The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society is a non-profit, non-governmental organization which develops, promotes and encourages creativity in the art and culture of film through the presentation of the annual Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). The Society is also committed to organizing regular programs and other film related activities throughout the year in order to promote the art and creativity of cinema, with an international dimension and outlook.

In 2007, the Society further demonstrated its commitment to the development of a vibrant film culture by organizing three flagship events; the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Golden Digital Award: What the Heart Craves (Japan), Takahashi Izumi
Silver Digital Award: Little Moth (China), Peng Tao
Humanitarian Award for Best Documentary: Yasukuni (China/Japan), Li Ying
Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Documentary: Bingai (China), Feng Yan
Grand Prize, Fresh Wave Short Film Competition: The Monk (Hong Kong), Chan Siu-hei
FIPRESCI Prize: Wonderful Town (Thailand), Aditya Assarat
SIGNIS Award: Empties (Czech Republic/UK), Jan Svěrák

Highlights of the 32nd edition were a complete retrospective of Edward Yang, the world-renowned Taiwanese auteur who passed away in 2007 as well as special sections on Young Taiwanese Cinema, Israeli Cinema and Czech Cinema. Chinese Renaissance, a stage for new films and filmmakers from the Chinese Mainland, once again premiered important new works from directors such as Wang Xiaoshuai, Gu Changwei, and Ning Hao. This year’s guests of honor were Yamada Yoji, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from HKIFF’s sister event, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) and whose latest film, Kabei – Our Mother, was an Opening Film of the 32nd HKIFF, as well as Peter Greenaway and Bela Tarr. Also present were Filmmaker in Focus – Eric Tsang, who contributed two World Premieres along with eight earlier works to this year’s film festival, and Ishii Yuya, recipient of the Edward Yang New Talent Award at the 2nd AFA.

Ron Havilio’s film “Potosi, the Journey” won the Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Documentary. In “Potosi, the Journey,” the Havilio family of five and a Super 16 camera take the audience 4,000 meters up in the Andes Mountains to the once prosperous town of Potosi. Formerly rich with silver reserves yet now ravaged by years of pillaging thieves and almost entirely abandoned, Havilio and his family live and work with the remaining locals in the silver mines, while examining family connections, greed and the frailty of memory.

“This is my first film in Hong Kong and I'm very glad to have won the award,” he said. “My film is not an easy one. It's very long and it's very much anti- mainstream. I worked for seven years on this film and during this period of time
I watched the world change. I was worried that no one would be interested in this film any more. Thus I'm very glad. The award means that this film has its value. I'm especially touched by the fact that I won this award from an Asian jury.”

With the Kiwi filmmaking industry continuingly becoming more vibrant, their presence can be felt at many festivals around the world. The 2007 Hong Kong International Film Festival was not to be left off their festival circuit.

The New Zealand Consulate-General collaborated with the HKIFF for the first time and held a reception to celebrate their association. During the reception, held at City Hall before the premiere of “Out Of the Blue,” directed by Robert Sarkies, New Zealand Consul-General Julian Ludbrook said he hoped that people in Hong Kong could learn more about the country of New Zealand and the vibrant filmmaking scene, which has more to offer than just Peter Jackson.

Mr. Ludbrook hoped that by showing films that might not be commercially viable, people can look beyond movies such as “Lord of the Rings” and “King Kong.” Other than filmmaking, Mr. Ludbrook encouraged Hong Kong people to visit the country not just for the breathtaking scenery, but the working visa arrangements with the Hong Kong government, which can give Hong Kong youngsters a taste of New Zealand lifestyle.

Robert Sarkies was also on hand at the festival to discuss his film, “Out Of the Blue,” a narrative feature telling the true story of the Aramoana tragedy in 1990. As a proud Kiwi, Sarkies explained that the New Zealand Film Commission has been involved in all New Zealand films for the past 25 years, producing about three to five feature films yearly (excluding those digitally made.) Despite the low budgets, the films tend to garner international critical acclaim throughout the festival circuit.

“I have no desire to make films in the US,” he says, “I have better support back home. For me, it's only 10-minute drive from my home to one of the best post-production studios. Such top facilities are as available to big filmmakers like Peter Jackson as to a small filmmaker like me. Why should I leave?”

The 2nd Fresh Wave Short Film Competition Grand Prize: “Merry X’mas”
Directed by Jevons Au

Signis Award: “The Italian”
Directed by Andrei Kravchuk (Russia)

Special Mention: “Fresh Air”
Directed by Agnes Kocsis (Hungary)

and “The Island”
Directed by Pavel Lounguine (Russia)

FIRPRESCI Winner: “Betelnut”
Directed by Yang Heng (China)

Humanitarian Award for Best Documentary: “Nanking”
Directed by Bill Gunttetag and Dan Sturman (USA)

Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Documentary: “Potosi, The Journey”
Directed by Ron Havilio (Israel/France)

Golden Digital Award: “Love Conquers All”
Directed by Tan Chui-mui (Malaysia)

Silver Digital Award: “Betelnut”
Directed by Yang Heng (China)