Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supported the participation of Hong Kong films and filmmakers in the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) being held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from January 30 to February 9.
This year, IFFR proudly presents four Hong Kong films, highlighting the city's vibrant film industry and its global influence. A Hong Kong networking event was organised by the HKETO, Brussels during IFFR on February 1 when Hong Kong production "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" was screened in the same night.
Celebrating Hong Kong's dynamic cinema, the Hong Kong networking event brought together 150 Dutch and international filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts to an engaging exchange with renowned and emerging filmmakers from Hong Kong.
The Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li highlighted at the networking event that Hong Kong films and long history in cinematography was one of the strongest testimony to the lively creativity and diverse yet blended cultures of Hong Kong. "Hong Kong is the destination that inspires and realises the storylines of your coming productions", Miss Li said as she invited the audience to visit Hong Kong.
Miss Li said that, "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region actively supports the industry through the Film Development Fund, focusing on nurturing new talent, enhancing local film production, expanding international markets and building an international audience". Hong Kong spares no efforts in showcasing promising filmmakers and accomplished talents among the arts, cultural and creative sectors in Europe for more collaboration. "We aspire to strengthen the international visibility of our productions beyond this festival, to take our film industry to the next level, and to enhance Hong Kong as an international centre of arts, creativity and innovation", she added.
As one of the leading international film festivals, the IFFR in 2024 recorded 253 500 visits across its programme of 424 films, including 183 world premieres, complemented with a variety of multi-disciplinary and industry programmes. The four Hong Kong productions screened in IFFF 2025 were: The Last Dance (Dutch Premiere) by Anselm Chan, Possession Street(European Premiere) by Jack Lai, Last Song For You (European Premiere) by Jill Leung, and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In(Dutch Premiere) by Soi Cheang.
Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video)
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, met the media today (April 3), after observing the implementation of the "$2 flat rate or 80 per cent discount" on the first day at Tiu Keng Leng Station Public Transport Interchange. Following are Mr Sun's remarks at the media session:
Reporter: How do you evaluate the first-day roll-out of the scheme, and how do you address the fact that some elderly are not comprehensively understanding the whole implementation?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Today, 3rd of April, is the date when the "$2 flat rate or 80 per cent discount" is officially launched. For minibuses and for buses, the launch time was midnight today. For the MTR, it started from its first train which departed the terminal at 5.30am this morning.
So far, based on our territory-wide promotion, and also my own personal contact with the elderly through my visit to Wong Tai Sin including a public market and a restaurant, most of them are familiar with the operation of the "$2 flat rate or 80 per cent discount". They know the operation is very straightforward, for any fare that is at $10 or below, they still just need to pay $2. For fare that is over $10, the elderly just bare 20 per cent of the cost, and the rest of the fare will be borne by the Government. I gave them an example, for a bus fare that charges an adult for $15, the elderly people with JoyYou card would only have to pay $3, i.e. 20 per cent of the fare.
So, apart from today, we are also going to step up our promotion through television, radio and posters which have been posted all around Hong Kong. Also, as you can see, in 75 spots in Hong Kong, we are stationing the ambassadors for a total of three weeks. They are in the spots to help answer questions about the "$2 flat rate or 80 per cent discount". Apart from that, we have had the support of district councillors, Care Team members, and also staff of our welfare NGOs (non-governmental organisations). They are using their own ways to explain the operation of the "$2 flat rate or 80 per cent discount". We are pretty confident that the scheme is now being launched smoothly, and for those who will be using the new arrangement, they know about the operation.
Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Remarks by SLW at media session (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
