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2006
454
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
cither in Hong Kong yet, may seem more appropriate. If it is his contribution to films that we honour. I think by viewing the development of the local film industry from a macro angle helps to encourage other filmmakers to strive for higher achievement.
Our film industry was very prosperous in the past twenty-odd years and a lot of outstanding personalities shined and are still shining. They may be stars or directors and some have broken out of Asia into Hollywood and the world film-making market. Film culture and style of Hong Kong have now infiltrated into world film kingdoms so that foreign film-makers are learning about the concept of film making in Hong Kong. As I just said, we have produced many outstanding artists or film workers. A long time ago, there was YAM Kim-fai. Recently, we have actors Jackie CHAN, CHOW Yun-fat, directors NG Yu-sum and Tong Kwai-lai. How are we going to evaluate their work? These people are our pride because they are cultivated here. How are we going to pay tribute to their achievement? Many local film professionals have produced outstanding works that have won awards at international film festivals. What do we propose to do to remember them? Yes, I agree that Bruce LEE contributed a lot to our film industry, but I think we should look at matters from a macro angle. I agree with the amendment motion proposing to set up a gallery of kungfu stars. I think we should also consider setting up various other kinds of galleries for different types of film stars as well.
Mr. Chairman, with the above remarks, I support the amendment.
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, those who spoke in support of the original motion are members of the DAB. After listening to the reasons given in support of a Bruce LEE memorial gallery, I get the impression that the main reason for such a gallery is its commercial value. All is for the economy of Hong Kong.
To my mind, when we consider whether to pay tribute to a particular person in the Film Archive, we should consider what kind of process to take in selection. If we do not have such a mechanism in place, then we may at today's meeting decide on a Bruce LEE memorial gallery and at the next meeting decide on one for another person. What should we do if this happens? In most overseas countries well developed in cinematography, there are galleries like the Hall of Fame. The selection criteria adopted are very strict. No decision will be made rashly at a certain meeting. In the over 100 years of the history of the Hong Kong film industry, each film maker or worker would have contributed at different times. We should conduct an overall review and develop a strict mechanism for selecting people to be included in the Hall of Fame or something similar so that the final list will be one widely supported by the film industry.
I would also like to affirm Bruce LEE's influence to Chinese martial art culture. However, is that judgment based on his influence to Chinese martial
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