The Salento International Film Festival (SIFF) is a celebration of films and filmmakers, promoting international independent cinema in recognition of the fact that movies are the most influential form of cultural communication and the connection between cultures and peoples. Founded in 2004 by Mr. Luigi CAMPANILE, the Salento International Film Festival emerged as a major cultural event and one of the top film festivals in Southern Italy. The Hong Kong Salento International Film Festival has been co-organized by the Italian Cultural Institute since 2012 to promote the film industry between Hong Kong and Italy, to commemorate the long relationship the Institute has with Salento International Film Festival. The ceremony has been postponed from the opening of the festival due to the pandemic. The Institute organized this event to show their appreciation to outstanding professionals in the film industry at this special period of Hong Kong reopening.
This year, SIFF Hong Kong has honoured one of the most successful local film actresses, Ms. Teresa MO Shun Kwan, with the Salento Cinema Actor Award – City of Tricase for her artistic excellence, professional accomplishments, and dedications to Cinema. Mo has been working in the film industry for over 40 years and has participated in a wide variety of films. She has won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 2 Young. Recently, she has won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress, the Asian Pacific Film Festival for Best Actress, and the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild for Best Actress for her role in Tomorrow is another day. Previous awardees of the Salento Cinema Actor Award include Ms Deanie IP, Mr Andy LAU, Ms Miriam YEUNG, Mr Tong LEUNG Ka-Fai, Mr. Aaron KWOK and Louis KOO.
The award ceremony was carried out on 7th December 2022 at the Peninsula Hotel with the support from the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong.