Brussels ETO continues support for Hong Kong films at renowned Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia
Together with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) is continuing the established partnership with the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia and is supporting the screening of Hong Kong films at the 2026 edition being held from October 8 to 18 (Sitges time) in Sitges, Spain.
This year, the Festival features five Hong Kong films, namely "The Black Magic with Buddha", "Cold War 1994", "Love Massacre", "Master of the Flying Guillotine" and "The Mage".
Brussels ETO hosted a reception on October 12, bringing together some 100 guests from the European film, cultural, media and business sectors. The event was graced by the presence of the producer and cast member of the film "The Mage", including renowned Hong Kong artist and lead actress of the film Josie Ho, as well as Michael Werner, a veteran of the Hong Kong film industry and an accomplished film producer.
Delivering a welcoming speech at the reception, Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng, thanked the organiser for once again having Hong Kong cinema be part of the Festival, and highlighted the HKSAR Government's commitment to supporting the development of the local film industry as well as the promotion of Hong Kong cinema to global audiences.
"We are dedicated to helping Hong Kong filmmakers reach audiences around the world. By showcasing both classics and new productions at prestigious European film festivals, such as here in Sitges, we celebrate Hong Kong's unique charm as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, while unlocking new commercial opportunities for our creative industries," he said.
The development of Hong Kong's film industry is also supported under the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, which were recently published. Measures include attracting more private investment and facilitating Mainland and overseas film crews filming in Hong Kong.
Founded in 1968, the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the world's leading fantasy film festival. It screens films across the fantastic genre, including action and adventure movies and black comedies, with a special emphasis on thrillers. The last edition attracted an audience of more than 130 000 from around the world.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels supported the Sitges International Fantastic Film festival of Catalonia. Photo shows Hong Kong actress Josie Ho (second left) with actor Iman Taheri (centre) and producer Conroy Chan (second right) introducing the film "The Mage" before the screening on October 12 (Sitges time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia and organised a reception on October 12 (Sitges time) with the attendance of guests from the film "The Mage". Photo shows (from left) producer Conroy Chan; Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng; lead actress Josie Ho; actor Iman Taheri; and the Artistic Director of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, Mr Angel Sala, at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR fully integrates into Green Belt and Road development
To strengthen the promotion of green cooperation under the Belt and Road (B&R), the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) have established a B&R Green Development Co-operation Platform. By connecting with the network of the International Green Development Coalition for the Belt and Road Regions (IGDC), the platform facilitates exchange and cooperation among B&R countries and regions in green technology, policy and capacitybuilding. The Second General Assembly of Members of the IGDC was held today (October 25) in Hong Kong.
Under the "One Country, Two Systems", HongKong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The IGDC's decision to hold the annual meeting in HongKong helps members access international markets, deepen international cooperation and expand a global partnership network, and reflects the IGDC's recognition of HongKong's bridge-building role in the green B&R Initiative.
At this year's annual meeting, the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, was elected as a council member of the IGDC. Sino Group and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited were admitted as the IGDC's new member organisations, together with Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (IGDC member of year 2025), further strengthening the IGDC's collaborative capacity in HongKong.
Dr Chui said at the meeting that HongKong has been actively serving the roles of "super connector" and "super valueadder", providing a platform for linking green technologies, green finance and green standards. Relying on its sound legal system, professional services and internationaloriented business environment, HongKong can assist B&R countries in advancing their green transition.
Dr Chui added, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has consistently taken concrete actions to participate in the green B&R Initiative. We have successfully implemented a number of works this year, including the establishment of the B&R Green Development Co-operation Platform in HongKong with the IGDC, the set up of the B&R sustainable green development training centre, and the organisation of the B&R Green Innovation Conference 2026 which will open tomorrow. This year's innovation conference is the first time to be held outside the Mainland. HongKong will continue to leverage its strengths and contribute to the nation's high-quality co-construction of green B&R."
As a new member of the IGDC, Sino Group attaches great importance to and actively supports the national B&R green development strategy, and is committed to promoting green technological innovation and synergistic collaboration among industry, academia, and research sectors. The Group is planning to collaborate with the EEB of the HKSAR Government to establish an Asia-Pacific B&R green technology center for industry, academia, and research in the Northern Metropolis as a training, exchange and exhibition platform, showcasing green technology prototypes and innovative achievements from members of the IGDC, covering fields such as marine technology. It will foster deep integration across industry, academia, and research sectors, transform technological outcomes, align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to contribute to the green B&R Initiative, and leverage Hong Kong's unique strengths as a "super connector."
The IGDC was jointly initiated and established by the MEE and partners from the Mainland and overseas. It aims to build an international consensus on green development, and to initiate open, inclusive and mutually beneficial international cooperation and action on green development. By providing implementing pathways such as promotable sustainable technical solutions, verifiable green finance instruments, sharable digital and intelligent empowerment platforms and replicable capacity building paradigms, it aims to help promote sustainable development and build a clean and beautiful world together.
HKSAR fully integrates into Green Belt and Road development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR fully integrates into Green Belt and Road development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
