Category: February

Media Freedom Coalition Statement on Closure of Media Outlets in Hong Kong

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition express their deep concern at the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.

Recent developments include the raid of Stand News offices, the arrests of its staff, and the subsequent self-closure of Citizen News, stemming from concern over the safety of its staff. Since the enactment of the National Security Law in June 2020, authorities have targeted and suppressed independent media in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This has eroded the protected rights and freedoms set out in the Basic Law and undermines China’s obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This has also caused the near-complete disappearance of local independent media outlets in Hong Kong. These ongoing actions further undermine confidence in Hong Kong’s international reputation through the suppression of human rights, freedom of speech and free flow and exchange of opinions and information.

A stable and prosperous Hong Kong in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected should be in everybody’s interest. We urge Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities to respect freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, in line with the Basic Law and China’s obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Co-signatures:
Australia
Austria
Canada
Czech Republic
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
the Netherlands
New Zealand
Slovakia
Slovenia
Switzerland
the United Kingdom
the United States

Media Freedom CoalitionMedia Freedom Coalition

50 countries have signed up to the Media Freedom Coalition and pledged to:

  • speak out and take action together, through a Media Freedom Coalition
  • harness the power of diplomatic networks, through a new Media Freedom Contact Group
  • reinforce international initiatives to champion media freedom
  • meet annually to renew commitments and to address emerging threats and opportunities

The pledge was published and signed as part of the Global Conference for Media Freedom hosted by the UK and Canadian governments in London on 10 and 11 July 2019. It is published in English and French.

Updated Social Distancing Measures – 18 February, 2021

Today the government updated the gazetted directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) to further tighten social distancing measures.

The updated directions are effective from 00:01, 18 February, 2021

Restaurants

Allowed to open to 10pm and a maximum of 4 persons will be allowed per table. Staff to ensure that customers… 

    • Wear masks 
    • Check their temperature
    • Do not allow more people than permitted 
    • Use hand sanitiser 
    • Make sure people are socially distanced. 
    • ALL patrons may only enter if they have scanned using the Leave Home Safe app or leave with the outlet their last name, mobile phone number and the time that person entered and exited the premises. All records must be kept for 31 days. 
    • Restaurants must also ensure that all working staff members are tested every 14 days. All test records must be kept for 31 days. 

For those restaurants that have not complied with all of the new conditions, these outlets will only be allowed to open till 6pm and a maximum of two people will be allowed on each table. 

Restaurants that fail to comply with these new rules could be fined up to HKD 50,000 or imprisoned for up 6 months. 

Premises That May ReOpen:
    • All sports ground both indoor and Outdoor 
    • Beauty parlours
    • Gyms
    • Massage parlours
    • Cinemas 
    • Amusement parks 
    • Video Game Centers 
    • Ice Skating Rinks
    • Bowling Alleys 
Premises That Remain Closed:
    • Party Rooms
    • Bathhouses 
    • Discos/Night Clubs 
    • Karaokes 
    • Mahjong Parlors
    • Swimming Pools
    • Beaches 
Public Gatherings:

    • No more than 2 persons can gather together at any one time.

Housing Authority to Reopen Outdoor Recreational Facilities

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) announced today that from 11 February 2021 leisure facilities including badminton courts, table tennis tables, tennis courts, gateball courts, fitness equipment and peddle walk trails… will REOPEN!

The HA reminded people that the group gathering ban is still in force and that unless exempted, group gatherings of more than the permitted number in public places are strictly prohibited.

Members of the public are required to wear a mask when using these facilities.

Larger Than Life: The American Civil Rights Movement in Documentaries

As part of Black History Month, Larger Than Life: The American Civil Rights Movement in Documentaries takes place online from 25 February to 1 March 2021. To raise awareness and promote cultural and racial harmony in Hong Kong, this free film showcase introduces major figures in the African-American civil rights movement from the 1950s to the 1970s, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the Black Panthers and Shirley Chisholm.

Their philosophies still affect racial, class and gender relations in America and the world to this day. The documentaries explore their influential roles in contributing to the social progress towards greater political and cultural understanding. There will be after-screening talks and a talk on racial relations in Hong Kong.

8pm, 25 February, 2021
King in the Wilderness
Director: Peter Kunhardt

8pm, 26 February, 2021
Malcolm X: Make It Plain
Director: Orlando Bagwell

8pm, 27 February, 2021
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Director: Stanley Nelson Jr.

8pm, 28 February, 2021
Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed
Director: Shola Lynch

8pm, 1 March, 2021
Talk: Racial Relations in Hong Kong
Venue: Africa Center Hong Kong

Online registration for screenings: https://hkmovie6.com/filmFest/bab6bb4b-be1e-4ca1-8fb5-e892e57ff829

Registration for the Talk: https://hkac.org.hk/registration/?event=ij4EtZnOyY

Larger Than Life: the American Civil Rights Movement in Documentaries
Date: 25 February – 1 March, 2021
Venue: Vimeo
Tickets: Free

Images: Courtesy Library of Congress

In the Beginning… Jagermeister Launch – 28 February 2002

Jagermeister arrived in Hong Kong in February 2002, a low key launch party gave little hint of the impact the square green bottle would make across the globe.

Click on any image or here for the full gallery of photographs.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2002/Jagermeister-launch-28/i-vb65WX9

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2002/Jagermeister-launch-28/i-Q5SXTpz

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2002/Jagermeister-launch-28/i-ZN25D3s

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2002/Jagermeister-launch-28/i-SmqkMHh

Postponement of HKIFF44 and HAF18, Cancellation of Cine Fan April/May edition

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society have announced the postponement of the 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF44) and the 18th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF18) in response to the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

In making the announcement, HKIFFS Executive Director Albert Lee confirms that the Society’s two flagship events, both scheduled to start in less than six weeks, will be postponed to the summer of 2020.  However, the April/May edition of the year-round Cine Fan repertory programme has been cancelled.

“We hope to be able to share more information regarding a postponed HKIFF44 following discussions with screenings venues, as well as our many stakeholders, partners and sponsors,” said Lee.

HAF director Jacob Wong said plans are on track to hold HAF18 during the 24th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), which the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has just postponed to 27-29 August.

“Besides, we are still going ahead with HAF Goes to Cannes which takes place during Cannes Film Festival in May,” said Wong.  “We will announce the selected projects for this initiative in late March.”

Lee added that the postponement of HKIFF44 and HAF18 was not an easy decision to make.  “We see the need to make a socially-responsible decision and not to put the public’s safety and well-being at risk,” he said.  “Our prayers are for those who are affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak and to wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

For latest updates of HKIFF44 and Cine Fan programmes, www.hkiff.org.hk and www.cinefan.com.hk.  For information about HAF18, www.haf.org.hk.