ENG-2010 — Page 441

Communications, the Media and Information Technology 371

complemented by the film Echoes of the Rainbow financed by FDF, which received the award of Crystal Bear for the Best Feature Film in the Generation Section of the 60th Berlinale 2010.

DesignSmart Initiative

The DesignSmart Initiative, launched in 2004, comprises the Design Support Programme (DSP) and an InnoCentre element. The DSP provides resource support for projects in design and branding-related research, design and business collaboration, continuing professional education and promotion of a design culture. In 2010, the DSI provided funding support of $20 million for 62 projects. The InnoCentre connects designers and users of design services, and provides spaces for design ventures and activities. By the end of December 2010, 62 design companies had been admitted as tenants, and 79 as incubatees.

Film Development Fund

The FDF finances small-to-medium budget film productions and funds projects conducive to the long-term development of the local film industry. In 2010, four film production financing projects involving a total funding of $15 million, and 15 other film-related projects beneficial to the healthy and long-term development of the film industry, involving a total funding of $30 million, were approved.

Film Development Council

The Film Development Council (FDC), established in April 2007, is responsible for advising the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on the policy, strategy and institutional arrangement for the promotion and development of the film industry; the use of public funds to support the film industry; the planning, co-ordination and implementation of film-related activities; the manpower and training needs of the industry; and the promotion of film literacy in the community. The FDC is chaired by a non-official and is comprised mainly of members of the film industry.

Film Classification System

Hong Kong adopts a three-tier film classification system: Category | (suitable for all ages); Category II, which is subdivided into Category IIA (not suitable for children) and Category IIB (not suitable for young persons and children); and Category III (for persons who have attained the age of 18 years only). The aim is to allow adults wide access to films while protecting young persons under the age of 18 years from exposure to potentially harmful materials. Category IIA and IIB classifications are advisory not governed by statutory age restriction and are intended to give more information to cinema patrons, particularly parents, to help them select films for themselves or their children. The age restriction is mandatory for Category III films.

In 2010, 1 571 films were submitted for classification, compared with 1 370 in 2009. Of these, 464 were classified Category I, 493 Category IIA, 430 Category IIB,