The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) has recently decided to corporatise the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), with the aim of giving the event greater flexibility in organisation and management. Currently under the management of the ADC, the festival is said to have been subject to a thorough consultancy review in June, undertaken by veteran of the international film industry, Roger Garcia. Following extensive consultations with the local film industry and relevant parties, Garcia submitted a report to the ADC in August, recommending that the HKIFF be corporatised as a non-profit company. The report is said to recommend that corporatisation will not only give the festival greater flexibility in organisation and development, but also allow it to; develop its programs further, maximise its potential, build on its unique characteristics, identity and reputation, and develop Hong Kong into a hub of Asian films. It is also hoped that such a move will assist the HKIFF to develop commercial sponsorship and other revenue strategies. Overseeing the changes will be Chairman of the ADC’s Arts Support Committee, Professor Lo King-man and a 7 member working group comprising Council members, and representatives of Home Affairs Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Chairman of the ADC, Darwin Chen, has welcomed the decision noting that it will facilitate mutual exchange and development of the Hong Kong and international film industries.