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Offering an insight on Israel's rich and diverse cultural heritage, the "Israeli Film Festival 2011", opened tonight (January 11) at the Hong Kong Science Museum and will run until January 23.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Consulate General of Israel, nine films will be shown at the Lecture Halls of Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Science Museum, and the Cinema of Hong Kong Film Archive.
Officiating at the opening ceremony were the Consul General of Israel, Ambassador Amikam Levy, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, and the Assistant Director (Heritage and Museums) of Leisure and Cultural Services, Dr Louis Ng.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng noted that Israeli films have gained wide recognition in world cinema, winning numerous awards at various film festivals in recent years.
He said that the films selected for the Festival would show the rapid development and achievements of Israel's dynamic and growing film industry.
Nine outstanding films will be screened, covering a wide range of themes and genres including comedy, thriller, melodrama, romance and documentary.
Tonight's opening film was the espionage thriller "The Debt" (2007), which recently underwent an acclaimed English language makeover by director John Madden. The plot follows three young Mossad agents who receive a hero's welcome for killing a notorious Nazi doctor, nicknamed the "Surgeon of Birkenau". In fact, their mission to apprehend the surgeon has gone wrong, but they keep the secret among themselves. Forty years later, Rachel, now a successful writer receives news that the surgeon is still alive and she has to finish off "the job".
Other films include the bittersweet comedy "Five Hours from Paris" (2009), the touching "Eli & Ben" (2009) and "Out of Sight" (2006). "Spring 1941" (2008) focuses on a war-time love triangle, "The Assassin Next Door" (2009) stars new Bond femme fatale Olga Kurylenko and "Maya, to Touch the Soul" (2010) takes a look at the pursuit of art and love. There are also two documentaries - "Ida's Dance Club" (2009) and "Ladino - 500 Years Young" (2005).
English subtitles are available for all films. "The Debt", "Five Hours from Paris", "Eli & Ben", "The Assassin Next Door" and "Out of Sight" also have Chinese subtitles.
Tickets priced at $40 are available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessionary tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Credit card bookings can be made on 2111 5999, or on the Internet at www.urbtix.hk.
Programme details can be obtained in the programme leaflet available at all LCSD performing venues. For enquiries, please call 2734 2900 or browse the website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp.
Ends/Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:11
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