Hong Kong Films Showcase at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival 2023

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong cinema at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in Belgium

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) is supporting the screening of two outstanding Hong Kong films, namely "Back to the Past" and "Another World", at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF), taking place in Brussels, Belgium, from April 3 to 18 (Brussels time). The programme is sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Addressing guests at a networking reception hosted by the Brussels ETO on April 7, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, expressed appreciation for BIFFF's long-standing collaboration with Hong Kong and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to bringing more high-quality Hong Kong films to European audiences.

Ms Yung noted that the two selected films are a strong testament to the distinctive creativity and enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema, reflecting compelling narratives that transcend eras and highlighting Hong Kong's role as a bridge between cultures. Ms Yung shared that Hong Kong is home to one of the largest and most dynamic film industries in the world. Government-backed initiatives, such as the Film Development Fund and the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, not only promote cultural exchanges but also create new opportunities for international collaboration.

Beyond the film industry, Ms Yung highlighted Hong Kong's rich cultural offerings, adding that Hong Kong films are a powerful reflection of the city's dynamic and diverse culture. She invited guests to visit Hong Kong and experience its seamless blend of history, creativity and modernity firsthand.

BIFFF is one of the most important fantastic film festivals in Europe. This year, more than 100 films from the fantasy, horror, thriller and science-fiction genres are being showcased.

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong cinema at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in Belgium Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong cinema at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in Belgium Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects case involving precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified cash transaction without Category B registration

Hong Kong Customs today (April 9) detected a case involving a local company that conducted a cash transaction for a watch containing precious metals and stones valued at over HK$120,000, while not being a Category B registrant under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The company director was arrested.

The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs.

In particular, no person other than a Category B registrant may carry out a cash transaction with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in the course of business of dealing in precious metals and stones. Any dealer who is not a Category B registrant, who claims to be a Category B registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration 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).

Source: AI-found images