2009 Hawaii International Film Festival Spotlights Hong Kong Cinema - Hong Kong Cinema Sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office

Honolulu, HI, October 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Hong Kong cinema has helped the Chinese-speaking world become a cinematic powerhouse and this year, the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is honored to present four outstanding examples of Hong Kong Cinema sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, which includes the centerpiece screening of Red Cliff by legendary Hong Kong action director John Woo.

Two other Hong Kong films having their Hawaii premieres are the kidnap thriller The Beast Stalker and the martial arts movie Ip Man, starring international superstar Donnie Yen. The third film in HIFF’s exciting Hong Kong Cinema lineup is, Overheard, a crime drama from screenwriters-directors Alan Mak and Felix Chong, whose detective trilogy Infernal Affairs was remade into Scorsese's The Departed.

"Hong Kong cinema is back!" proclaims Anderson Le, Director of Programming. "The films this year are an especially strong bunch, perhaps the best from Hong Kong in several years. With the migration of Hong Kong filmmakers to mainland China, it is good to see the Hong Kong industry is still alive and well,led by veteran and innovative filmmakers who capture the true urban essence of the venerable island city."

Over 170 films from 36 different countries will be featured at this year’s festival. HIFF’s 2009 program is being held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters from October 15–25. Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets are available for $10 or $9 for students, seniors, children and military. Tickets may be purchased in person at HIFF’s box office at 650 Iwilei Road #101 across from Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters or by phone at (808) 548-5905. The film guide is available now online at www.hiff.org. For more information please visit us at www.hiff.org.

Festival Information

Established in 1981, the Hawaii International Film Festival is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. HIFF is the premier international film event in the Pacific and has won the praise of governments, filmmakers, scholars, educators, programmers and film industry leaders throughout the world. For the discovery and exhibition of Asian and Pacific features, documentaries and short films in the nation, it is a primary source. Plus, Departures, a Japanese film, had its U.S. premiere at HIFF in 2008, won the HIFF Audience Award and then went on to win the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

HIFF’s major sponsors include: Regal Entertainment Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, Halekulani, Hawaii Tourism Authority and The VILCEK Foundation.

The 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival will be held October 15-25. For more information please visit their website at www.hiff.org.

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