Hong Kong and Italy enhance cooperation in respect of films

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) and the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual-Ministry of Culture of the Government of Italy signed of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the 80th Venice International Film Festival. The MOU aims to strengthen the co-operation in facilitating and promoting activities and exchanges related to films.

In addition to the signing of the MOU, the Hong Kong delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong, participated in a special panel discussion entitled Spotlight on Hong Kong Film Industry: The Past, Present and Exciting Future.

The Chairman of Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), Dr Wilfred Wong, introduced the FDC's subsidy schemes for Hong Kong film industry as keynote speaker, while the Assistant Head of CreateHK and Secretary-General of FDC, Mr Gary Mak, shared information about schemes which aim to encourage collaborations between Hong Kong filmmakers and their overseas counterparts.

Three Hong Kong directors of different generations, namely Mabel Cheung, Lau Ho-leung and Nick Cheuk, shared their insights on the development of Hong Kong films together with Italian filmmakers.

The delegation also met with Mr Alberto Barbera, the Artistic Director of the Venice International Film Festival, and Ms Sabrina Baracetti, the President of Udine's Far East Film Festival, to explore collaboration opportunities.

Upon invitation by the Venice International Film Festival, the delegation also attended the award ceremony for the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to Hong Kong veteran actor Tony Leung.

"The delegation to Venice International Film Festival helps strengthen collaborations and cultural exchanges in film matters between Hong Kong and Italy, which greatly echoes our role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan. We will continue to commit to promoting the development of Hong Kong film industry and establishing new connections with the international film communities." said Mr Wong.

The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong (fourth left); the Head of Create Hong Kong, Mr Victor Tsang (first right); Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (third left), the Assistant Head of Create Hong Kong and Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Mr Gary Mak (first left); the Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong (fourth right); the Head of Special Projects, Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual-Ministry of Culture of the Government of Italy, Mr Roberto Stabile (fifth left), and Hong Kong directors participated in a special panel discussion.

The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong (back row, second right), witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding by the Head of Create Hong Kong, Mr Victor Tsang (front row, right), and the Head of Special Projects, Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual-Ministry of Culture of the Government of Italy, Mr Roberto Stabile (front row, left), during the 80th Venice International Film Festival on 2 September 2023.