The Hong Kong Film and TV Market 2004 is recognized as the Asian premier event of its kind in the eyes of the Asian entertainment industry. This week, well-known actor Tony Leung came fresh from Cannes and joined the press conference before the event.

Tony Leung appeared at the press conference as this year's Hong Kong film ambassador, his role to promote Hong Kong films. He believes filmmaking is the best way to share Chinese culture with the world.

Tony Leung said, "I think Chinese films can be very attractive to Western audiences. For example, Kungfu films, and ancient mythology like The Journey to the West and Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio are about our culture, offering something different to Westerners."

Over the past few years, Chinese films and their makers have become widely recognized around the world. Tony Leung has won a Best Actor Award from Cannes, and Maggie Cheung just won the festival's Best Actress Award this year. Although the Hong Kong film industry slowed down last year, the Infernal Affairs series won big money and worldwide attention. We can only expect to see more opportunities for Hong Kong film and television during this year's event, which will be held towards the end of June In the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

(CCTV.com June 14, 2004)