The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Home Affairs Bureau have sponsored Hong Kong film director, Mr Johnnie To, to participate in the world-acclaimed cultural event "Nuit Blanche" in Paris on October 4 and 5 to showcase the creativity and aesthetics of Hong Kong's action cinema.
It is part of the Government's efforts to support the creative industries,
"The Government is committed to the ongoing development of the Hong Kong film industry, which is well established as the flagship of our creative economy," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said today (October 4).
"Mr To's participation marks the first invitation from Paris for a Hong Kong film director to take part in such a prestigious international event. This clearly demonstrates Hong Kong's unique position and influence in the international film scene, " the spokesman said.
At the event, Mr To will present in his art project entitled "Hong Kong Action" how local filmmakers incorporate the elements of traditional Cantonese Opera to create unique visual and action scenes that captivate audiences worldwide.
To give audience a taste of the traditional Cantonese Opera, the project will be shown at the famous La Comédie Francaise Theatre where a full-scale replica of a bamboo Cantonese Opera stage will be constructed, and live performances on opera acrobatics and kung fu will be presented by the renowned Dawn Radiance Opera Troupe. A video installation based on the classic serial kung fu films, "Buddha's Palm", will also be shown to link the influence of Cantonese Opera with the creative visual aesthetics of Hong Kong filmmakers.
Held since 2002, the Nuit Blanche was founded by Paris mayor Mr Bertrand Delanoe to promote awareness in Parisian historical landmarks and arts development. The event attracted more than one million visitors in 2007.
Saturday, October 4, 2008