Press Release

HKBU film production programme celebrates 10th anniversary with Gala Screening

Sunday, 27 Jan 2019

A special 10th Anniversary Gala Screening was successfully held on 25 January 2019 (Friday) to celebrate a decade of success for the Higher Diploma in Creative Film Production programme offered by the Academy of Film (AF), which is part of the School of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).

Three independent short films directed by students and teachers – and produced by local film gurus – premiered on the night, highlighting the strong bond between HKBU and the film industry.

The gala screening, held at The Metroplex in Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre, gathered together more than 350 film veterans, alumni, staff and students. Professor Roland Chin, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Professor Eva Man Kit-wah, Director of the AF; and Mr Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, a renowned film actor, officiated at the event.

In his remarks, Professor Chin commended the students on their creative minds and dedication to pursuing their dreams. Mr Aaron Kwok quoted a line from his recent award-winning movie Project Gutenberg to encourage students to strive for excellence and extend the boundaries of the film industry.

Since its establishment, the Higher Diploma in Creative Film Production programme has received strong support from industry leaders. In recognition of their exemplary contributions to the programme, a Distinguished Award and five Special Contribution Awards were presented to the following film veterans: Mr Liu Kai-chi (Actor); Mr Joe Cheung Tung-cho (Honorary President of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild); Mr Tong Kay-ming (Director), Mr Lau Shing-hon (Director); Mr O Sing-pui (Director); and Mr Sunny Luk Kim-ching (Director). The programme also presented Long Service Awards to enthusiastic lecturers who have dedicated themselves to nurturing students over the past ten years. (Please see the appendix for the full list of award recipients.)

At the event, three independent short films – Seventeen, Don't Dunk and As Wind Blows – were screened. The films were directed by students, produced by film gurus, and performed by renowned actors – a fruitful outcome that resulted from the strong connections and creative exchanges between the film veterans and young film practitioners. The films brought the audience on a journey through three stages of life.

Mr Norman Chan, Programme Director of the Higher Diploma in Creative Film Production programme, expressed his gratitude to all film leaders for their generous support. Professor Eva Man said that the AF will continue to provide a broad platform for young filmmakers, with more opportunities to showcase their talents.

Founded in 2009, the Higher Diploma in Creative Film Production programme has made great efforts to equip the young generation with the professional skills and knowledge for entering into the film, TV or creative media industries. The programme has nurtured numerous aspiring directors, actors, and film-related talents. For further details about the programme, please visit http://af.hkbu.edu.hk/en/hd-introduction.

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Media enquiries:

Patricia Chan from the School of Communication (3411 7875 / patricia@hkbu.edu.hk)
Kylie Shek from the Academy of Film of the School of Communication, HKBU (3411-7495 / kylieshek@hkbu.edu.hk)

Appendix