Hong Kong Week a hit for HKNZBA

President Eva Ho says the week contained several elements, all of which combined to give Hong Kong a great profile.

The week started with a trade and tourism exhibition in Newmarket, Auckland, featuring material from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Tourism Board and Invest Hong Kong.

The location of the exhibition was chosen for its exposure during the Hong Kong Film festival, which took place at the Rialto Cinema complex in Newmarket from September 16 – 20.

The film festival saw five award-winning films representing the latest genre in movie making from Hong Kong. Four of the movies were in Cantonese and the fifth in Mandarin, all with English subtitles and some with Chinese subtitles too. Director Ann Hui, whose movie “The Way We Are” was the premier film, recorded a special message for the premier.

The film festival was curated by Alex Lee, founder of the Asian New Zealand Film Festival Trust and sponsored by HKETO. Kathryn Bennett, group manager Rialto Cinemas, was delighted with the response to the festival, especially as it was its first year and only had a short season.

A Chinese food and NZ wine appreciate banquet hosted early in the week was attended by nearly 200 people. Sponsored by HKTDC it successfully provided a focus on HK’s drive to become the wine hub for Asia. HKTDC Director Bonnie Shek told guests that more than 36 New Zealand wineries were now lined up to attend the HK Wine Fair later this year.

A film seminar just prior to the first movie screening, also promises to deliver more interest in Hong Kong, and a strong contingent of people from NZ’s film sector to attend FILMART in Hong Kong in March next year. The seminar focused on an impending Audio Visual Agreement for the film and digital sectors. The agreement is widely seen as a precursor to a full blown Film Coproduction Treaty between the two countries.

Eva Ho says the week was far too short for many, who want to see it back next year. She says the HKNZBA is thrilled with the result and optimistic of receiving great support next year.

She expressed special thanks to sponsors – HKETO, HKTDC, Asia NZ Foundation, Religion, Flipmind, Triangle and Stratos Television, NZ Chinese Herald and Mandarin Pages, HP8 and Twilight Vineyards.

Click here to see photos from the HK Week Banquet and the Film Festival Opening Cocktail function.