Hong Kong Film Gala in Seoul Promotes Cultural Exchange and Local Film Industry Development

Tokyo ETO brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Seoul audiences

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO) supports the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Seoul organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) in Seoul, Korea, from June 26 to July 5. The presentation features screenings of a number of Hong Kong films for local audiences, with a view to promoting Hong Kong film culture and fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea.

Speaking at the opening ceremony today (June 26), the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Gillian Lam, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been committed to supporting the long-term development of Hong Kong's film industry. Through the Film Development Fund, the Government nurtures emerging talents and supports local film productions, enabling more outstanding Hong Kong films and creative talents to shine on the international stage.

Ms Lam said that the Government has also been promoting the integration of film and tourism, bringing film culture beyond cinemas and into the everyday experiences of residents and visitors. The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) launched two movie-themed exhibitions in May last year and January this year respectively, namely the "Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey" Movie Set Exhibition and the "Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey" exhibition, allowing visitors to experience Hong Kong's unique film culture and appreciate the creativity of Hong Kong film professionals, while promoting the synergistic development of the film and tourism industries.

She encouraged Korean audiences to visit Hong Kong and experience the city's vibrant cultural atmosphere, as well as a wide array of major events spanning arts and culture, sports and entertainment.

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Seoul is organised by AFAA, with support from Tokyo ETO, the Film Development Fund and CCIDA. A total of 10 Hong Kong films are screened during the event, including the opening film "Someone Like Me", which received financing support under the Film Production Financing Scheme of the Film Development Fund; "Ciao UFO", winner of Best Film at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards; as well as classic titles such as "A Better Tomorrow", "Rouge" and "Once a Thief". A number of Hong Kong filmmakers and artists, including veteran filmmakers Chan Hing-ka and Stanley Kwan; directors Ho Miu-ki, Lawrence Kan, and Tam Wai-ching; actors Elizabeth Tang and Wong You-nam; as well as film composer and erhu performer Chu Wan-pin, have also been invited to attend post-screening sharing sessions and thematic panel discussions to exchange creative insights with local audiences.

Source: AI-found images

Tokyo ETO brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Seoul audiences Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Seoul audiences Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Seoul audiences Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Tokyo ETO brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Seoul audiences Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

FEHD announces list of first batch of permitted food premises for dog entry

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 26) announced that, as of yesterday (June 25), among the successful food premises allocated quotas for allowing dogs to enter according to the ballot result, 833 have completed the procedures and dogs will be allowed to enter their premises starting from July 9. The list has been uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html).

A spokesman for the FEHD said, "As some successful food premises withdrew their applications or did not complete the procedures due to various reasons, the FEHD will arrange applicants on the waiting list to fill the vacancies according to the sequential order from the earlier ballot results. The department has gradually notified those waitlisted applicants via SMS, and deployed dedicated officers to visit the food premises concerned in batches to deliver Approval Letters to the operators starting from today. Waitlisted applicants allocated a quota must, on or before July 7, bring along the Approval Letter and the existing original copy of the restaurant licence, to any Licence Issuing Offices listed in the Approval Letter, and pay a fee of $140 to amend the licence to include the permission."

The FEHD, apart from notified applicants the ballot results via SMS earlier after the open ballot, has also deployed dedicated officers to visit successful food premises applicants to deliver Approval Letters, and brief their operators on the statutory requirements, licence conditions and other compliance arrangements, including reminding the applicants again to voluntarily verify whether the location of the food premises permits the entry of dogs.

The spokesman said, the new measure aims to respond to the aspirations of members of the public, create new business opportunities for the catering industry, and promote harmony between people and pets. Apart from hotpot restaurants, barbecue restaurants, and restaurants with an area less than 20 square metres, all restaurants with a full licence may apply for the dog-admission permission.

The FEHD advises that permitted food premises should make adequate preparations for allowing dogs to enter, including planning dining areas, installing facilities, training staff, and contacting insurance companies. In addition, co-operation among customers bringing dogs and other members of the public is also crucial. The FEHD has earlier released the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour, covering points to note for restaurant operators, and both customers bringing dogs and those without dogs. The FEHD encourages different parties to refer to the Guidelines, fulfil their responsibilities, and respect one another, thereby promoting pet inclusivity.

Source: AI-found images