The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) continues its support for the Hong Kong film industry by once again sponsoring the FILMASIA festival in Prague. The 15th edition of the film festival honours the works of the legendary Hong Kong actor, director and choreographer Sammo Hung. Seven martial arts films from Hong Kong and Asia are displayed throughout the festival from December 5 to 8 (Prague time), including Sammo Hung's action-loaded production "The Bodyguard" being featured at the opening ceremony.
This year's edition of FILMASIA discovers the traces of influence of Hong Kong films on contemporary action films. Since the generation of Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, viewers from around the world have been fascinated by the choreographies and stunts in Hong Kong’s action films, which have also significantly inspired martial arts production from other parts of the world. To honour the achievement of the Hong Kong action films and its contribution to the film industry, FILMASIA will present four action film titles from Hong Kong: "The Bodyguard", "Once upon a time in China", "SPL II: A time for consequences" and "Project A" alongside other Asian film adaptions.
Sammo Hung has been at the centre of the action film genre for more than four decades. At a young age Sammo Hung began his career as a child actor. His passion for martial arts and films later led him to become one of the leading figures in Hong Kong's martial arts film era in the 1970s. Since then, he has starred in more than two hundred roles and was involved in producing roughly one hundred films as a choreographer and action director. The films from Hong Kong and Asia at large shown throughout this festival give a little glimpse into the gravity of his works, and would definitely spark interest in Hong Kong's film industry for many viewers in Prague.
In his speech at the opening of FILMASIA on December 5 (Prague time), the Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Bill Li, talked about Hong Kong's commitment to arts and culture, mentioning that Hong Kong hosts Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), the biggest trade fair in Asia's entertainment industry every year in March. In outlining the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s support for the film industry, he noted that the government injected HK$1 billion into the Film Development Fund to nurture local talent, enhance local production, expand markets and build wider audiences.
Hong Kong has a rich history in action film. As an arts and cultural hub in Asia, Hong Kong is known for being a source of extraordinary film talents. Young filmmakers and actors frequently bring new ideas to enrich Hong Kong's film industry. The film industry like other creative industries is an important economic driver for Hong Kong. With the aim of attracting highly qualified, talented professionals from around the world, the government has drawn up the Talent List which comprises 11 professions which receive facilitated access when settling to Hong Kong. As part of the Talent List, Hong Kong welcomes creative industry professionals in music, digital entertainment and films to join its dynamic creative industry.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official HKSAR Government representation in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in the Czech Republic as well as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
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