Hong Kong Film Festival Odyssey 2024 Launches with Chungking Express in UK Cities

London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Odyssey 2024 film festival which presents 25 screenings of Hong Kong films in six cities across the United Kingdom (UK) from September 16 to October 16, 2024 (London time). A reception was held on September 16 before the opening screening of "Chungking Express (4K restoration)", with the presence of the Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor John-Paul Ennis, and over 60 guests from the local cultural and business sectors. The opening screening attracted over 150 supporters of the Hong Kong cinema.

The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, delivered a virtual speech to kick-start the film festival. Mr Law said, "The Odyssey film festival is one of the largest of its kind supported by the London ETO, featuring 25 screenings of Hong Kong films across six cities - London, Cambridge, Liverpool, Hereford, Farnham, and Sheffield. This year's festival offers a diverse showcase of Hong Kong's cinematic achievements, including the opening film, director Wong Kar-wai's iconic 'Chungking Express', celebrating its 30th anniversary. The festival provides UK audiences with a unique opportunity to explore Hong Kong's vibrant film culture."

"Hong Kong is an international hub for cultural and creative industries with promising development opportunities. With our unique status and strengths under 'one country, two systems', also capitalising on our sophisticated fusion of East and West, we are determined to become a hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan," he added.

Odyssey film festival is an annual event presented by UK-China Film Collab, a non-profit organisation based in the UK. The Odyssey 2024film festival presents over 60 films via cinemas and online platform, as well as other programmes including discussion panels and Q&As.

London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases