Now is your chance to discover a handful of cinematic masterpieces from one of the world’s largest and most dynamic film industries.
Whether it’s kung fu comedies, fantasy martial arts movies, or huangmei diao opera films, Hong Kong cinema has found success worldwide since the 1940s — and it’s not just because the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan are so beloved. Incidentally, the tiny region’s vibrant film industry has undergone a post-pandemic revival (46 movies being released in the city in 2023, up from 27 in 2022), so the upcoming Hong Kong Film Festival is not to be missed — whether you’re a bona fide cinephile or simply looking to expand your cinematic boundaries.
Returning as the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP) with a diverse selection of Hong Kong’s most captivating cinematic masterpieces, the festival will run from 2 to 8 November at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue, promising local audiences a fresh perspective on the region’s dynamic film industry. We’re told that eight carefully curated films will be showcased, starting with the soulful True Love, For Once in My Life. It will be followed by the heartwarming drama Once in a Blue Moon, the romantic thriller Love Lies, the action-packed Stuntman, the reflective drama Time Still Turns the Page, and gripping crime stories like Dust to Dust.
Two Hong Kong classic films – A Better Tomorrow and In the Mood for Love – will also be featured, so expect intense action, stirring romance, and thought-provoking narratives that will leave audiences wanting more. But the festival is more than just film screenings — HKFGP is an immersive experience, allowing cinemagoers to connect with Hong Kong’s finest talent, including actress Gladys Li from Once in A Blue Moon, director Delon Siu from True Love, for Once in My Life, director Jonathan Li from Dust to Dust, and experienced film critic Kevin Ma through three post-screening Q&A sessions as well as a panel discussion and film forum.
The Legacy in Frames: The Evolution of Hong Kong Cinema panel discussion will be held on 3 November at Cinema Akil, while the New Horizons: The Future of Storytelling in Hong Kong Cinema forum will be conducted on 5 November at the American University of Sharjah. These experiences are designed for film enthusiasts, students and anyone passionate about storytelling and creativity, providing a rare insight into the minds of actors, directors and filmmakers shaping the future of cinema in Hong Kong.
“AFAA is thrilled to be back in Dubai for the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in 2024,” said Josie Lin, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy. “This year, we are excited to bring a diverse selection of Hong Kong films that highlight the creativity and richness of our vibrant film industry. We look forward to sharing these cinematic treasures with audiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for Hong Kong cinema.”
Cinema Akil will once again set the stage for this cinematic showcase, with the indie theatre creating the perfect backdrop for the film screenings and live discussions with Hong Kong’s celebrated filmmakers. “The third edition of the HKFGP in Dubai is a contemporary, timely, and engaging celebration true to the spirit of East-to-East cultural exchange,” said Butheina Kazim, Founder & Managing Director of Cinema Akil. “We truly believe in the foundations of this collaboration and our joint endeavour to build an inspirational platform through cinema.”
DSCVR: Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation. Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. @cinemaakil
