ENG-1979 — Page 237

168

THE MEDIA

English, The Week in Hong Kong, and a 12-page fortnightly newspaper in Chinese, Hong Kong News Digest, are also published.

Through its Publicity Division, the GIS plans, creates and co-ordinates many community service campaigns such as anti-narcotics activities, fire prevention, road safety, the fight against crime and the drive to keep Hong Kong clean. During 1979, a photographic contest, Hong Kong in Progress, was organised in conjunction with the Photographic Society of Hong Kong to promote Hong Kong locally and overseas. About 150 entries were selected for two exhibitions held in London in August.

The Information Section of the Hong Kong Government Office in London works closely with the GIS to assist the British media with information about events and newsworthy developments in Hong Kong, especially those associated with the government.

Information Branch

The work of the GIS, RTHK and much of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority is co-ordinated by the Information Branch of the Government Secretariat, headed by a Secretary for Information. The creation of the branch as a separate entity during 1979 reflects the high level of importance that the government attaches to keeping the community well-informed about matters affecting their lives.

Film Industry

Reversing the trend in recent years, the number of cinemas increased to 80 during 1979 compared with 75 in 1978. Approximately 65 million cinema tickets were sold, demonstrat- ing that Hong Kong people continued to be enthusiastic cinema-goers despite an increase in admission prices of between 10 and 15 per cent.

Hong Kong is an important film producing centre. The number of locally-produced films increased from 130 in 1978 to 137 in 1979. At the same time, the number of imported films decreased from 550 to 470. While some imported films attract large audiences, box-office successes in other countries do not guarantee that a film will do well in Hong Kong. A relatively low-budget, locally-produced film, which happens to strike the right note, can make enormous profits for its producers. Nevertheless, the top-grossing film of the year was the James Bond film, Moonraker, with box office receipts of nearly $8 million. The trend to produce films in Cantonese rather than in Mandarin continued during the year and of the 136 films produced only 37 were in Mandarin. As usual, most locally- produced films were filled with action with the emphasis on kung fu. These martial arts films are enjoying a resurgence in popularity with a new development being the introduction of a strong comedy element.

There was a decline in the number of films with sexually explicit themes being imported into Hong Kong. This is because the recent trend in the West has been towards more explicit scenes to a degree which is not acceptable in Hong Kong. All films intended for exhibition in Hong Kong must be submitted to the Film Censorship Authority. Censorship standards are drawn from ascertained community views. A panel comprising more than 100 members of the community assists the Panel of Film Censors in determining levels of acceptability in filmed entertainment.

Printing and Publishing

Established as a major printing centre, Hong Kong companies handle work from many parts of the world particularly Australia, Britain and the United States. The prime attrac-