Hats off to Hong Kong Cinema at the 10th Paris Cinema International Film Festival

Press release: 7 June 2012 (Hong Kong) ― In an unprecedented collaboration with the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (PCIFF) unveiled today the full selection of its special programme Hong Kong in Focus, an extensive showcase of over 80 titles from the Asian tiger’s long-standing and ever-growing cinema. Financially supported by Create Hong Kong, Film Development Fund and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels , the programme will run from 29 June to 10 July, celebrating the 10 th anniversary of the PCIFF and the 15 th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Ms. Charlotte Rampling, President of the PCIFF, commented, “Hong Kong has been chosen for its renowned position in Asian cinema and the appeal of Hong Kong films in France . For the very first time, the PCIFF will introduce a wealth of Hong Kong films to celebrate the long tradition and amazing creativity of Hong Kong cinema, its artists and its dynamic industry. A tribute to a major movie capital from another!”

The eclectic programme will introduce audiences to little-seen gems from the ‘50s and ‘60s, from

LEE Tit’s masterpiece (1955) to Patrick LUNG Kong’s sensational social realist drama

(1969); classics and rare works by New Wave helmers including

Allen FONG, Ann HUI, Patrick TAM,

TSUI Hark and YIM Ho; more recent and acclaimed titles by established names such as

Fruit CHAN, Peter CHAN,

Stanley KWAN and WONG Kar Wai; and a collection of short films by up and coming talents selected by the Fresh Wave - International Short Film Festival. At once entertaining and informative, the programme presents a panorama of Hong Kong ’s changing cinematic and social landscapes from the ‘50s to the present day.

Set to kick off with a tribute to

Johnnie TOwho will travel to Paris with veteran thesp LAU Ching-wan especially for the event, the 10 th PCIFF will present an all-night show on 29 June of four early works by the versatile auteur, including (1995),

(1997), (1998) and

(1999). There will be a parallel adrenaline-pumping overnight cult movie marathon, spiced up with the stylised action of

LAM Nai-choi’s (1991), and the crime thriller (1993) by Herman YAU. The festivity will continue with a

Johnnie TO master class on 1 July, a round table on Hong Kong New Wave with

Allen FONG on 4 July, and a high-profile cocktail party, “Hong Kong Night at Paris Cinema”, skedded for 3 July at Shangri-La Hotel with well-known guests from world-class action choreographer

YUEN Wo Ping to notable young director

Heiward MAK and two-time winner of the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress,

Kara Hui.

Mr. Jack SO, GBS, OBE, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIFFS, Mr. Peter LAM, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, and Ms. Mary CHOW, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, will also be attending as representatives of the Hong Kong host organisations.

Apart from the screenings and star-studded events, local director

Jessey TSANG Tsui-shan and producer Teresa KWONG have been invited to Paris Project, the PCIFF’s development and financing platform for film projects worldwide. They will bring to Paris their latest , an official selection of the 10 th Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) that took place in March 2012. Also attending are directorFlora GOHand producer

Melissa LEE, who have been selected for their story,

(formerly known as ).

“Cinema has always been an integral part of Hong Kong culture,” said Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIFFS. “It deeply reflects and shapes the way we live. We have had great pleasure in collaborating with the PCIFF and are grateful to receive such recognition for our cinematic heritage and film industry.”

A full list of film titles is now available online atwww.pariscinema.org/uk. Film stills of selected titles can be viewed athttp://www.flickr.com/photos/47659546@N07/sets.

Actress Kara HUI (left) and actor LAU Ching-wan (right) will attend the Hong Kong in Focus programme at the 10 th Paris Cinema International Film Festival.

About The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited (HKIFFS)

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong .

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organises three annual flagship events in March and April: the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

 

About Paris Cinema International Film Festival (PCIFF)

The Paris Cinema International Film Festival (PCIFF) was initiated by the City Of Paris in 2003, and is chaired since 2006 by the actress Charlotte Rampling. Each year during the first two weeks of July, the festival aims to embody the outstanding vitality of cinema and the exceptional variety of films, cinematic genres, programmes, audiences and venues that Paris offers all year long.

The Paris Cinema IFF features an outline of the world contemporary cinema through an international competition and daily prestigious premieres presented by their cast. With more than 250 films screened during twelve days in emblematic spots of the French capital (including exciting and vibrant retrospectives), the Paris Cinema IFF gathers every year more than 70,000 visitors.