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​Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Hong Kong films took centre stage at the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with an impressive line-up of 11 films across various genres under the "Hong Kong Panorama" film series, including two world premieres and four North American premieres.
Among others, the multitalented Hong Kong entertainer Nicholas Tse was presented with the prestigious Star Asia Award on July 17 (New York time) for his dedication and breakthrough performances over the years.
The HKETONY hosted a special reception for Tse before the award presentation ceremony and the North American premiere of his latest work "Customs Frontline", which marks his debut as an action choreographer. He was cheered by a full house at the Walter Reade Theater of Film at Lincoln Center.
Congratulating Tse, the Director of HKETONY, Ms Maisie Ho, said his outstanding performances in various roles have captivated audiences around the world and are testaments to the depth and versatility of Hong Kong's talent and films.
"Building on our rich film legacy and tradition, our talented filmmakers continue to innovate and explore new genres, as they seek to transcend borders with their visionary approach and versatile performances that exemplify a unique blend of artistry, innovation, and unparalleled cinematic experience," Ms Ho said.
She added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continues to support the development of Hong Kong's film industry through various initiatives, including enhancing local film production, nurturing talent, expanding markets and audiences globally.
This year's "Hong Kong Panorama" is showcasing three films that have received such support. "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Love Lies" are winners of the Hong Kong Film Development Council's 6th First Feature Film Initiative, while "Inexternal" received support under the Film Production Financing Scheme.
Earlier in the week, the NYAFF bestowed the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award on veteran actor Tai Bo. An indispensable presence in Hong Kong cinema, Tai Bo's natural on-screen talent has earned him numerous awards. The New York audience had the chance to see his riveting performances in "All Shall Be Well" and "Twilight Kiss", along with "For Alice" at the festival.
The NYAFF has also selected "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", one of Hong Kong's most-watched films of all times, as its closing film of the season, to be shown on July 28. The film is a testament to Hong Kong's martial arts and action choreographic excellence. The screening will be the North American premiere of the film.
Aside from Tse and Tai Bo, other filmmakers in attendance at the NYAFF include actor Philip Ng; actresses Patra Au, Josie Ho and Kuku So; directors Chow Kam-wing, Sasha Chuk, Ho Miu-ki, Ray Yeung; producer John Chong; and screenwriter Lam Tsz-ki.
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, yesterday (July 17) led a Hong Kong Customs delegation to Xiamen, Fujian Province, for a two-day visit.
Yesterday afternoon, Ms Ho attended the launching ceremony of the Fujian-Guangdong-Hong Kong Single E-lock Scheme. In her speech, Ms Ho said that the official launch of the three Customs clearance points of the Single E-lock Scheme in Fujian will help further promote interconnection and facilitate the flow of goods between Fujian, Guangdong and Hong Kong, and mark a new breakthrough in clearance facilitation and co-operation between Mainland and Hong Kong Customs.
Ms Ho said she hopes the extension of the Scheme to Xiamen Customs District would enhance the efficiency of cross-boundary logistics and further promote Xiamen's various products to overseas markets, consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international logistics centre, and create a win-win situation for trade between the two places.
Three transportation trucks carrying transshipment goods departed from the three clearance points in Fujian respectively through the Scheme yesterday and successfully arrived at Hong Kong International Airport via the Shenzhen Bay Control Point today (July 18), where the goods were ready for transshipment to overseas destinations. Following Guangdong Province and Hunan Province, Fujian Province is the third Mainland province to implement the Scheme. Fujian-Guangdong-Hong Kong Customs could streamline the clearance process and expedite the flow of cargo transshipment by reducing duplicated inspection of the same consignment under the Scheme.
Ms Ho yesterday also separately met with Vice Governor of the Fujian Provincial People's Government Mr Wang Jinfu; Vice Mayor of the Xiamen Municipal People's Government Mr Huang Yantian; the Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Kuiwen; and the Director General in Xiamen Customs District, Mr Zhu Guangyao. She expressed her gratitude for their dedicated support and co-ordination in extending the Scheme to Xiamen Customs District, and exchanged views on leveraging opportunities of the GBA development and deepening co-operation.
During her visit to Xiamen, Ms Ho will also tour the Monitoring and Command Centre of Xiamen Customs District, the Xiamen Inbound and Outbound Express Supervision Center and the World Customs Organization Asia-Pacific Regional Training Centre and BRICS Customs Training Center, as well as the Customs facilities in Haicang Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone and the Xiamen International Shipping Center, to learn about the latest logistics and training developments.
The Lands Department today (July 18) posted land resumption and acquisition notices in accordance with section 4 of the Lands Resumption Ordinance (Chapter 124) and section 4 of the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance (Chapter 130) respectively for implementation of public housing development at To Yuen Tung, Tai Po.
Four private lots with a total area of about 1 676 square metres will be resumed, and the land being occupied by four graves with a total area of about 38 square metres will be acquired by the Government. The said land will revert to or vest in the Government upon the expiry of a period of three months from the date of affixing the notices (i.e. October 19).
The Government will closely liaise with the relevant land owners and affected parties, and properly handle their compensation and rehousing matters.
The public housing development at To Yuen Tung, Tai Po, will provide about 2 300 residential units with the earliest population intake anticipated in 2032-33.
​The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (July 18) the "Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service" (the Service) in collaboration with the Public Security Police Force, the Identification Services Bureau, the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau and the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao will be launched tomorrow (July 19). This initiative aims at providing faster and more convenient immigration clearance service for eligible Hong Kong residents and Macao residents.
Under the new measure, Hong Kong residents (i) aged 11 or above; (ii) holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong identity card containing ‘*’, ‘***’ or ‘R’ symbol; and (iii) having successfully registered for using the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR, are eligible to activate the Service with the "Contactless e-Channel" mobile application. After successful activation with the mobile application, they can generate an encrypted QR code through the mobile application for using the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR to complete the automated immigration clearance. Meanwhile, eligible Macao permanent residents can generate an encrypted QR code through the "Macao One Account" mobile application for using e-Channels to complete the automated immigration clearance.
For details of the Service, please visit the ImmD's website at www.immd.gov.hk/hkmaqr. For enquiries, please contact the ImmD by calling the enquiry hotline (2824 6111), by fax (2877 7711) or by email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk).