Hong Kong is promoted as Asia's incubation center for international film professionals at this year's Cannes Film Festival, a press release from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) said Sunday.

TDC staged the largest ever Hong Kong pavilion and exhibition at Cannes this year. The exhibition opened last Wednesday and will run until May 25.

TDC member Selina Chow told international buyers and film makers that Hong Kong could provide quality pre- and post-production services comparable to the best that Hollywood could offer but at lesser costs.

"Take a look at some of our latest films. Ask the filmmakers how much each spent on digital effects and you'll come to realize that you've found a new Eden of production outside of Hollywood," she said.

Chow also said that Hong Kong can be a viable partner for any production house planning to co-produce a film on the Chinese mainland.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2002)