPCO.

     A spokesperson for the EPD reminded all wastewater discharge licensees, including premises occupants and property management companies, that they should ensure proper operation of their wastewater treatment facilities and strictly adhere to the discharge standards as stipulated in the licence to prevent the discharge of sub-standard wastewater, which may lead to blockage of public sewers downstream, or adversely affect the normal operation of the Government's sewage treatment plants. EPD officers will conduct inspections and collect wastewater samples from relevant premises from time to time to combat illegal discharge.

     Under the WPCO, anyone who discharges commercial or industrial wastewater into communal sewers and does not comply with the standard of the discharge licence commits an offence. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (May 10) announced details of the Pilot Bond Grant Scheme (PBGS) as promulgated in the 2018-19 Budget, and progress of other bond market-related initiatives.
 
     The key eligibility criteria for the PBGS are as follows:
 

 
     The commencement date of the PBGS will be the date of the completion of legislative process for the 2018-19 Budget. The PBGS will be valid for a period of three years.
 
     Details of the PBGS are set out in an industry circular issued by the HKMA today.
 
     The HKMA has also made good progress on the other bond market-related initiatives:

• The HKMA is working with the Government in implementing the enhancements to the Qualifying Debt Instrument (QDI) Scheme by amending the existing law. The effective date of the enhancements, which would expand the profit tax exemption coverage*, will be announced after the completion of legislative process.
• The HKMA has appointed an advisor to study relevant issues in respect of green finance in Hong Kong and the Government green bond issue and will report the findings to the Government. Subject to legislative process, the HKMA stands ready to assist the Government by selecting an arranger(s) to issue the inaugural green bond.
• The HKMA and the International Capital Market Association will co-host the Green and Social Bond Principles Annual General Meeting and Conference on June 14, 2018. The following morning, the HKMA and the People's Bank of China will organise a joint seminar on Mainland-Hong Kong green finance opportunities.

     Commenting on these initiatives, the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said, "Bond market is an important and growing component of Hong Kong's capital markets. The slate of measures being rolled out, together with initiatives in recent years such as Bond Connect, will bring more diversity, liquidity and business to our market. We will work with market participants closely on the implementation of these measures and continue to promote the growth of Hong Kong's financial services sector."
 
*The enhancements will extend the 100 per cent profits tax exemption from debt instruments with an original maturity of not less than seven years to instruments of any duration; and will allow debt instruments listed on the SEHK to become eligible as a QDI, in addition to instruments lodged and cleared by the CMU of the HKMA.

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (May 10) announced that the department collected eight liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in April 2018 for laboratory tests. The results showed that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.

     The detailed test results are available on the EMSD's website (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/sgi/lpg_smpl_analysis.shtml). Enquiries can also be made to the EMSD's hotline on 2333 3762.

     In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.