Actor Chow Yun-fat of Hong Kong poses on the red carpet of the Hong Kong Film Awards on April 17, 2011. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat has won the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.

The award is granted to Asian filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Asian film industry and culture, according to the official BIFF website.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung congratulated Chow for winning the award and his outstanding film career

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Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung congratulated Chow for winning the award and his outstanding film career.

"With his outstanding acting skills, Chow plays a diverse repertoire and gives life to many classic characters. He made a name for himself in Hong Kong and even worldwide before successfully making his way to Hollywood, and established his status in the global film industry,” Yeung said.

“Moreover, Chow is well-loved by Hong Kong people for being approachable."

Yeung added that Hong Kong actors have earned recognition among their counterparts worldwide by reaping a number of international awards in recent years.

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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Hong Kong Film Development Council will continue to provide support on various fronts and foster sustainable development of the industry.