Hong Kong Film Series Showcase Culture and Cuisine in Washington DC

HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies"

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) presented a four-day film series titled "Hong Kong at the Movies" from March 23 (Washington time) for members of the Washington community, including members of the Federal government of the United States (US), congress, business associations, professional bodies, think tanks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector entities, diplomatic corps, and the local Hong Kong community.

The film series featured some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films, spanning genres from romance and drama to kung fu and science fiction. The event started with a special 25th anniversary screening of Wong Kar-wai's lavish "In the Mood for Love". Other films included Hong Kong's box office smash hit "The Last Dance", Stephen Chow's relentless slapstick comedy "Kung Fu Hustle", and the recent Hong Kong sensation "Back to the Past".

Addressing guests at the film screening, the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, said that the film series was a good opportunity for the Washington DC community to know more about different facets of Hong Kong and its people through the lens of the film industry. "Hong Kong's creative talents draw us together through arts. The imaginations of our ingenious filmmakers, actors and choreographers have indelibly shaped global popular culture, particularly in the US, thanks to cinematic icons ranging from Bruce Lee to John Woo," Ms Luk said.

Ms Luk added that the film industry is an integral part of Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She said that this year's Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which coincides with the film series, marks key milestones of two of its founding events: the 30th anniversary of FILMART and the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. She noted that these flagship events reflect the creativity, economic influence, and international recognition of Hong Kong's storied entertainment sector. The film series also coincides with Art March, an art month in Hong Kong, bringing together various world-renowned arts and cultural summits, screenings, and performances.

Ms Luk went on to highlight the Government's complementary role in supporting the film industry through various initiatives to nurture talent, enhance production, expand markets, and build audiences.

In addition, to promote Hong Kong's unique food culture, attendees at each film screening were served a variety of Hong Kong street foods and local drinks, bringing Hong Kong cuisine to the taste buds of the Washington community. Attendees of the last screening also enjoyed an exhibition of curated paintings under the theme "Hong Kong food and drinks". The paintings were commissioned by the Social Welfare Department under the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with various NGOs. The paintings, among other things, exemplify the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's efforts in unleashing the potential of persons with disabilities in artistic activities and their contribution to society. The total "Hong Kong experience" brought by the film series was well regarded by attendees.

The film series ran on March 23, 25, and 30 and April 1 at the AMC Georgetown cinema in Washington DC.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC (HKETO, Washington DC), presents "Hong Kong at the Movies", a four-day film series from March 23, featuring some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films. Photo shows the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, thanked Cathay Pacific for supporting the film series and Hong Kong's positioning as a global aviation hub. She spoke of the achievements of Hong Kong's film industry, as well as Hong Kong being an international cultural metropolis. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC, presents "Hong Kong at the Movies", a four-day film series from March 23, featuring some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films. Guests enjoyed an exhibit of artworks commissioned by the Social Welfare Department under the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with various non-governmental organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC, presents "Hong Kong at the Movies", a four-day film series from March 23, featuring some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films. Photo shows guests enjoyed local Hong Kong-style food and drinks. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC, presents "Hong Kong at the Movies", a four-day film series from March 23, featuring some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC (HKETO, Washington DC), presents "Hong Kong at the Movies", a four-day film series from March 23, featuring some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films. Photo shows the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, speaks to guests before the screening of Kung Fu Hustle. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins worth about $280,000

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 2) seized about 162 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, with an estimated market value of about $280,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday inspected an air consignment, arriving from Panama and declared as carrying dry fish maw. Upon inspection, Customs officers found six carton boxes of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, with a total weight of about 162kg, inside the consignment.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins worth about $280,000 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases