The Commerce & Economic Development and Home Affairs Bureaux have sponsored Hong Kong film director Johnnie To to partake in the world-acclaimed cultural event Nuit Blanche in Paris October 4 and 5 to showcase the creativity and aesthetics of local action cinema.

This is the first invitation from Paris for a Hong Kong film director to take part in such a prestigious event and shows Hong Kong's unique position and influence in the international film scene.

Mr To will present in his art project Hong Kong Action showing how local filmmakers incorporate the elements of traditional Cantonese opera to create unique visual and action scenes that captivate audiences worldwide.

The project will be shown at the famous La Comedie Francaise Theatre where a full-scale replica of a bamboo Cantonese opera stage will be constructed, and live performances on opera acrobatics and kung fu will be presented by the renowned Dawn Radiance Opera Troupe.

A video installation based on the classic serial kung fu films Buddha's Palm will also be shown to link the influence of Cantonese opera with the creative visual aesthetics of Hong Kong filmmakers.

The bureau said the sponsorship is to support the creative industries and the Government is committed to the ongoing development of the Hong Kong film industry.