Some big names in Hong Kong cinema gathered on Wednesday to support the launch of "Hong Kong Film," a monthly publication expected to boost local film industry.

Among those attending were directors Wong Jing, Stanley Tong, Ho-Cheung Pang, and actors Chapman To and Eric Tsang, who called the magazine a new bridge between filmmakers and audiences.

Congratulations were also sent to the ceremony from Wong Kar-Wai, Tsui Hark, Johnnie To and Jackie Chan.

The new magazine ends a months-long absence in professional film publications in Hong Kong. In January, 28-year-old publication "City Entertainment" stopped due to financial difficulties. Since then Hong Kong, despite its reputation as the "oriental Hollywood," had offered no professional publications for its movie fans.

"Hong Kong Film" is financially supported by "Movie View Biweekly Look," one of the most popular film magazines on the mainland, while the Hong Kong Film Critics Society is in charge of the new magazine's content.

It will dedicate itself to the development of Hong Kong film culture.

The first issue features exclusive interviews with such local filmmakers as Johnnie To, Peter Chan, Wong Jing and Tsui Hark.

The newsstand price is HK$30, according to the Hong Kong Film Critics Society.

Hong Kong director Jing Wong (L) and actor Eric Tsang attend the launching ceremony of the new film magazine "Hong Kong Film," on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang attends the launching ceremony of the new film magazine "Hong Kong Film," on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Hong Kong film director Stanley Tong attends the launching ceremony of the new film magazine "Hong Kong Film," on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Hong Kong actor Chapman To (R) and director Ho-Cheung Pang attend the launching ceremony of the new film magazine "Hong Kong Film," on Wednesday, October 31, 2007.

(CRI.cn November 2, 2007)