3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Building connections through cinema: The ASEAN Film Festival fosters ties between Hong Kong, its regional neighbours, and beyond
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]
Beyond economics, efforts to enhance connections focus on promoting people-to-people ties through cultural exchanges, and tourism. Cinema, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for cross- cultural connection.
In line with China's 14th Five-Year Plan, which envisions Hong Kong as a global arts and cultural hub, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation launched the ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) to elevate regional cinema and engage the city's youth. Now entering its third edition, AFF extends its scope beyond the ten ASEAN member states to include Belt and Road partners such as Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye, supported by the Belt and Road Office of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
An opening ceremony of AFF 2025 held in early August was attended by esteemed guests, including Mr Liu Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR and other government officials, and the Consuls-General or representatives of 14 countries along with representatives from co- presenters, venue partners, and supporting organisations.
In her speech, Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR, said that the Festival served as a unique platform for dialogues and collaborations. She was pleased to see filmmakers, directors, and actors from some 10 featured films participating in the special sharing sessions, engaging with local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong. Such cultural exchange activities underscored Hong Kong's steadfast dedication to strengthening connections with countries along the Belt and Road region, solidifying its role as the 'super- connector' between the Mainland of China and the global community.
Sharing Miss Law's sentiment, Mr Ong Siew Gay, Dean of the ASEAN Consuls-General said, 'We need more exchanges of ideas and more international and regional collaboration to foster understanding and trust.' He added, 'The Festival is instrumental in fostering a better appreciation of ASEAN societies and culture within Hong Kong, and this will position Hong Kong well in facilitating the development of China's relationship with ASEAN.'
