Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government
announced on Saturday the establishment of the Hong Kong Film
Development Council (HKFDC) and the appointment of 16 non-official
members for a term from April 15, 2007 to March 31, 2009.
The HKFDC will be chaired by Jack So Chak-kwong, who is the
chairman of the existing Film Development Committee. The membership
will comprise all the current 11 non-official members of the
committee, and five new members.
The Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology
(Communications and Technology) will serve as vice-chairman, while
Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs or his representative and the
Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his
representative will serve as the ex-officio members of the
Council.
Welcoming the establishment of the HKFDC and the appointment,
Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph W
P Wong said that the HKSAR government is committed to promoting the
development of the local film industry which will benefit the
overall economy.
"The HKFDC is a very important committee to advise the HKSAR
government on the overall policy and strategy for the short and
long term development of the local film industry.
"We will also consult the HKFDC on specific measures to promote
the film industry, including the detailed arrangements for the Film
Development Fund with an increase in commitment of 300 million Hong
Kong dollars(about US$38.56 million) and an expanded scope to
provide funding support for small-to-medium budget film
productions.
"I am most grateful to all members of the existing Film
Development Committee for agreeing to serve on the new HKFDC. The
majority of the members of the HKFDC are active and prominent
members of the film industry. I am confident that the HKFDC will be
able to offer very useful advice to the government to revive and
promote the development of our film industry," Wong said.
The HKFDC is tasked to advise the Secretary for Commerce,
Industry and Technology on six aspects including the policy,
strategy and institutional arrangement for the promotion and
development of the film industry; the use and allocation of public
funds in support of the film industry; the planning, coordination
and implementation of publicly funded activities related to the
film industry; the merits of applications for public funding under
the relevant funding schemes; the manpower and training needs of
the film industry; and the promotion of film literacy in the
community.
(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2007)