The festival, whichtakes placeat the same time as Hong Kong Filmart in March/April, has been forced to change direction over the past few years due to a sharp decrease in government funding.
Previously a government-funded event, HKIFF was taken over by a private non-profit organisation, the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, after the 2004 edition.
As government support has been reduced to less than half of its $2.4m budget, the festival has becoming increasingly reliant on ticket sales and sponsorship. Originally an event aimed at local cinephiles, it became much more commercial in recent years, drawing criticism from some of its original supporters.
This year, the HKIFF also took over the running of the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and launched the Asian Film Awards - although both events have separate budgets. HAF is headed by Jacob Wong who is also curator of the HKIFF.
The HKIFF is now seeking a replacement for Tsi and it's understood that the festival's artistic director, Li Cheuk-to, will take over his responsibilities in the interim.
The position is one of two high-profile film-related jobs currently waiting to be filled in Hong Kong. The recently-established film super-body, the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), is seeking a secretary general.
Earlier this week, FDC chairman Jack So was also appointed chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, which organises local trade shows including Filmart. So remains as chairman of the FDC, but the org still needs someone to oversee day-to-day administration.
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