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SCMP

This article was first published on June 28, 1977.
Film festival off to impressive start
by SCMP reporter
Hongkong’s First International Film Festival got off to an impressive start last night (June 27, 1977).
It was not quite the glittering social occasion as the Cannes Film Festival and there certainly was not the profusion of topless models and eager starlets that the Mediterranean occasion produces.
But the cocktail party that opened the festival in City Hall yesterday did bring together people who intend to make Hongkong a world-famous film city.
Sir Run Run Shaw said he was honoured with the selection of Shaw Brothers’ “The Last Tempest” for screening at the festival.

But the film’s director, Mr Li Han-hsiang, felt that perhaps more Chinese films should have been selected.
Monsieur Jean Eustache, director of “The Little Lovers,” also felt that more Chinese films should have been included.
Monsieur Eustache’s film will be shown tonight.
He is looking forward to spending sometime here to study the workings of the local film industry.
“You never know, we might even stay here,” said his assistant, who acted as interpreter.

Also in town is Mr Patrick Lui from England with his film “It Happened Here Again.”
The renowned Indian director, Mr Satyajit Ray, is due here in a week’s time.
The Chairman of the Urban Council, Mr A. de O. Sales, and other members of the Council welcomed the visitors.
The festival will continue until July 10 and nearly all the films are already sold out.


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Hong Kong International Film Festival

(From right) Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales, Chairman of the Urban Council; Mrs Sales; and Sir Run Run Shaw of the Shaw Brothers sharing a joke at the opening of the first Hong Kong International Film Festival on June 27, 1977. Photo: C.Y Yu

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Movie magnate Sir Run Run Shaw (left) introduces film director Li Han-hsiang (centre) to Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales (second right), Chairman of the Urban Council, at the opening of the first Hong Kong International Film Festival. Mr Li’s film. Photo: C.Y Yu

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The first Hong Kong International Film Festival was held in 1977. This year marked its 50th iteration


The first Hong Kong International Film Festival was held in 1977. This year marked its 50th iteration.


.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The first Hong Kong International Film Festival was held in 1977. This year marked its 50th iteration

Film festival off to impressive start

The first Hong Kong International Film Festival was held in 1977. This year marked its 50th iteration