ASEAN FILM FESTIVAL: An immersive journey into cinematic diversity of Southeast Asia

The ASEAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023 Finale concludes with a distinguished screening event showcasing the award-winning Indonesian film 'Before, Now and Then' at Hong Kong Palace Museum

HONG KONG, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong and ASEAN countries share a rich history of cooperation in trade relations and cultural exchange that has spanned decades. Recognising the importance of regional cultural diversity, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation organised the inaugural ASEAN FILM FESTIVAL (AFF), held from 4 to 19 August, with 21 film screenings. The 2023 Finale was marked by a closing screening at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District.

This special event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Honourable Mr Kevin YEUNG Yun-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy for Digital Economy and Creative Products at Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP and Mr Daniel Fung, SBS, SC, KC, JP. The Consul Generals or representatives of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, along with representatives from supporting organisations including the chambers of commerce, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, M+, the sky (Olympian City), Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and Our Hong Kong Foundation were present to lend their support and participate in the evening's festivities.

Hong Kong as a great connector to foster deeper cooperation and exchange within the creative sector

The Honourable Mr Kevin YEUNG Yun-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR says, "I would like to thank the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation for organising the ASEAN Film Festival.  Bringing over a wide selection of films from Southeast Asia to Hong Kong audiences, the Festival accelerates cultural exchange, which echoes our strategic direction in promoting the development of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The HKSAR Government is committed to promoting the development of Hong Kong film industry, our flagship creative industry, to audiences worldwide. We encouraged the Hong Kong film industry to actively participate in various international film festivals to enhance new connections with overseas film communities to sustain Hong Kong's status as a well-established and prominent hub for the Asian film industry with our rich cultural history and diverse range of unique film offerings."

The Finale celebrates cross-cultural exchange with a special film screening

The ASEAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023 Finale included a special screening of the Indonesian award-winning film 'Before, Now and Then'. "The Indonesian film industry has a long history of using film as a medium to raise important social issues and connect with audiences. 'Before, Now and Then' by director Kamila Andini is a period drama film set against the backdrop of late 1960s upheavals in Indonesia. I hope people can gain a better understanding of Indonesian culture through this film," says Mr Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy for Digital Economy and Creative Products at Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. "Hong Kong, as an international hub in Asia, is an ideal location for connecting cross-regional cultures and driving better understanding among neighbours. Cinema is just one tool, and I am confident that there is potential for more collaboration between Hong Kong, Indonesia and other ASEAN nations through many such cultural platforms."

Inaugural film festival strengthens Hong Kong–ASEAN cultural ties

"The ASEAN and Hong Kong enjoy long-standing and deep-rooted partnerships that span decades," says Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of HK-ASEAN Foundation. "Such partnerships are highlighted by the Chief Executive's highly successful visit to ASEAN countries last month. Through the ASEAN Film Festival, we seek to present to Hong Kong audiences the rich cinematic tapestry of the ASEAN, and to promote a deeper understanding of one another's cultures. It is also a celebration of Hong Kong's strength in the creative industries as well as our role as a bridge connecting the ASEAN and mainland China."

Throughout the two-weeks of the Film Festival, over 600 young people were invited to screenings of 14 specially curated films. Mr Ng continues, "I hope these youngsters have enjoyed exploring the richness and depth of ASEAN cultures, and this Festival will inspire many more collaborations and partnerships. AFF would only be possible with the unwavering support and collaboration of the ASEAN Consulates in Hong Kong. My heartfelt gratitude to them for their invaluable contributions, and I would also like to thank our esteemed partners, including the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, M+, the sky (Olympian City), Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong, Our Hong Kong Foundation and all the chambers and associations for joining us on this journey."

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