The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) today announced record sales for the first day of public ticket sales for the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival.

A record 19,559 tickets were sold on Sunday, March 1, 2009, the first day tickets were made available for public booking. The transactions represented a 34% increase from the first day figures of last year's festival, and are the highest recorded sales figure in the 33-year history of the festival. All ticket sales were made online through the new 33rd HKIFF website.

"We are delighted to see such an incredible response to this year's festival programming," said SHAW Soo-wei, Executive Director of the HKIFFS. "In light of the economic climate and as a non-profit organization, we have not directed any funds to paid advertising for the first time this year. Instead, we've worked very closely with all our media partners and sponsors to promote the festival".

The HKIFFS recently rebranded the festival and launched marketing campaigns to reach out to new audiences developed by award-winning brand company, 8 Partnership. New global partners like Citibank helped promote the festival through a comprehensive marketing campaign across Hong Kong as well as direct marketing to its Citibank credit card member base.

"We've increased our digital marketing efforts by 100%, launching four new websites, and working with online communities like Facebook and Alivenotdead. We are firmly committed to reaching out and expanding our audiences through our partnerships with new media agencies." added Ms. SHAW.

The 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival runs from March 22 through to April 13, 2009.