John Woo meets key
New York film personnel

At a New York luncheon on October 12 honoring Hong Kong film director John Woo are (from left): Deputy Director (Media & PR) of HKETONY Kelly So, co-founder of the New York Asian Film Festival Daniel Craft, Film Society of the Lincoln Center Program Director Richard Pena, Mr. Woo, co-founder of the New York Asian Film Festival Grady Hendrix, Director of HKETONY and host Monica Chen and Mr. Woo's daughter, Angeles Woo.

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) Director Monica Chen hosted a New York business lunch October 12 for internationally renowned Hong Kong director John Woo. HKETONY also organized a roundtable media session to help promote “Red Cliff,” Mr. Woo’s first Chinese-language feature in more than 15 years.  

“Red Cliff” had its U.S. premiere October 9 at the Chicago International Film Festival; it will be released commercially Nov. 20 in the United States.      

Held in honor of Mr. Woo’s achievements and to promote Hong Kong films, the New York lunch was attended by Richard Pena, program director of the Film Society of the Lincoln Center, and Grady Hendrix and Daniel Craft, co-founders of the New York Asian Film Festival.      

“The hard work and talent of Director Woo, together with that of the many Hong Kong actors, directors, producers and cinematographers, have propelled Hong Kong films to international recognition and acclaim,” Ms. Chen said. “In the past 10 years alone, Hong Kong film talents have won over 300 international awards.

“The success of these Hong Kong films, ranging from crime thrillers to martial arts epics to art-house films, epitomizes the creative spirit and imaginative expression of the unique ‘East meets West’ culture that distinguishes Hong Kong as Asia’s world city.”     

Prior to the lunch, Mr. Woo attended the HKETONY-organized media roundtable and discussed the making of “Red Cliff.” A special screening of the film also was arranged at the Asia Society in New York.

HKETONY has promoted Hong Kong films at a May film festival in Chicago, the New York Asian Film Festival in June, and most recently, the Chicago International Film Festival and the Atlanta Asian Film Festival. More exposure is expected in Boston later this year.