Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today congratulated Hong Kong actor Tony Leung on claiming the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the 27th Busan International Film Festival.

The award is granted to Asian filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Asian film industry and culture.

The culture chief said Mr Leung’s refined skills and acting charisma have fertilised the art and visual culture in the films he participated in, bringing Hong Kong movies to the world stage successfully and showcasing the city’s cultural soft power.

“We sincerely congratulate Leung on winning this hard-earned and well-deserved title. We are so proud of him.”

Pointing out that Hong Kong movies and filmmakers have gained recognition among their counterparts worldwide by winning a number of international awards in recent years, Mr Yeung said the Government and the Film Development Council will continue to provide support and push for the industry’s sustainable development.

Founded in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is one of the most influential international film festivals in Asia.

Past Asian Filmmaker of the Year awardees include directors Hirokazu Kore-eda and Abbas Kiarostami, as well as Hong Kong actor Andy Lau and directors Ann Hui and Tsui Hark.