Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, in collaboration with the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and SF World Cinema, is organizing Thailand’s first Hong Kong Film Festival.
To be held on April 27-30, the Hong Kong Film Festival 2012 is aimed at strengthening partnerships between Thai and Hong Kong film houses. Ten award-winning Hong Kong films including the Beast Stalker and A Simple Life have been selected to be screened free of charge at SF World Cinema.
The 60’s and the 70’s saw the emerging popularity of Hong Kong Cinema all throughout Asia, including Thailand, and the early 90’s the evolution of the industry as a full-fledged cinema of international level.
Hong Kong’s contemporary films have been known for their blending of fast-paced action, a sense of history and spiritual concerns that has struck a chord with Thai viewers for several decades.
With Hollywood films now asserting dominance over the South East Asian film market, organizers are hoping to re-introduce the much-beloved Hong Kong films starring household names to Thai fans.
Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office based in Singapore, Mr Fong Ngai, said that with this festival, the agency aims to promote the exchange of film culture and to forge collaborations in film arts and production between the two countries.
He added that before achieving global stardom, iconic stars such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan made their debut in Asia, where local fans, particularly Thais, grew up watching them star in some of the most memorable films and television shows of all time.
Suwannee Chinchiewcharn, Deputy Managing Director of SF Cinema City, co-organizer of the event, said that although most of the country is currently more exposed to Hollywood films, she encourages Thai audiences to support Asian films.
As part of the private sector, Ms Suwannee said that the company believed that increased cooperation between film industries will boost regional ties in anticipation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which will come into effect in 2015.
For more information on admission and showtime schedules, members of the public can call SF call center at 0-2268-8888 or visit www.sfcinemacity.com.
