A scene at the press conference of the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) on Thursday (Xinhua)

The 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is to be held from March 22 to April 13, the organizer announced Thursday.

Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) said at a press conference on Thursday that that Shinjuku Incident, starring famous actor Jackie Chan and directed by Derek Yee Tung- shing, and Night and Fog, from acclaimed Director Ann Hui, will open the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival. The World premiere of both films will take place on March 22, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Some 300 films from over 50 countries will be screened at the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival, including 20 world premieres and 30 Asian premieres.

"We have launched a number of new initiatives at this year's HKIFF. The launch of our new brand is aimed at positioning the Festival within the global film calendar, as well as highlighting our mission to discover and introduce new creative film talent to the world. In this way, we hope to form a stronger bond with a new generation of viewers," said HKIFFS Chairman Wilfred Wong.

"In this time of global financial crisis, the role of the Festival is more important than ever. Films have the ability to inspire, uplift and bring hope to people, allowing us to believe again in our lives," Wong added.

The HKIFFS also unveiled a new key art icon for the 33rd HKIFF, featuring the mascot 'BAUFA', which means exploding fireworks, set against a background of blue skies and white clouds. The symbolism of the key art aims to deliver on the festival's promise of hope and fantasy, and to engage future generations in the art and creativity of film.

Shinjuku Incident Director Derek Yee and cast members Jackie Chan, Daniel Wu, Xu Jinglei, Fan Bingbing and Chin Kar-lok; and Night and Fog Director Ann Hui, cast Simon Yam and Zhang Jingchu attended the press conference in support of the festival.

Shinjuku Incident is a harrowing portrayal of the lives of illegal Chinese immigrants in the dark underbelly of Tokyo's gangland. The film is a departure for Jackie Chan, marking a darker dramatic role for the action star.

Directed by acclaimed New Wave helmer Ann Hui, Night and Fog is an intimate exploration of domestic violence in Hong Kong. The film stars celebrated character actor Simon Yam, and co-stars actress Zhang Jingchu in a career-defining role.

The Hong Kong International Film Festival is one of Asia's most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers from all over the world to launch new works and experience the latest outstanding cinema projects.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2009)