Anthony Wong Yiu-ming appointed as HKIFF Cine Fan Ambassador

HKIFF Cine Fan, a new year-round repertory programme organised by The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), opened tonight at Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) with a lively cocktail reception and the screening of

, the latest work of up-and-coming local director Adam WONG ( ,

). The director was present to greet the audience together with producer Saville CHAN, choreographer Shing MAK, composers Day TAI and Fuc, and cast members Cherry NGAN, Babyjohn, Lokman and Tommy Guns Ly. Anthony WONG Yiu-ming, renowned singer-songwriter and longtime supporter of HKIFFS, also attended the kickoff to show his support.

Based at agnès b. CINEMA at HKAC, and financially supported by Create Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Film Development Fund, the monthly Cine Fan programme features restored classics, tributes to masters, genre films and indies among other rarely seen works. Running from 5 April – 25 May, the first edition of the programme presents an extensive tribute to French film pioneer and essayist Chris MARKER. One-time Marker collaborator, San Francisco-based filmmaker and Emmy award winner Emiko OMORI will present her documentary on the elusive Marker,

, on 6 April. The programme also includes a long overdue retrospective on Italy’s renowned directing and screenwriting duo, the Taviani brothers (Paolo & Vittorio TAVIANI).

At the reception HKIFFS also revealed the exciting news of two additional screenings on 25 May of

and by Abbas KIAROSTAMI. The world-famous Iranian filmmaker will be in town to conduct a master class on the same day – details will be announced soon on

www.cinefan.com.hk. “This is only the first in a series of Cine Fan events where we invite established filmmakers, both local and overseas, to meet the audience, lead seminars, and join panel discussions,” said LI Cheuk-to, Artistic Director of the HKIFFS.

In conjunction with the new initiative, the Cine Fan privilege scheme has been launched to offer ticket discounts both for the Cine Fan programme, the annual HKIFF, the Summer International Film Festival, and other associated programmes. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIFFS, said, “Cine Fan is borne out of our strong belief in a supportive environment for cinema in all its diversity, and the value of a club where film buffs can gather to do what they like best: celebrate movies!”

Appointed as the HKIFF Cine Fan Ambassador, Anthony WONG received a giant patron privilege card at the ceremony. He said, “Every filmgoer in Hong Kong should be thrilled to hear about this new programme – finally we have a place to get together on a regular basis and see movies from all over the world. After all films are meant to be seen on the big screen inside a cinema; I look forward to reach out to the local community and help foster a passionate movie-going culture as the Cine Fan Ambassador.”

The full HKIFF Cine Fan programme can be viewed at

www.cinefan.com.hk. Tickets can be booked online at

www.urbtix.hk or in-person at all URBTIX outlets.