Hong Kong, 13 February 2012 – The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) today announced details of Road to AFA, a behind-the-scenes video series on Asian cinema to be screened in the run-up to the 6^th Asian Film Awards (AFA). Road to AFA offers an inside view of Asia’s burgeoning film industry and the nominees for this year’s awards. HKIFFS also launched the People’s Choice Awards today, giving the public the chance to participate directly in this year’s AFA. Both programmes are aimed at introducing the AFA to more people and territories throughout the region.

Road to AFA

The first ever such video series created for the AFA, Road to AFA is one of the big build-up campaigns to the Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony. It is a video series of approximately 18 episodes of three minutes each featuring renowned filmmakers, nominees behind the scenes footage, and look at the film industries of selected regions including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines). The series will provide greater insight into the films and filmmakers that the AFA celebrates and help to raise public awareness of the awards.

Interviewees include directors HOU Hsiao-hsien, Teddy SOERIAATMADJA and Brillante MENDOZA, actors Donny DAMARA and KO Chen-tung, actresses Eugene DOMINGO and GWEI Lun-mei, cinematographer CHIN Ting-chang and editor Lee CHATAMETIKOOL among many others.

The episodes will be available to view on the AFA website (http://www.asianfilmawards.asia) and will be screened on various broadcast television and online channels in the region, including CCTV-6 (China Movie Channel), Phoenix TV, STAR Chinese Movies, STAR World, StarHub, Yahoo! and many more in the lead-up to the 6^th Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony, which will be held on 19 March 2012.

People’s Choice Awards

The People’s Choice Awards are open to public voting, enabling audiences from all overseas countries to have their voices heard at Asia’s leading celebration of the film industry by voting for the nominee in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories that they feel most deserve recognition for their work in 2011. Previous winners include CHOW Yun-fat, JEON Do-yeon, WANG Xueqi, and LI Bingbing.

Voters who correctly pick one or both winners of the People’s Choice Awards will be entered into a lucky draw to experience the star-studded 6^th Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony.

Participating Hong Kong residents have a chance to win ten admission tickets to the 6^th Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony. Overseas voters (non-Hong Kong residents) have a chance to win a Hong Kong travel package for two, including two roundtrip economy class air tickets, two nights hotel accommodation stay in Hong Kong from 18–20 March 2012, and two admission tickets to the Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony. Five winners will be drawn from Hong Kong entrants, and five from overseas.

The voting period runs from today to 5 March 2012 (12:00 noon HKT) on the official AFA website (http://www.asianfilmawards.asia). Log on today to register your vote and for a chance of rubbing shoulders with the stars of Asian cinema!

For nominees of the 6^th AFA People’s Choice Awards, refer to Appendix (1).

For high-resolution behind-the-scenes photos of Road to AFA and nominees of the 6^th AFA People’s Choice Awards, visit: https://picasaweb.google.com/6thAsianFilmAwards

About the Asian Film Awards

The AFA Presentation Ceremony takes place as part of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.  Since 2007, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) has sought to highlight the best in Asian cinema to the world, and to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winner(s) of each category, making the Ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the hub of Asian cinema. Each year, the AFA makes presentations in a range of categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, in recognition of artistic achievements in the cinemas and film industries of the Asian region. The 6^th AFA is one of the Opening Gala events of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong and takes place with two other flagship events of the HKIFFS: the 36^th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), and the 10^th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

For more information about the Asian Film Awards, please visit: www.asianfilmawards.asia.

About Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organises three annual flagship events in March and April: The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

Website: www.hkiff.org.hk

For further information, media only:

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide
Ms. April TSUI / Ms. Vickie CHONG
Tel: +852-2578-2823 / +852-6336-8090
E-mail: HKIFFS-MediaEnquiries@waggeneredstrom.com

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society
Ms. Helen LUI
Tel: +852-2102-7386 / +852-9031-9876
E-mail: helen_lui@hkiff.org.hk

APPENDIX (1). 附件 (一)

6^th ASIAN FILM AWARDS
THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
NOMINATION LIST

第六屆亞洲電影大獎
我最喜愛的男女主角
提名名單

My Favourite Actor
我最喜愛的男主角

Hong Kong, 8 February 2012 ― The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) announced today that Indonesian director Edwin will receive the Edward Yang New Talent Award at the upcoming 6th Asian Film Awards (AFA). The AFA Presentation Ceremony will be held on 19 March 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong. Edwin is only the third filmmaker to receive the Award, which was set up at the 2nd Asian Film Awards in 2008.

Edwin is currently attending the 2012 Berlinale where his latest film, Postcards From the Zoo, is competing for the coveted Golden Bear. He said, “I am excited by the news of this award. It’s both a vindication of what I’ve been doing, and an encouragement to me as a filmmaker. It’s an honour for me and for independent film in Indonesia.”

After the Berlinale, Postcards From the Zoo will compete for the Firebird Awards for Young Cinema at the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival, also organised by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society.

Edwin first burst onto the cinema scene with two short films – Kara, Anak Sebatang Pohon (2005) and Trip to the Wound (2007) – which premiered at Cannes and the Berlinale respectively. He became a major talent to watch after his debut feature in 2008 – Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly – travelled extensively on the international film festival circuit. Mosaic like, the film is set within the contemporary social and racial tension of urban Indonesia, following eight characters in their absurdist journeys to live a better life.

Postcards From the Zoo tells the story of a girl growing up among the animals inside Jakarta Zoo after her father has abandoned her. She engages in a romance with a traveling magician, and works as a masseuse telling animal stories to customers. “People go to the zoo for the same reason they might go to any other public gathering place, to see and be seen,” said Edwin. “But the dynamic is more interesting in a zoo because it’s humans and animals looking at each other. In a sense, it’s analogous to cinema, which is also about watching and being watched.”

In the Asian Film Awards’ six-year history, Edwin is the third filmmaker to receive the Edward Yang New Talent Award. The two previous recipients are Japan’s ISHII Yuya (latest film, Mitsuko Delivers) in 2008, and Taiwan’s WEI Te-Sheng (latest film, Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale) in 2010. The Award was initiated at the 2nd Asian Film Awards in 2008, to commemorate the renowned Taiwan filmmaker Edward Yang, who passed away in 2007.

“The aim of the Award is, of course, to encourage emerging talents from the region,” said Mr. Roger GARCIA, Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society. “We are very happy to find in Edwin a most deserving recipient of the Award. His approach to cinema and eternal human issues is at once lyrical, dreamlike, magical, and I’m almost tempted to say mythical. I venture that we are witnessing an auteur in the making, hopefully the evolution of a world class filmmaker.”

About the Asian Film Awards

The AFA Presentation Ceremony takes place as part of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong. Since 2007, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) has sought to highlight the best in Asian cinema to the world, and to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winner(s) of each category, making the Ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the hub of Asian cinema. Each year, the AFA makes presentations in a range of categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, in recognition of artistic achievements in the cinemas and film industries of the Asian region. The 6th AFA is one of the Opening Gala events of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong and will coincide with two other flagship events of the HKIFFS: the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), and the 10th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

For more information about the Asian Film Awards and film submission for nomination, please visit: http://www.asianfilmawards.asia

About the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organises three annual flagship events in March and April: The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

Website: http://www.hkiff.org.hk

For further information, media only:

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide
Ms. April TSUI / Ms. Vickie CHONG
Phone:    +852-2578-2823 / +852-6336-8090
E-mail:    HKIFFS-MediaEnquiries@waggeneredstrom.com

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society
Ms. Helen LUI
Phone:    +852-2102-7386 / +852-9031-9876
E-mail:    helen_lui@hkiff.org.hk

Edwin, Writer/Director

Indonesian writer and director Edwin was born in Surabaya in 1978.

In 1999, he left Surabaya to study film at The Jakarta Institute of the Arts. During that time, he participated in film workshops at the Berlinale Talent Campus, and the Asian Film Academy in Pusan, South Korea.

In 2005, he wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Kara, Anak Sebatang Pohon, which became the first Indonesian short film screened at the Director’s Fortnight, Cannes, in 2005. His next short film, Trip to the Wound (2007), was selected for the International Competition at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival in February 2008.  Edwin’s third short film, Hulahoop Soundings (2008), a commissioned project for the International Film Festival Rotterdam, screened in the International Competition at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival in February 2009.

Blind Pig Who Wants To Fly (2008), Edwin’s feature film debut, made its world premiere at the 13^th Pusan IFF in South Korea and played such festivals as the 38^th Rotterdam IFF, the 11^th BAFICI (Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival), the 33^rd Hong Kong International Film Festival, the 35^th Seattle International Film Festival, the 44^th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, and the  58^th Melbourne International Film Festival. The film also screened at MoMa, the Viennale, Taipei Golden Horse International Film Festival, and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, amongst others.

Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly won numerous awards including the Fipresci Award, IFF Rotterdam 2009; Special Jury Mention, Singapore IFF 2009; NETPAC, Taipei Golden Horse IFF 2009; Silver Award, Festival of the Three Continents 2009; Youth Film Award, Festival of the Three Continents 2009.

Edwin’s latest feature, Postcards from the Zoo, is currently competing for the coveted Golden Bear at the 2012 Berlinale.

[ ENG | 繁體 | 简体 ]

1 February 2012, Hong Kong – The 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) will be held in Hong Kong from 21 March to 5 April 2012, the 6th Asian Film Awards (AFA) will be held on 19 March 2012 and the 10th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) will be held from 19 to 21 March 2012. Journalists and industry press are invited to sign up for media accreditation at http://society.hkiff.org.hk/en/app/accreditation/media/apply starting from 3 February 2012.

The HKIFF is one of Asia’s most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers from all over the world to launch new works and experience outstanding films. It draws thousands of film fans, industry professionals and press from around the world annually.

The AFA seeks to highlight the best in Asian cinema to the world, and to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winners of each category, making the ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the centre of Asian cinema.

The HAF is widely recognised as the most important film-financing platform in Asia, matching Asian film projects with top producers, financiers and distributors for co-production ventures.

The deadlines for media accreditation are as follows:

The 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival:
24 February 2012

The 6th Asian Film Awards:
2 March 2012

The 10th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum:
2 March 2012

The processing of media passes will take approximately two weeks. Any late applications may not be guaranteed entrance to the events. The Festival reserves the right to approve or deny accreditation.

For more information, please check out the FAQ for media accreditation in respective events media accreditation website. If you have any questions, please contact:

The 6th Asian Film Awards announces nominations in 14 categories as Singaporean director Eric KHOO is named Jury President

Hong Kong, 17 January 2012 – The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) announced today the nominees in the 14 categories and the jury for the 6th Asian Film Awards (AFA). Eric KHOO, Singapore-based director and producer, will take up the mantle of Jury President, heading the panel of international film community notables who will select the winners of these prestigious awards. The Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Grand Hall on 19 March 2012.

Organised by the HKIFFS and funded by CreateHK and the Film Development Fund, supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the AFA recognises and celebrates the achievements of the preceding year in Asian film through 14 award categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenwriter, Best Cinematographer, Best Production Designer, Best Composer, Best Editor, Best Visual Effects, and Best Costume Designer.

From over a thousand of eligible films, up to six nominees in each category have been selected throughout the Asian regions. The full list of nominations includes 32 films from 11 countries and regions, all chosen for their outstanding contribution to Asian cinema in 2011. The nominations this year come from a dazzling array of Asian films, from major mainstream action blockbusters such as The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate and romances such as You Are the Apple of My Eye, to festival favourites that have won tremendous critical acclaim, including Nader and Simin: A Separation and The Mirror Never Lies.

“In the past year, we have seen Asia’s film industry grow, prosper and truly shine in every way,” said Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS). “Not only on the screen, but behind the scenes as well, where directors, producers, composers and designers, have spent countless hours working tirelessly to create films they love and want to share with the world.”

The 6th Asian Film Awards will also recognise the outstanding efforts and careers of professionals in the Asian film industry with three special awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Edward Yang New Talent Award and the Award for 2011’s Top-Grossing Asian Film.

The award-winning director of critically acclaimed hits Mee Pok Man, 12 Storeys and Be With Me, Jury President Eric KHOO, helped to put Singapore on the international film map. He will lead a jury consisting of 12 film professionals with internationally recognised experience and expertise in cinema.

To introduce the AFA to more people and places, the HKIFFS has prepared two major promotions in the run-up to the AFA Presentation Ceremony. The People’s Choice Awards is open to the public, enabling people from all overseas countries to vote for the Asian film actor and actress they feel most deserve recognition for their work in 2011. The voting period will be from 6 February 2012 to 5 March 2012 on the official AFA website (http://www.asianfilmawards.asia/2012/). Air tickets and hotel accommodations will be awarded to the winners to travel to Hong Kong and attend the AFA Presentation Ceremony on 19 March 2012.

The build-up to the Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony will also feature the Road to AFA video series, featuring nominees and behind the scenes footage, special award recipients and film industries of selected regions including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia to provide greater insight into the work that the AFA recognises and to raise public awareness of the awards.

The organisers of the AFA would like to thank their partners and sponsors for their invaluable support. Without their contribution, the AFA would not be the success they are today.

The complete list of nominations for the 6th AFA is attached as Appendix I.

The complete jury list for the 6th AFA is attached as Appendix II.

The list of key sponsors for the 6th AFA is attached as Appendix III.

High-resolution pictures can be downloaded from the link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/6thAsianFilmAwards

Welcome speech by Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS).

Welcome speech by Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS).

Speech by Mr. Eric KHOO, Jury President of the 6th Asian Film Awards.

(From left) Mr. Roger GARCIA, Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society; Mr. Michael WERNER, the 6th AFA Steering Committee Member; Mr. Jack SO, GBS, OBE, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Film Development Council; Mr. Eric KHOO, Jury President of the 6th AFA; Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society; Mr. Peter LAM, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Film Development Council and Ms. Winnie TSANG, the 6th AFA Steering Committee Member.

(Upper row from left) The 6th AFA Technical Partner – Ms. Aaron S.P., Director of Communications of DotAsia Organization; Ms. Ruby TANG, Regional Marketing Director of Moet Hennessy Asia Pacific; Funder – Mr. Jerry LIU, Head of CreateHK and Film Development Council; Supporter – Miss Anna CHEUNG, Senior Service Promotion Manager of Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Official Hotel – Ms. Jan Lee, Associate Director of Sales of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong; and Partner Hotel – Mr. Silvano DRESSINO, Resident Manager of JW Marriott Hong Kong.(Bottom row from left) Mr. Roger GARCIA, Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society; Mr. Michael WERNER, the 6th AFA Steering Committee Member; Mr. Jack SO, GBS, OBE, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Film Development Council; Mr. Eric KHOO, Jury President of the 6th AFA; Mr. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society; Mr. Peter LAM, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Film Development Council; and Ms. Winnie TSANG, the 6th AFA Steering Committee Member.

About the Asian Film Awards

The AFA Presentation Ceremony takes place as part of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong. Since 2007, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) has sought to highlight the best in Asian cinema to the world, and to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winner(s) of each category, making the Ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the hub of Asian cinema. Each year, the AFA makes presentations in a range of categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, in recognition of artistic achievements in the cinemas and film industries of the Asian region. The 6th AFA is one of the Opening Gala events of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong and will coincide with two other flagship events of the HKIFFS: the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), and the 10th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

For more information about the Asian Film Awards and film submission for nomination, please visit: www.asianfilmawards.asia.

About Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organises three annual flagship events in March and April: The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

Website: www.hkiff.org.hk

For further information, media only:

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

April TSUI

Tel: +852-6336-8090

E-mail: atsui@waggeneredstrom.com

Miranda KWOK

Tel: +852-9612-1607

E-mail: mkwok@waggeneredstrom.com

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

Catherine LIU

Tel: +852-2102-7391 / +852-9621-7430

E-mail: catherine_liu@hkiff.org.hk

June LUI

Tel: +852-2102-7392 / +852-9642-6576

E-mail: june_lui@hkiff.org.hk

[ ENG | 繁體 | 简体 ]

Hong Kong, 12 January 2012 – Film director Ann HUI On-wah, a leading light of the Hong Kong New Wave of the 1970s and 1980s, and an artist whose career has spanned decades of success, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 6^th Asian Film Awards (AFA), making her the first female recipient of the award. In the early part of her career, HUI directed films that were instrumental in igniting the distinct voice of Hong Kong film, giving early breakthrough roles to stars such as CHOW Yun-fat and Andy LAU, and has continued to create works that have combined mainstream success with intellectual depth to this day.

The Asian Film Awards (AFA) are dedicated to honouring filmmakers with outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema. The 6^th Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony will take place on 19 March 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. In addition to 14 individual award categories, the 6^th Asian Film Awards will also recognise the outstanding efforts and careers of professionals in the Asian film industry with three special awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Edward Yang New Talent Award and the Award for 2011’s Top-Grossing Asian Film.

Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include the Japanese director YAMADA Yoji, famous for his “Samurai Trilogy”, the universally acclaimed Indian actor Amitabh BACHCHAN, and the influential Hong Kong producer and founder of the Golden Harvest studio, Raymond CHOW Man-wai.

HUI is particularly noted for several films that deal with issues of alienation and the immigrant experience. One of her most important works is Song of the Exile (1990), a semi-autobiographical drama of disorientation and loss of identity amid the tides of history. Song of the Exile was screened at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard selection. Her recent films The Way We Are (2008) and Night and Fog (2009) – the two-part ‘Tin Shui Wai series’ – were both nominated for numerous awards, examining themes of alienation and dissatisfaction among local families and new immigrants to Hong Kong. The Way We Are went on to win four prizes at the 28^th Hong Kong Film Awards, and three at the 15^th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards.

HUI’s films inhabit a variety of genres, ranging from her ambitious 1987 two-part adaption of the wuxia novel The Book and the Sword, which became the first Hong Kong feature production to be made entirely on the Chinese mainland and with an all-mainland cast, to the controversial, politically-charged thriller Boat People (1982) which gave Andy LAU his breakout big-screen role, the horror comedies The Spooky Bunch (1980) and Visible Secret (2001), and the politically and socially aware dramas Ordinary Heroes (1999). Over the course of her career, Ann HUI has consistently operated at the highest levels of the Hong Kong film industry, working with major names including actresses Michelle YEOH and Anita MUI, and legendary director King HU.

She worked again with Andy LAU in her latest film A Simple Life (2011) which also brought back actress Deannie IP after a long absence from the screen. IP won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for her performance.

“The influence of Ann HUI on Hong Kong film is hard to overstate,” said Mr. Wilfred WONG SBS JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), the organising body of the AFA. “She was one of the foremost members of the Hong Kong New Wave in the late 1970s, exploring established genres in new ways, and creating a new, vernacular cinema that helped to express the emerging Hong Kong identity. And rather than rest on her laurels, she has continued to be prolific – I believe she has made a film almost every year since 1979 – without ever compromising quality. She has proven to be a master of every kind of film to which she has turned her hand. Thrilling, contemplative, funny, scary, romantic, challenging – Ann HUI’s films are all these things and more. She represents the standard to which Hong Kong’s filmmakers aspire. She has also been a strong supporter of Hong Kong’s film culture and film development. She was on the executive committee of the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild from 1993 to 2004, and then its President until 2006. She served as the Vice Chairman of the HKIFFS when it was first established and we thank her for all her efforts in helping nurture the Society’s growth and activities.”

Hong Kong-based film director Ann HUI On-wah will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 6^th Asian Film Awards (AFA).

About the Asian Film Awards

The AFA Presentation Ceremony takes place as part of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong. Since 2007, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) has sought to highlight the best in Asian cinema to the world, and to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winner(s) of each category, making the Ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the hub of Asian cinema. Each year, the AFA makes presentations in a range of categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, in recognition of artistic achievements in the cinemas and film industries of the Asian region.

For more information about the Asian Film Awards and film submission for nomination, please visit: www.asianfilmawards.asia.

About Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organizes three annual flagship events in March and April: The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

Website: www.hkiff.org.hk

For further information, media only:

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

April TSUI

Tel: +852-6336-8090

E-mail: atsui@waggeneredstrom.com

Miranda KWOK

Tel: +952-9612-1607

E-mail: mkwok@waggeneredstrom.com

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

Catherine LIU

Tel: +852-2102-7391 / +852-9621-7430

E-mail: catherine_liu@hkiff.org.hk

June LUI

Tel: +852-2102-7392 / +852-9642-6576

E-mail: june_lui@hkiff.org.hk

(1 November 2011 – Hong Kong) Presented by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), the 6^th Asian Film Awards (AFA) announced the opening of film submissions for AFA nominations today.

Launched in 2007, the AFA is a pioneering programme honouring filmmakers with outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema. The AFA is the only platform in the world that brings together the best cinematic talents of Asia, drawing film fans and professionals from all across the globe.

Individual film submissions for AFA nomination were introduced in 2009 and are being invited again for the 6^th AFA.

“At a time when Asian cinema is increasingly attracting international attention, inviting open submission from individuals is intended to encourage greater participation from all territories in Asia and we hope will help recognize and honour the outstanding achievements of all Asian talents across the board.” said the Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, Mr. Roger Garcia.

Together with the open submission, the 6^th AFA now comprises three channels for submission which are: (i) official Submission Organizations; (ii) Jury members; and (iii) open submission. Films can be submitted directly online at https://apps.asianfilmawards.asia/submission.

Submission of films for nomination is open from 1 to 30 November 2011. Nominees for the 6^th AFA will be announced at least four weeks before the AFA Presentation Ceremony, which will be held on 19 March 2012.

For the 6^th AFA, the official Submission Organizations include: Cinema Department, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia; Motion Picture Industry Association Limited (MPIA), Hong Kong; National Film Development Corporation, India; Bali Film Center, Indonesia; UniJapan, Japan; Korea Film Producers Association, South Korea; National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), Malaysia; Film Development Board, Nepal; Film Development Council of Philippines, The Philippines; Singapore Film Commission, Singapore; Taipei Film Commission, Taiwan; The Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, Thailand; and Vietnam Media Corporation, Vietnam. The official Submission Organizations, together with a panel of professional jurors, determine the nominees from the eligible films produced and released theatrically in the Asian region in that year.

There are 14 categories for nomination and up to six nominees are selected in each of the categories. These include: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenwriter, Best Cinematographer, Best Production Designer, Best Composer, Best Editor, Best Visual Effects, and Best Costume Designer.

The AFA Presentation Ceremony takes place as part of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winner(s) of each category, making the Ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the hub of Asian cinema.

For more information about the Asian Film Awards and film submission for nomination, please visit: www.asianfilmawards.asia.

###

About Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organizes three annual flagship events in March and April: The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

Website: www.hkiff.org.hk

Media Enquiries:

HKIFFS

Catherine Liu

DL: +852 2102 7391/ +852 9621 7430 E-mail: catherine_liu@hkiff.org.hk

June Lui

DL: +852 2102 7392/ +852 9642 6576 E-mail: june_lui@hkiff.org.hk

Main: +852 2970 3300 Fax: +852 2970 3011

Tender for the Provision of Project Management, Hospitality and Logistics Services for

the 6^th Asian Film Awards

 (Tender Ref. AFA 06-0002)

 [NOTES FOR TENDERERS ]

1. The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited invites interested parties to submit tenders in triplicate for providing the captioned services for the 6^th Asian Film Awards to be held on 19^th March 2012.

2. Tenders must contain the following information:-

(a)       Offer to be Bound

(b)       Tender proposal according to the information provided by the tender specification, including but not limited to the work plan including the detailed project schedule, implementation plan and organisation chart

(c)       Tender price quotation

(d)       Company profile with job references in organising similar events or similar scale events with details of services provided, customer names and event name/date/venue

(e)       Curriculum Vitae of the executive producer and of core members of the project team

3. Tender document may be downloaded from the website of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (http://society.hkiff.org.hk ) or from Ms. Ada Chui, telephone no. +852 2102 7320 or +852 2970 3300 or email to info@hkiff.org.hk.

4. The tender and all accompanying documents must be completed in TRIPLICATE. Tenderers are requested to submit the technical proposal and price proposal of its offer in TWO SEPARATE SEALED ENVELOPES clearly marked with the words “Technical Proposal” and “Price Proposal” respectively.

The two sealed envelopes should then be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Tender Ref: AFA 06-0002“ and addressed to the Executive Director, Hong Kong International Film Festival Society.  All tenders must be deposited in the TENDER BOX at the Society’s Office at 21/F, Millennium City 3, 370 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong on or before 12 noon of Thursday, 18^th August 2011. Late tender and tender submitted through any other modes, including facsimile or e-mail, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

5. In the event typhoon signal no. 8 or above or a black rainstorm warning signal is issued before 12 noon on the tender closing date, the tender closing time will be postponed to 12 noon on the following working day.

6. A briefing for this tender will be held on Tuesday, 2^nd August 2011 at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society at 21/F., Millennium City 3, 370 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Interested tenderers are required to contact Ms. Ada Chui to reserve a seat.

7. We shall shortlist suitable tenders and call for more detailed information from them or invite them for a tender proposal presentation. If you do not receive any notification by 30^th November 2011, your application is considered unsuccessful.

8. The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited does not bind itself to accept the lowest tender or any tender, and may negotiate with any tenderer on the terms and conditions of the offer.

The 6^th Asian Film Awards

Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

28^th July, 2011

Tender for the Provision of Production, Outdoor Broadcast and Telecast

for The 6^th Asian Film Awards

 (Tender Ref. AFA 06-0001)

1. The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited invites interested parties to submit tenders in triplicate for providing the captioned services for the 6^th Asian Film Awards to be held on 19 March 2012.

 2.  Tenders must contain the following information:-

(a)       Offer to be Bound

(b)       Tender proposal according to the information provided by the tender specification

(c)       Work plan including the detailed project schedule, implementation plan and organisation chart

(d)       Tender price quotation

(e)       Company profile with job references in organising similar events or similar scale events with details of services provided, customer names and event name/date/venue

(f)         Curriculum Vitae of the project director and core members of the project team

  3.  Tender document [Notes for Tenderers ] may be downloaded from the website of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (http://society.hkiff.org.hk ) or from Ms. Ada Chui, telephone no. +852 2102 7320 or +852 2970 3300 or email to info@hkiff.org.hk.

   4.  The tender and all accompanying documents must be completed in TRIPLICATE. Tenderers are requested to submit the technical proposal and price proposal of its offer in TWO SEPARATE SEALED ENVELOPES clearly marked with the words “Technical Proposal” and “Price Proposal” respectively.

The two sealed envelopes should then be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Tender Ref: AFA 06-0001“ and addressed to the Executive Director, Hong Kong International Film Festival Society.  All tenders must be deposited in the TENDER BOX at the Society’s Office at 21/F, Millennium City 3, 370 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong on or before 12 noon of Thursday, 4 August 2011. Late tender and tender submitted through any other modes, including facsimile or e-mail, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

     5. In the event typhoon signal no. 8 or above or a black rainstorm warning signal is issued before 12 noon on the tender closing date, the tender closing time will be postponed to 12 noon on the following working day.

     6. A briefing for this tender will be held on Tuesday, 19 July 2011 at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society at 21/F., Millennium City 3, 370 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Interested tenderers are required to contact Ms. Ada Chui to reserve a seat.

     7. We shall shortlist suitable tenders and call for more detailed information from them or invite them for a tender proposal presentation. If you do not receive any notification by 30 November 2011, your application is considered unsuccessful.

      8. The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited does not bind itself to accept the lowest tender or any tender, and may negotiate with any tenderer on the terms and conditions of the offer.

The 6^th Asian Film Awards

Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

14 July 2011

22 June, 2011 (Hong Kong) – The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) announced today the first graduation ceremony of the Jockey Club Cine Academy (JCCA) Educators Workshop held on 18 June 2011.  As one of the seven programmes under Jockey Club Cine Academy (JCCA), a 3-year film education programme funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, JCCA Educators Workshop is Hong Kong’s first series of workshops for educators to learn the basics of film literacy, using the moving image as an educator’s teaching tool.

The Workshop consists of one course of 12 classes running on a bi-weekly basis, held twice a year for two different groups of educators.  The ceremony on 18 June 2011 recognised graduates in the landmark first course that was held from January to June 2011. Mr. Li Cheuk-to, Artistic Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, and Ms. Wong Ain-ling, Programme Director of the JCCA Educators Workshop officiated at the graduation ceremony.

“We strongly believe that we should put more resources and effort into nurturing the next generation of film-makers and film goers.  Both groups are equally important for the development of our film culture and film industry.  The film-going experience is important in the appreciation of film culture but with the growth in different forms of digital delivery, our young people are no longer regular visitors to the cinema,” said Roger GARCIA, Executive Director of the HKIFFS.  “With the JCCA Educators Workshop, a wide range of experienced educators have been able to watch films and learn about the cinema from dedicated critics and scholars. They have been equipped to introduce film education in the school system, and can help plant the seeds of passion for film in our young generation at an early stage.”

“The workshop participants are passionate about cinema and devoted to education,” said WONG Ain-ling, Programme Director of the JCCA Educators Workshop. “I am confident that they will bring this passion to their students, and pass it on to the next generation.”

The Workshop provides a broad introduction to the study of film as an art form.  Participants explore the concepts of film form, aesthetics and style, while remaining attentive to the cultural and historical context in which a work is produced and seen. The course also examines closely the construction of sight and sound through various modes of organising these core elements.  In each session, a film is shown in full after the initial lecture, followed by discussions with dedicated critics and scholars.

Educators Workshop 2011 Class B will be held from July to December 2011 and the application period for 2012 Class A would be from 15 August to 7 November 2011.

Comments from participants:

“It enables me to introduce films to my students during art classes.
Some of the clips are very good for demonstration to students.”

- Cheung Lai Shan

“From the workshops, I was inspired in how teachers can introduce the world to the students through humanities.”

- Cheung Pui Shan

“I can appreciate more about cinematographic language and aesthetics of film, which enrich the content of my discussion with students.”

- Cheung Yee Ling

“In-depth and thorough film readings from tutors and critics make
the course knowledge intensive.”

- Joyce Kwok

“The workshop is both erudite and interesting, this is what teachers need in
Hong Kong.”

- Tam Hoi Wai

JCCA official website: http://jcca.hkiff.org/index.php?lang=eng

Photos download: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47659546@N07/sets/72157626879073137/

About WONG Ain-ling
Film critic and researcher.  Previously Head of Film Programming at the Hong Kong Arts Centre (1987-1990), Programmer of Asian Cinema at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (1990-1996), and Research Officer at Hong Kong Film Archive (2001-2009).  Her publications include Xi Yuan (2000), Fei Mu – Poet Director (ed., 1998), The Cathay Story (ed., 2002), The Shaw Screen: A Preliminary Study (ed., 2003), The Hong Kong-Guangdong Film Connection (ed., 2005), The Glorious Modernity of Kong Ngee (ed., 2006), Zhu Shilin: A Filmmaker of His Times (ed., 2009) and Fei Mu’s Confucius (ed., 2010), among others.

Appendix 1

About the Jockey Club Cine Academy

Established in 2010, Jockey Club Cine Academy (JCCA) is a 3-year film education programme presented by The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, with the aim to foster film literacy among the youth in Hong Kong.

Jockey Club Cine Academy Programmes

The Jockey Club Cine Academy (JCCA) consists of seven programmes:

Master Class

The JCCA Master Class features world-class filmmakers as well as the very best film creators and innovators from around the world. The JCCA Master Class offers an unforgettable opportunity of a life-time to interact with distinguished filmmakers from around the world.  In the 35^th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), acclaimed Mainland director JIA Zhangke was featured.

Face to Face

With an acclaimed history of filmmaking in Hong Kong, the JCCA Face to Face features a renowned filmmaker from Hong Kong sharing his/her insights on film, art and life, along with a complimentary bi-lingual publication on the filmmaker for all participants.  In the 35^th HKIFF, WAI Ka-fai was featured and WAI Ka-fai, Filmaker in Focus was published.

Festival Tours

Held during the annual Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), Festival Tours aims to engage participants through active dialogue on techniques, aesthetics and literacy values, social and historical relevance of film. Notable film critics, scholars and filmmakers will become personal tour guides for 20 groups of 10-15 participants, with each group attending five different HKIFF screenings.

Educators Workshop

Educators Workshop is Hong Kong’s first series of workshops for educators to learn the basics of film literacy, using the moving image as an educator’s teaching tool. The Workshop consists of one course of 12 classes, held twice a year for two different groups of educators. Held in (A) January-June 2011 and (B) July-December 2011, classes are conducted on a bi-weekly basis.

Short Film Competition

The Short Film Competition supports the production and re-invention of the short film, a form with its own formal, aesthetic and expressive qualities distinct from those of the feature film.  Approximately twenty films of different genres (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental), each not exceeding 15 minutes in duration are selected by the HKIFFS, and a jury of three renowned personalities would select the winners for the Grand Prize and Jury Prize presented at the annual HKIFF Awards Gala.

Joint Universities Programme

The Joint Universities Programme provides a global stage for students to showcase their best work at the annual Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Baptist University, City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University select the very best student films from the past year for public appreciation.

Youth Volunteer Programme

Young volunteers will have the opportunity to better understand both the film industry and arts administration by participating in “behind-the-scenes” of the annual Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). Volunteers will be trained in transferable skills in three key departments: Programming, Operations and Marketing. Volunteers will be rewarded with a wealth of film knowledge, unique experiences and a chance to make some great friends.

Jockey Club Cine Academy Partners

Educational Institutes

-       Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University

-       Department of Communication Design and Digital Media, Hong Kong Design

Institute

-       School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong

-       School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

-       School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Film Organisations

-       Hong Kong Film Archive

-       Hong Kong Film Critics Society

Non-governmental Organisations

-              Agency for Volunteer Service

-              Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre

-              Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong

-              Hong Kong Children & Youth Services

-              Hong Kong Playground Association – Jockey Club North Point Integrated Service Centre For Children & Youth

-              Hong Kong Sheng Kui Hui Welfare Council

-              Senior Members Service Group

-              The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

-              The Salvation Army

-              Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service-Homantin Integrated Centre for Youth Development

About Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society presents three annual flagship events in March and April: The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspiring films all year round.

About The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong’s best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city’s major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It hasbeen part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city’s growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

# # #

Contact for media enquiries

Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

Samuel LAM                                                            Chris CHEUK

Tel:   +852 2102 7368                                         Tel:   +852 2102 7385

Email: samuel_lam@hkiff.org.hk E-mail: chris_cheuk@hkiff.org.hk