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

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 21) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

• Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
• Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
• Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

• Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
• The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
• Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

Source: AI-found images