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 cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) conducted operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, a man was arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).

The DH received a report that pain relief medicine classified as Part 1 poisons under the Ordinance were being sold or possessed on the market. However, the products were labelled in Japanese and were suspected of not being registered in Hong Kong. Hence, the DH officers today conducted unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long. At an Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP), commonly known as a pharmacy, a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) commonly known as a medicine company and two retail outlets, DH officers seized approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product Registration Number. They are suspected to be medicine containing "Ibuprofen" and "dihydrocodeine". A 38-year-old man was arrested by the police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including, illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons.

The DH will continue to investigate and follow-up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.

The DH has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

The DH strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not self-purchase or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources as their safety, quality and efficacy are unguaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.

DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases