The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Macau in conjunction with the Fulbright Program, Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong America Center will present a five day symposium entitled “Hong Kong/Hollywood at the Borders: Alternative Perspectives, Alternative Cinemas” from April 1 -5, 2004. The event, co-sponsored by the American Consulate in Hong Kong, will feature panels and presentations on the current state and historical underpinnings of American, Hong Kong and Macao film culture. Particular focus will be given to the connections between the Hong Kong and Hollywood commercial cinema, and to the importance of independent film industries, including documentary, experimental films, digital arts, television, and video.

On April 1-4 (Thursday through Sunday), the symposium takes place at the University of Hong Kong, with a wide variety of papers and panel discussions by local and international scholars on areas such as: the city in film, gender across national borders, transnational action films, independent cinema, and filmmakers such as Fruit Chan. A screening of Crystal Kwok’s recent film THE MISTRESS followed by a discussion with the filmmaker will occur on Saturday evening.

On the evening of April 2, a wide variety of screenings of local experimental and independent films will be offered at Videotage in Kowloon, and on the evening April 4, the Hong Kong Film Archive in Sai Wan Ho will screen the world premiere of Evans Chan’s new film SORCERESS OF THE NEW PIANO.

On April 5 the event will continue from 12 noon in the S.T.D.M. Auditorium at the University of Macau’s International library. The program will commence with screenings of short films made by local Macao videoartists. At 2 pm there will be a panel discussion “From Macao to the World, with stopovers in Hong Kong: Filmmakers on the move”, which will include presentations on Macao-born filmmaker Clara Law, and Macao-bred filmmaker Evans Chan. A screening of Evans Chan’s documentary ADEUS MACAU, filmed at the time of Macao’s change of sovereignty in 1999, and a discussion with the filmmaker will follow. During the tea break from 4 – 4.30pm, a screening of UMAC Focus, the news program produced by Communication students from the University of Macau, will be shown. From 4.30pm to 6.30pm there will be an open, round table discussion on the sources, gender politics and responses to Quentin Tarantino’s recent foray into martial arts, KILL BILL.

All events are open to the public and promise to provide a rare and stimulating opportunity to gain fresh insights into rapidly evolving local film industries and practices.

For further information on the event please check the symposium website www.cuhk.edu.hk/hkac or the University of Macau website www.umac.mo