Press Release - November 13, 2001
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), in recognition of its ten years in Canada, launched the Hong Kong Arts Festival today, with the showing of �Living in Hong Kong � Past and Present�, an exhibition of some 80 photos depicting life in Hong Kong over the last 50 years.

�As the preferred destination of Hong Kong immigrants over the past decade, the relationship between Hong Kong and Canada, and in particular Toronto, has become very strong and a better appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage and values is apparent here in Toronto�, said Rosanna Ure, Director of the HKETO in Canada.

�Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, has a uniquely rich and diversified cultural life. While promoting business links with Canada, HKETO would also like to introduce to Canadians, through the launch of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the great variety and richness of the city�s arts and culture,� she added.

The photos in the exhibit are arranged under the themes of �Dressing�, �Eating�, �Living� and �Commuting�, depicting life in Hong Kong from 1950 to present day. They will be shown until November 16 at the New City Hall. From November 19 to 29, they will be displayed in the foyer of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, at 5183 Sheppard Avenue East.

The Festival continues with HKETO�s participation as the �Hong Kong Spotlight� presenting sponsor of the Reel Asian International Film Festival. Four Hong Kong films are to be featured on November 24 and 25. Included in the Festival is a Filmmakers� Seminar �An Introduction to the International Co-production: Canada, Hong Kong, and Accessing Asia� on November 20. Panelists include professionals of the film industry from both Hong Kong and Canada. Mr. Simon Chung, an independent filmmaker from Hong Kong, whose film �Leaving Sorrowfully� is included in the Festival this year, will take part in the discussion.

HKETO is also the presenting sponsor of the premiere Canadian performance of the Hong Kong Ballet. In town for only one night, the internationally-acclaimed company will present "The Last Emperor", which depicts the turbulent life of Pu Yi, China�s last emperor.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival closes on November 29, with a special screening of a classical film made in 1960, starring a young Bruce Lee. �The Orphan� is the story of the struggle between the headmaster of a school for orphans and one of the students (Bruce Lee), who shows a tendency to delinquent behaviour.

HKETO is the official representative of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Canada with a mandate to promote Hong Kong's interests across Canada. It also maintains a small information office in Vancouver.

For further information please contact Senior Information Officer, Elison Chu at 416-924-5544 / [email protected]