Press Release - October 26, 2002

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), the official representative of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Canada, last (October 25) night held a �Seminar on Action Film Production� in Vancouver to examine the development of Hong Kong�s kung fu films and share the Eastern and Western perspectives on action film production.

Addressing the seminar, which is co-organized by HKETO and Pacific Cinematheque, the Director of the HKETO, Mrs Rosanna Ure, said: �In recent years, Hong Kong kung fu film has extended its influence to the western world.

�By organizing this seminar, we hope to provide a platform for idea exchange and experience sharing. It will be interesting to hear how the panel speakers look at different philosophies and techniques in Hong Kong kung fu films and their analysis of the future influence of this unique Hong Kong product in western cinema,�

Guest speakers for today�s seminar included Professor Sharon McGowan, University of British Columbia Film Program; Shan Tam, an award-winning film and television producer with both Hong Kong and Canadian experience; Elly Leung, a veteran film and television actor from Hong Kong and Raymond Massey, a local film producer.

From the legendary Wong Fai Hung series in the 50s, King Wu�s classical sword-play films in the 60s, Bruce Lee�s authentic kung fu in the 70s and Jackie Chan�s kung fu comedies in the 80s and 90s, there have been tremendous developments in Hong Kong kung fu films in terms of style, technique and production.

�Although there have been ups and downs in popularity, kung fu films as a genre has never disappeared from the Hong Kong cinema. In fact, it has had an enormous impact on many other types of Hong Kong films, � said Mrs Ure.

In recent years, Hong Kong kung fu film has extended its influence to the western world, as Hong Kong action film directors and stars are gaining increasing recognition and popularity in Hollywood.

�The interaction of the east and west on action film production has injected new ideas, techniques and perspectives in Hong Kong as well as western action films,� she added.

Participants of the seminar examined the production of Hong Kong kung fu film from Eastern and Western perspectives and analyzed how the martial arts choreographed by Hong Kong film directors and producers have found their way into international film and television arena.

The seminar was as an integral part of �Hong Kong � From Reel to Real� promotional event which will last until November 4. It includes a large-scale �Building a Dynamic Hong Kong� photo exhibition, a Hong Kong kung fu film series entitled �Hong Kong Action Films � Turning Fantasy to Reality�, and a collection of four Hong Kong contemporary films which make up the �Hong Kong Spotlight � Gems from Asia�s Hollywood� at this year�s Vancouver Asian Film Festival.

The �Hong Kong � From Reel to Real� is supported by Fairchild TV, Talentvision, AM 1470, FM96.1 and Ming Pao as its media sponsor. The Long Shong Group has rendered assistance in organising the kung fu film series.



For more information, please contact:
John Tam, Chief Information Officer of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at: (416) 924-5544 or email: [email protected] or
Elison Chu, Senior Information Office, [email protected] or
Catherine Yuen, Principal Consultant (Communications) at (604)331-1300 or
[email protected]