The number of films produced in Hong Kong this year is expected to increase by 30 percent to nearly 200, said Raymond Wong, chairman of the Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart 2001), Wong said that an upbeat mood in Hong Kong's market and burgeoning international interest in Hong Kong films are the major factors to push the industry.

The Hong Kong government's firm action against piracy and increasing revenues generated from selling VCD and DVD copyrights have also contributed to the industry's resurgence, Wong said.

The Filmart 2001, scheduled to be held from June 27 to 29 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, will be bigger in scale than the previous events, according to the event's organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

"The various international film awards won by the local film talents and the successful Hong Kong movie promotion at Cannes have reflected growing international interest in Hong Kong films," said Alan Wong, director of the council.

"We have about 130 exhibitors, up 20 percent compared with last year. Up till now, more than 1,000 buyers have confirmed to attend. We predict a 30 percent increase in buyers attendance," he said.

(People's Daily 06/15/2001)