A large-scale project has been launched promoting the local film industry's long-term growth by developing the Mainland and Southeast Asian markets and introducing the new generation of Hong Kong directors to these areas.

Launching the Hong Kong Film: New Action project today, Film Development Council Chairman Jack So said through direct exchange of ideas between local movie practitioners and investors and distributors outside Hong Kong, mutual understanding can be fostered and solid market networks established to boost demand for local productions and attract foreign investment.

The project will be implemented in phases. From this month to February a delegation comprising council members, the film industry and directors will visit the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan to introduce Hong Kong features and the new generation of directors to buyers, distributors and producers there.

Thirty-three directors who have been award nominees or winners at film festivals have joined the project so far. A brochure showcasing their talent for promotion outside Hong Kong has been compiled.

"Our film industry has an abundance of talent. We hope the project will help them open up more opportunities and new markets, thus enabling the industry to nurture successors and enhance both the quality and quantity of local film productions," Mr So said.

Promotional seminars

The council will hold exchange forums and seminars under the project during the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market in March. Luncheon gatherings and promotional booths will be set up for the directors to meet Mainland and Southeast Asian industry moguls.

On the Film Development Fund's Film Production Financing Scheme, eight applications have been approved and two are being processed, involving total approved funding of $21.84 million. The eight projects cover different genres and engage six new directors. They will be released from early 2009.

The fund has also approved 20 film-related projects involving $37.85 million. They include large-scale film events, promotional seminars, participation of local productions in overseas festivals or financing forums, production of a crew safety manual, movie education in the senior secondary school curriculum, and a short feature promoting Hong Kong films.