HKETO, Brussels and Create Hong Kong support Asian Summer Film Festival in Vic (with photo)

     Spanish filmgoers discovered more Hong Kong films this year, thanks to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) and Create Hong Kong, which supported the 17th Asian Summer Film Festival in Vic, Spain, from July 23 to July 26 (Vic time).

     The Asian Summer Film Festival, which opened with a Hong Kong Film Night, featured 25 films, of which five were Hong Kong productions or co-productions. They consisted of an award-winning drama, a thriller, two martial arts action comedies and the final film in the acclaimed Ip Man series.

     Addressing the audience at a business reception via video on July 23 (Vic time), Acting Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Mr Paul Leung, thanked the organisers for their efforts in bringing Hong Kong films to Spanish audiences in particularly challenging circumstances this year. He also thanked the Government of Vic for their continued support.

     Mr Leung said that films were one of the best ambassadors of Hong Kong culture and the city’s talented directors and actors have won many international accolades. Last week it was announced that the 77th Venice International Film Festival would bestow the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award on one of Hong Kong’s greatest directors, Ann Hui.

     The Government is supporting the Hong Kong film industry to get through a difficult period this year. It has earmarked around EUR 29 million (around HK$ 260 million) under the Film Development Fund to help increase the number of local film productions, nurture young directors and scriptwriting talents and enhance professional training to add value to the industry.

     Mr Leung added that HKETO, Brussels has been supporting the Asian Summer Film Festival in Vic for 10 consecutive years and hoped that the co-operation would continue. He wished the Festival every success.