HONG KONG PREMIERES AT TOKYO FILM FESTIVAL

Japanese movie buffs are getting excited at the prospect of seeing the latest releases and all-time favourites by Hong Kong’s leading cinematographers.

The crème de la crème of Hong Kong’s film industry will be in Tokyo between 28 October and 3 November to attend the first Hong Kong Film Festival, part of the 2000 Tokyo International Film Festival. Sixteen movies primarily shot in Hong Kong will be screened at Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Tokyu theatre.

The Hong Kong SAR Government’s Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) recently held a joint press conference with the Tokyo International Foundation for the Promotion of Screen Image Culture, the 2000 Tokyo International Film Festival Organising Committee and sponsors Cathay Pacific Airways to announce details.

Chief Secretary Mrs Anson Chan will officiate on 30 October at a Grand Reception at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Tokyo for the opening of the festival.

The highlight of the reception will be the Japanese premiere of In the Mood for Love, directed by Wong Kar Wai, starring Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award recipient, Tony Leung. Wong is already a celebrated director in Japan for his previous highly successful productions Chungking Express and Happy Together.

Hong Kong Tourism Ambassador and international movie star Jackie Chan prepared a special video message for the press conference held on 14 September, declaring to more than 200 members of the media his support for the Festival and the enthusiasm for Hong Kong-produced movies in Japan.

Recently appointed Hong Kong Goodwill Ambassador and movie star Ekin Cheng expressed his delight at the popularity of Hong Kong films with Japanese audiences and the continuing support of the many long-standing fans who have supported the Hong Kong film industry over the years.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices’ principal representative in Tokyo, Cheung Man-yee, said that the Hong Kong Film Festival was the largest event of its kind to be held in Japan. “I am very happy that the Hong Kong Film Festival will present the people of Japan with an opportunity to discover more about one of Hong Kong’s most popular cultural forms,” she added.

Says HKTA Regional Director – North Asia, Kunio Kano: “These movies are an ideal way to promote all that the City of Life has to offer. We have recently seen an increase in the number of Japanese tourists to Hong Kong, many visiting specifically to experience the atmosphere conveyed at locations featured in movies such as those scheduled for screening during the Festival.”

Mr Kano said that the Hong Kong Movie Map tailored to the Japanese market has received excellent responses from both consumers and the travel trade who have started to incorporate visits to film locations into their tour itineraries.

Other films to be featured include Best Film of the 1999 Hong Kong Film Awards, Ordinary Heroes (directed by Ann Hui); The Mission (directed by Johnnie To, recipient of the Best Film Director Award at the 1999 Hong Kong Film Awards) and Tokyo Raiders, directed by Jingle Ma, which was shot in Tokyo.