This month's Hong Kong International Film Festival is set to be a cinematic extravaganza, featuring a diverse selection of over 190 films from 62 countries and regions. Among these, there will be five world premieres and 64 Asian premieres, promising a rich tapestry of storytelling and cultural perspectives.
The festival, spanning 12 days from March 28 to April 8, will kick off with the Asian premiere of local director Ray Yeung's acclaimed film 'All Shall Be Well,' which recently clinched the prestigious Teddy Award at the Berlin festival. Closing the festival will be the Asian premiere of 'All the Long Nights,' directed by Miyake Sho and starring Matsumura Hokuto and Kamishiraishi Mone, a film that has already garnered praise for its luminous storytelling.
Chinese-language films will be in the spotlight at the Firebird competition, with titles such as 'Borrowed Time,' 'Brief History of a Family,' and 'Snow in Midsummer' vying for top honors. Meanwhile, international entries like 'Arcadia,' 'Ivo,' and 'The Tenants' will also compete in the Firebird competition, showcasing a global array of cinematic talent.
Attendees can look forward to special events such as the Asian premiere of 'Gift,' a unique live concert collaboration between Hamaguchi Ryusuke and composer Ishibashi Eiko. Renowned British-Irish playwright-director Martin McDonagh will be honored with a retrospective of his work, while Spanish filmmaker Víctor Erice and Cannes best actress winner Zar Amir will also grace the festival with their presence.
Fruit Chan, a local icon in the film industry, will be celebrated as the Filmmaker in Focus, highlighting his contributions to Hong Kong cinema. Gala presentations will include popular Korean films like 'Exhuma' and 'Love, Lies,' offering audiences a taste of box office hits from across Asia.
The festival's Global Vision section will showcase a diverse range of films, from 'How to Have Sex' to 'Oasis of Now,' providing a platform for emerging voices in world cinema. The Les Auteurs section will feature thought-provoking titles like 'Do Not Expect too Much From the End of the World' and 'The Cats of Gokugu Shrine,' offering a deeper exploration of storytelling and artistic expression.
