Curtain Set To Rise On Hong Kong Day At AFM®

3 November 2016 (2 November 2016 in United States) – Hong Kong Day at the American Film Market (AFM^®) is set to open tomorrow in Santa Monica, United States. Stella Poon, Director, Los Angeles, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Jonathan Wolf, Managing Director, American Film Market (AFM®) welcomed the seventh edition of the event, which is jointly organised by the AFM^® and the HKTDC. Hong Kong Day features events and screenings highlighting international opportunities for film production in Hong Kong.

Connecting the global film industry
Hong Kong’s advantages as a production service base for global filmmakers are the central theme of Hong Kong Day at AFM. A seminar entitled “Hong Kong: The Next Generation of Project Management for Production in Asia” will feature speakers from Hong Kong and the US film industry discussing various advantages and experiences. A Hong Kong Reception is also arranged to give attendees a chance to network with film industry leaders from Hong Kong and around the world. Meanwhile, film premieres throughout 3 and 4 November by Hong Kong companies showcase some of the top work taking place in the region.

“Hong Kong is a perfect production and service hub for international film business in Asia,” said Mr Wolf. “We are delighted to support this showcase of Hong Kong at the AFM and help build even stronger global film ties.”

“With the rapid development of the entertainment business in Asia, especially China, there is a growing trend for cross-boundary film production,” said Ms Poon. “In this context, production companies need local partners with technical sophistication as well as a firm understanding of regional industry dynamics. Hong Kong’s strong talent pool of film and service professionals familiar in working with both Eastern and Western film projects leaves it uniquely suited to thrive in this kind of role.”

Ms Poon also underscored the benefits for international filmmakers teaming up with Hong Kong partners to take advantage of the unique free trade pact between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, called the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). Under CEPA, Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions are not subject to quotas and restrictions that are normally placed on foreign films being shown on the mainland.    

Hong Kong at the movies
The following films will be presented by Hong Kong companies on Hong Kong Day:

• Vampire Cleanup Department from Young Live Entertainment (HK) Company Limited

• Screening at ArcLight 6, November 3 (Thu) 13:30

And at ArcLight 4, November 4 (Fri) 13:30        

• Operation Mekong from Distribution Workshop

• Screening at ArcLight 5, November 3 (Thu) 15:00

• Call Of Heroes from Universe Films Distribution Company Limited

• screening at AMC Santa Monica 3, November 3 (Thu) 15:00

• Line Walker from Media Asia Distribution Limited

• Screening at AMC Santa Monica 2, November 4 (Fri) 11:30

• Cold War 2 from Edko Films Limited

• Screening at AMC Santa Monica 3, November 4 (Fri) 15:00    

• Three from Media Asia Distribution Limited

• Screening at ArcLight 2, November 4 (Fri) 15:30 

Programme Rundown:

Seminar – “Hong Kong: The Next Generation of Project Management for Production in Asia”

Panel :           Mr Fred Wang, Chairman, Salon Films; Mr Joseph Yeung, Executive

Director, HLCG Film Guarantors Ltd, Mr Maria Lo Orzel, Producer, Studio Strada

Time   :           2:30pm - 4pm

Venue            :           AFM Studio, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Details            :           No RSVP required; open to all AFM badge-holders

(Seating is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis)

Hong Kong Reception

Time   :           5:30pm - 7:30pm

Venue            :           Ocean & Vine Restaurant, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Details            :           Invitation only

Hong Kong Companies at AFM

Media Enquiries: Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Joe Kainz     Tel: (852) 2584 4216           Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About the HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.