Press Release - June 25, 2007

A selection of classic films from past and present set and filmed in Hong Kong, many of which confront issues raised by the handover head-on, opened today (Monday) at the “Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) Year-round at the VanCity Theatre” as a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

To be screened until July 7 at the VanCity theatre are 10 specially picked movies including this evening’s opening film –“Rouge” directed by Stanley Kwan and starring late Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung.

Presented by the VIFF, the “Hong Kong Stories” series features some of the best works of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed directors including Johnnie To, Stanley Kwan, John Woo, Wong Kar-wai and Ann Hui. The film series is sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Canada, and supported by the Hong Kong Film Archive.

Speaking at this evening’s opening ceremony, the HKETO Director Mr Bassanio So, said, “Hong Kong films are the ambassadors of Hong Kong. They have been recognized by the international film industry and have garnered many international awards. Hong Kong movies reflect our people’s vibrancy and creativity.”

“By introducing the ‘Hong Kong Stories’ film series, I hope our Canadian friends will have a better understanding of Hong Kong films and our creative industry. I also hope that this presentation will further foster the already strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Canada," he added.

The ten films to be shown are:
- Vancouver premiere of landmark triad epics “ELECTION I” (June 29 and July 5) and “ELECTION II” (June 29 and July 5) by Johnnie To;
- Acclaimed melodrama “ROUGE” (June 30) by Stanley Kwan;
- Two personal documentaries -- “PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF HONG KONG: AS TIME GOES BY & STILL LOVE YOU AFTER ALL THESE YEARS” (June 30) by Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan;
- Young Bruce Lee’s “THE ORPHAN” (July 1 and July 4) by Li Changfeng;
- Action-packed epic “THE KILLER” (July 1 and July 7) by John Woo;
- Visually stunning and romantic drama “AS TEARS GO BY” (July 2 and July 7) by world-acclaimed director Wong Ka-wai;
- Hong Kong Action New Wave movie “THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW” (July 2) by Johnnie Mak;
- An important landmark of the Hong Kong New Wave film “BOAT PEOPLE” (July 4 and July 6) by Ann Hui;
- World Premiere / Filmmaker at attendance “0506HK” (July 6) by Quentin Lee – part autobiography, part travelogue, and part cultural criticism film.

All screenings are shown at Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour Street). Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line at www.vifc.org or in person 30 minutes before showtime.

Tickets are $9.50 for adults (double bill - $12); $7.50 for students / seniors (double bill - $10); and $7.50 for matinees.

For tickets and information, please call the Starbucks Hotline 604.683.FILM (3456).

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For further information, please contact Stephen Siu, Assistant Director, of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office at Tel: 416-924-5425, e-mail: [email protected], or Senior Information Officer Elison Chu at Tel: 416-924-5544, e-mail: [email protected].

Photo shows (from right to left) Mr Bassanio So, Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Canada), Mr Michael Francis, Chair of the Vancouver International Film Festival, and Mr Stephen Siu, Assistant Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, at the opening reception of the “Hong Kong Stories” film series.

Click here to download a Chinese version of this press release in PDF format.