Posted in: Press Releases

September 13th, 2011

Hong Kong film A Simple Life, directed by Miss Ann Hui, is being screened as a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this week, after winning a major award at the Venice International Film Festival.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Toronto today (Tuesday) organized a special luncheon for the film’s director Miss Ann Hui and scriptwriter Roger Lee to meet with the media and people from the film sector in Toronto. The occasion also served as a celebration of the success of A Simple Life at the 68^th Venice International Film Festival. Miss Deanie Ip, who played a lead role in the film, was given the Best Actress award at the Venice festival.  A Simple Life, based on a true story between Roger Lee and his amah (nanny), focuses on the relationship between a young man and a family servant.

A Simple Life is one of the two Hong Kong films featured at the 36^th TIFF this year. Another one is Johnnie To’s Life Without Principle. Both have received excellent critics’ reviews. Life Without Principle is also a special presentation at the festival.

In her remarks at the luncheon, HKETO Director Miss Gloria Lo said she was glad that A Simple Life was selected to screen at the TIFF. She said, “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Miss Ann Hui, Mr Roger Lee, Mr Andy Lau and Miss Deanie Ip of A Simple Life for making Hong Kong films more known in the international scene. The award is not only an international recognition of Deanie’s outstanding achievement, but a testimony of the level of excellence in Hong Kong’s film industry.”

Over the past decade, Hong Kong movies and film talents have won over 300 international awards. Not too long ago, Hong Kong-produced film Echoes and the Rainbow won the Crystal Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival.

“The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to support the film industry. We have the Film Services Office to provide support for filmmakers filming in Hong Kong,” Miss Lo said. “The impressive and outstanding achievements of A Simple Life have not just brought our film industry to new heights but also given immense encouragement to all in the industry. It also helps to further promote the image and success of Hong Kong.”

Currently, the Hong Kong Film Development Fund provides some financial support to the industry. Also, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) has opened the door for more Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions.

Hong Kong film A Simple Life, directed by Miss Ann Hui, is being screened as a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival this week, after winning a major award at the Venice International Film Festival. Picture shows Miss Hui sharing her excitement at the luncheon.

A Simple Life focuses on the relationship between a young man and a family servant. It is based on a true story between the scriptwriter Roger Lee and his amah (nanny). Picture shows Mr Lee talking about the touching story.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Toronto organized a luncheon for Anne Hui and Roger Lee, director and scriptwriter of A Simple Life, to meet with people from the film sector and media in Toronto. From Left: Andrew Yui, Director (Canada) of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Roger Lee, scriptwriter; Gloria Lo, HKETO Director; Ann Hui, Director; Heather Keung, Artistic Director of Toronto Asian International Film Festival; and Stephen Siu, Assistant Director of HKETO.

Chinese version on next page.

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