Hong Kong cinema showcased in Vienna
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported screenings of two Hong Kong movies at the 5th Red Lotus Asian Film Festival, held in Vienna, Austria, from April 23 to 26 (Vienna time).
Speaking ahead of the screening of the opening film "The Shadow's Edge" on April 25, the Head of Public Relations of HKETO Berlin, Ms Stephanie Pall, highlighted the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong's creative talents and the Government's continued commitment to fostering and promoting the film industry on the global stage. She underscored how these efforts have strengthened the international profile of Hong Kong cinema and showcased the exceptional craftsmanship of its filmmakers.
"Hong Kong's popular culture, spanning film, music and visual arts, offers a compelling insight into a society that is both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly modern. It is truly inspiring to see how Hong Kong, a city defined by its boundless energy and creativity, continues to gain recognition on the world stage. The Hong Kong Government is firmly committed to sharing its unique cinematic voice with global audiences through international film events." Ms Pall said.
Following the screening, HKETO Berlin hosted a reception, welcoming guests from the business, cultural, and media sectors, providing an opportunity for exchanges and networking. The festival programme also featured another movie "Montages of a Modern Motherhood" which was screened on April 26.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Hong Kong cinema showcased in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema showcased in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema showcased in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two Incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 and five months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 respectively by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (April 27) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 30, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on April 25. Customs officers seized about 41 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $167,300 and a duty potential of about $134,900, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to four months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 for contravening the DCO today.
Additionally, Customs officers intercepted one male passenger, aged 31, at HKIA yesterday (April 26). Customs officers seized about 50 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $225,000 and a duty potential of about $165,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to five months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 for contravening the DCO today.
Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).
Two Incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two Incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
