Hong Kong cinema has been given an international boost by the unexpected success of local horror movie The Eye (below), which beat off competition from The Matrix Reloaded to become Italy's hottest movie last week.

The Pang brothers' flick played in fewer Italian cinemas than the Matrix sequel, but sold more tickets to make more than HK$11 million in its first weekend.

The movie's international success rewards the increased efforts by Hong Kong film-makers to market films globally at a time when local box office receipts are at an all-time low.