Beijing Lifts Some Curbs On HK Filmmakers

Beijing has relaxed some of the restrictions currently in place for Hong Kong films across the border, with local officials welcoming the move, saying it will help the local industry tap into the mainland market more.

Among the restrictions lifted are the number of Hongkongers taking part in a mainland film and the requirement for mainland-related plots in movies jointly produced with studios across the border.

Until now, mainland artists had to account for at least one-third of the main cast in any joint production.

Under the new rules, Hong Kong filmmakers will also get the chance to participate in mainland awards and local film companies can now apply for incentives for distributing and promoting co-productions in the SAR, Macau and overseas.

Speaking before Tuesday's Exco meeting, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that she believes Beijing will be rolling out more measures like this to encourage local filmmakers.

But she said Hong Kong filmmakers will have to play by the mainland rules when making movies for that market.

"Hong Kong is very proud of our freedom of expression, and we welcome movie makers to make best use of that freedom of expression to do diversity of movies," she said.

"But if these movies are to be screened or made on another jurisdiction, then of course they have to follow the rules and regulations of that jurisdiction," Lam said.

The Hong Kong Film Development Council welcomed the announcement, saying the steps will encourage the local film industry to take part in mainland productions more actively.

The total box office revenue from Chinese-Hong Kong joint-productions made up 13 percent of the mainland's total in 2017, according to figures from the Trade Development Council.

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