HKETO Berlin supports screenings of Hong Kong Films presented at FILMASIA 2024 in Prague
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) sponsored the 20th edition of the Filmasia Asian Film Festival (Filmasia), taking place from December 5 to 10 (Prague time) in Prague.
The Director of HKETO Berlin, Ms Jenny Szeto, delivered her opening remarks before the screening of the opening film "Fly Me To The Moon", highlighting Hong Kong’s dedication to promoting cultural exchanges through movies.
"Hong Kong takes pride in its vibrant popular culture, which offers a unique window into our dynamic way of life and rich heritage. And that is why our Government places strong emphasis on promoting Hong Kong's cultural footprint, particularly through supporting the growth and international reach of our film industry. We have, for instance, increased funding support and established a dedicated scheme to foster film collaborations between Europe and Hong Kong. We also actively encourage and facilitate the participation of Hong Kong filmmakers in international festivals like Filmasia. This not only elevates the global visibility of Hong Kong cinema, but also celebrates the exceptional creativity and talent of our filmmakers," she said.
Filmasia is held annually in the first week of December, and the theme this year is "Women of Asian Cinema". Supported by HKETO Berlin, Sasha Chuk, the director of "Fly Me To The Moon", was invited to join the Festival and sharing session with the audience before the opening screening. Meanwhile, director Heiward Mak will join the screening of her film "Fagara" on December 6 (Prague time).
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in the Czech Republic as well as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
HKETO Berlin supports screenings of Hong Kong Films presented at FILMASIA 2024 in Prague Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin supports screenings of Hong Kong Films presented at FILMASIA 2024 in Prague Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."
"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."
He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."
The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.
The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.
The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.
