Hong Kong Film Delegation Shines at 27th Far East Film Festival in Italy.

Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to participate in Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy

​The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) led an industry delegation to participate in the 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy. Screenings of Hong Kong films and "Hong Kong Night" networking reception were held during the FEFF to promote Hong Kong films, increase overseas exposure for emerging Hong Kong film talents, build their international connections, and expand the global market for Hong Kong films. Members of the delegation included the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and Secretary-General of the Film Development Council, Mr Gary Mak, renowned director Tsui Hark, director and actress Sylvia Chang, directors Philip Yung, Anthony Pun, Oliver Chan, Jill Leung, as well as actors Jo Koo, Hedwig Tam, Natalie Hsu and Dylan So. The strong lineup showcased to the international film community the strength and new blood of the Hong Kong film industry.

Being the largest Asian film festival in Europe, the FEFF in Udine held from April 24 to May 2 (Udine time) showcased the latest film productions and creative teams from Asia and received significant regional and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. During the festival, the CCIDA and the FDC presented screening events "Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema" to showcase 10 Hong Kong films to industry professionals and audiences from all over the world. The films include "Four Trails", "The Last Dance" (Extended Version), "The Prosecutor" and restored prints of classic films "Shanghai Blues", "Mr Vampire" and "Green Snake". Director Tsui Hark and actress Sylvia Chang of "Shanghai Blues", director Oliver Chan and actress Hedwig Tam of "Montages of a Modern Motherhood", director Anthony Pun of "Cesium Fallout", director Jill Leung and actress Natalie Hsu of "Last Song for You" and director Philip Yung and actors Jo Koo and Dylan So of "Papa" participated in the meet-and-greet sessions of the respective films and the FEFF Talks.

The "Hong Kong Night" networking reception held last night (April 30, Udine time), assisted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, brought together around 200 representatives from the film, cultural sector, government, business sector and media, promoting exchanges and collaborations with international filmmakers. Mr Mak in his welcoming remarks extended congratulations to Tsui Hark and Sylvia Chang on receiving the Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement of the 27th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy and was proud of the two important filmmakers of the Chinese film industry receiving the international honour. He added that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is committed to fostering the development of Hong Kong's film industry. The Film Development Fund (FDF) has supported over 120 films which involved more than 110 new directors and producers. The Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme under the FDF also supports film projects co-produced by filmmakers from Hong Kong and European/Asian countries to produce films with strong Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures, enabling Hong Kong films to go global and further strengthening Hong Kong's role as East-meets-West Centre for international cultural exchange.

In addition, the CCIDA and the FDC collaborated with the FEFF's programme FOCUS ASIA and organised HONG KONG LAB@FOCUS ASIA from April 29 to 30 (Udine time), inviting international film industry professionals and five potential Hong Kong producers and directors to share their experiences in co-production, cross-boundary financing and venture capital, as well as future strategies. Speakers include director Lawrence Kan of "In Broad Daylight", director Steve Yuen of "The Moon Thieves", producer Wong Hoi of "The Lyricist Wannabe", director Eric Tsang of "Hong Kong Family" and the Chairman of Hong Kong Movie Production Executives Association, Mr Johnny Wang. The CCIDA arranged a business matching session with an aim to foster project development between filmmakers from Hong Kong and various regions. Through collaborating with Italian film organisation, Cinecitta, the business matching session also connected producers from Hong Kong and Italy for direct liaison to explore future collaborations and film development opportunities.

Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to participate in Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to participate in Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to participate in Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to participate in Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

Mr Chan Kin-por, Photo source: reference image

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post