The collaboration between ASEAN and Hong Kong is vital during a period of increasing interactions in trade, business, and travel between the two regions, facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative.
With the government actively engaging with a number of ASEAN nations to cultivate connections and discover fresh opportunities, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation has organized the second edition of the ASEAN Film Festival to promote cultural exchanges and bolster mutual understanding between the regions.
Running from Sept 5 to 28, the festival marks the first time that Hong Kong has hosted a film festival showcasing movies from all 10 countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, presenting over 20 ASEAN films across the city.
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It also includes nine special sharing sessions in which production teams are engaging with local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong, sharing insights and stories behind their creative works.
The festival has received a positive response from students and the public, with over 3,500 free tickets redeemed for all screenings and sharing sessions.
Themed “Collaboration and Co-Creation” this year, the ASEAN Film Festival is a nonprofit venture made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, the consulates general of ASEAN countries in Hong Kong, and over 20 local and ASEAN partners.
On Friday, the festival hosted a celebration reception, bringing together representatives from the government, the consulates general of the 10 ASEAN countries, supporting organizations, and film industry professionals to celebrate the cinematic diversity of ASEAN.
During the reception, Michael Wong Wai-lun, acting financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that Hong Kong, as a city where East meets West, and as the superconnector between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, is proud to be associated with ASEAN films.
Wong paid tribute to all ASEAN filmmakers for their dedication, creativity, and passion, culminating in the exceptional collection of movies showcased during the festival.
“I believe that their skills, passion and commitment to storytelling will inspire others, in ASEAN and in Hong Kong, to follow in their footsteps; and their wonderful efforts and generosity in sharing will allow us to see in the future another generation of filmmakers who will continue to carry the torch,” Wong said.
Ainatol Zahayu Mohammad, dean of the ASEAN consuls general and consul general of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong, said that ASEAN boasts a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, stories and artistic expression, making it a vibrant region.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong remains a pivotal international hub that bridges ASEAN countries and China, Mohammad said. Beyond trade and commerce, it is crucial to foster stronger cross-regional relationships among ASEAN countries, Hong Kong and the mainland by promoting cultural exchanges, shared values and collaborative initiatives.
“By harnessing the power of film as a universal language, the film festival transcends borders and fosters connections among us all, as viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the stories and perspectives of their ASEAN neighbors, thus creating an environment of understanding and appreciation,” Mohammad said.
Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, commissioner for the Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR, said that the bond between people is at the very heart of the Belt and Road Initiative, and film possesses a remarkable power to unite people, to foster respect and understanding, and ultimately, to touch souls.
“The festival stands as a vibrant testament to our cultural connectivity and diversity. I want to congratulate the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation for yet another successful edition of the Belt and Road series of events. Together, we are not just celebrating film; we are celebrating the ties that connect us all,” Ho said.
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Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation Advisory Council Member Bernard Charnwut Chan said that Hong Kong is known for its diverse art and cultural landscape, offering a wide range of arts events and festivals for visitors and tourists to enjoy.
The increasing presence of both local and international events on the city’s arts and culture calendar amplifies the vibrancy and cultural richness of the city, Chan said.
Daryl Ng Win-kong, chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, extended thanks to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu for spearheading engagement with various ASEAN countries and the government’s active promotion of Hong Kong, which has facilitated connections and created new opportunities across diverse business sectors.
“My deepest gratitude also goes to the consuls general of all 10 ASEAN countries for their personal touch in recommending films for AFF, as well as to our esteemed partners, including the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, M+, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong, Financial Services Development Council, Our Hong Kong Foundation, and all the chambers and associations, for enriching the festival’s content and engagement,” Ng said.
