Hong Kong Film Gala Launches in Vietnam, Showcasing Acclaimed Productions and Engaging Local Audiences

Singapore ETO and AFAA co-organise first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Vietnam to promote Hong Kong cinema

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) and the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation - Vietnam (the Gala Presentation) opened today (November 6) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), marking its first edition in Vietnam. The event is financially supported by the Film Development Fund (FDF), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Singapore ETO, with assistance from local partners, the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV), Galaxy Cinema and Trigger Film Academy.

The Gala Presentation showcases a curated selection of four recent and acclaimed Hong Kong productions across diverse genres - action, drama and documentary - namely "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", "Stuntman", "Four Trails" and "Last Song for You", aiming to promote the vibrancy and creativity of Hong Kong cinema to Vietnamese audiences. Adding star power to the occasion, renowned Hong Kong actors Sammo Hung and Louis Koo travelled to HCMC to lend their support and engage with local film enthusiasts.

In his opening remarks, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, said, "To further strengthen Hong Kong films' international presence, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has introduced the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme under the FDF. The Scheme provides up to HK$9 million for each eligible co-production between Hong Kong filmmakers and their Asian or European counterparts, enabling Hong Kong films to go global, as well as achieving in-depth cultural exchanges and mutual learning."

Mr Fung added, "Over the past three years, films funded by the CCIDA through the FDF have accounted for nearly 30 per cent of Hong Kong's total box-office receipts - a testament to the effectiveness of government support. As announced in 'The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address', the CCIDA will continue to enhance publicity, exchanges, and business-matching efforts in both the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets to help Hong Kong filmmakers expand their reach."

More than 250 guests attended the screening of the opening film, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", and a pre-screening reception. Distinguished attendees included the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in HCMC, Mr Tang Li; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Foreign Affairs in HCMC, Mr Tran Xuan Thuy; the Chairman of the AFAA and the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong; the Executive Director of the AFAA, Ms Josie Lin; the Chairman of the HKBAV, Mr Michael Chiu, representatives from HCMC's Department of Culture and Sports; as well as members of the local business and cultural communities.

Before the screening, the film's lead actors Hung and Koo joined an engaging sharing session with local audience members in the cinema, where they shared their filming experiences and their impressions of the visit and exchanges with Vietnamese film lovers. Director Herbert Leung of "Stuntman" will also meet with industry professionals, students and cinema enthusiasts during his stay in Vietnam. The Gala Presentation was held at Galaxy Sala in Thiso Mall Sala Shopping Center, one of the newest and largest cultural and entertainment hubs in the heart of HCMC.

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation - Vietnam runs until November 8. For details, please visit www.afa-academy.com.

Source: AI-found images

Singapore ETO and AFAA co-organise first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Vietnam to promote Hong Kong cinema Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO and AFAA co-organise first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Vietnam to promote Hong Kong cinema Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO and AFAA co-organise first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Vietnam to promote Hong Kong cinema Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO and AFAA co-organise first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Vietnam to promote Hong Kong cinema Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO and AFAA co-organise first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Vietnam to promote Hong Kong cinema Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

Swimming pool complexes to open from April 1 for new swimming season

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (March 31) that for the upcoming swimming season, 44 public swimming pool complexes will open for public use tomorrow (April 1). Individual swimming pools to be temporarily closed in specified periods in 2026 for maintenance works are set out in the Annex. Swimmers should mind their safety, care for themselves and others, and keep the swimming pools clean and hygienic while enjoying the fun of swimming.

From April to October, LCSD swimming pools will open daily from 6.30am to 10pm in three sessions with two one-hour breaks. Mui Wo Swimming Pool will open daily from 8.30am to 6pm in two sessions (and in one session from 7pm to 10pm on Fridays (Note)).

For the 19 pool complexes with both heated and non-heated swimming facilities, the heated facilities will continue to open from April 1 to 15. The non-heated facilities will open for public use from April 16.

The 19 swimming pool complexes are:

Hong Kong Island:

District

Swimming Pool Complex

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Central and Western

Kennedy Town Swimming Pool

Wan Chai

Morrison Hill Swimming Pool

Kowloon:

District

Swimming Pool Complex

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Kowloon City

Ho Man Tin Swimming Pool

Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool

Wong Tai Sin

Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool

Morse Park Swimming Pool

Kwun Tong

Kwun Tong Swimming Pool

Sham Shui Po

Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool

Yau Tsim Mong

Kowloon Park Swimming Pool

New Territories:

District

Swimming Pool Complex

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Islands

Tung Chung Swimming Pool

North

Fanling Swimming Pool

Sha Tin

Hin Tin Swimming Pool

Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool

Tsuen Wan

Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool

Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun Swimming Pool

Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool

Yuen Long

Yuen Long Swimming Pool

Tin Sau Road Swimming Pool

Sai Kung

Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool

To maintain the hygiene of public swimming pools, each pool will be closed for a thorough cleaning once a week, in addition to the regular daily cleaning. The thorough cleaning will be conducted on a designated weekday (Monday to Friday) from 10am to the end of the second session. If the designated day falls on a public holiday, the cleaning will be rescheduled to another weekday in the same week.

To ensure a clean environment for public swimming pools, swimmers should maintain personal hygiene and observe the pool rules, including the following points:

(a) Swimmers should shower before entering the pool deck;

(b) Swimmers should walk through the shower bath and footbath;

(c) Swimmers should not go swimming if they feel unwell and should seek medical consultation early;

(d) Swimmers are advised to use the toilet before swimming and should not urinate or defecate in the pools. They should leave the water immediately and use the toilet if they have to vomit; and

(e) Parents should teach their children about the importance of maintaining personal and public hygiene.

Holders of the public swimming pool monthly ticket are encouraged to apply for monthly ticket smart cards, which are printed with the card holder's photo and preloaded with information on the validity period. The smart cards enable holders to enter the pools easily and conveniently without having to produce documentary proof of identity. Interested monthly ticket holders can apply for smart cards free of charge. For details, please visit the webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swim-ticket.html.

For details of the opening arrangements and the schedule of the weekly cleaning operations of public swimming pools, please visit the webpagewww.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swimlocation.html.

Note: Mui Wo Swimming Pool will open from 8.30am to 6pm in two sessions on April 3 (public holiday).

Source: AI-found images