Category: film

Larger Than Life: The American Civil Rights Movement in Documentaries

As part of Black History Month, Larger Than Life: The American Civil Rights Movement in Documentaries takes place online from 25 February to 1 March 2021. To raise awareness and promote cultural and racial harmony in Hong Kong, this free film showcase introduces major figures in the African-American civil rights movement from the 1950s to the 1970s, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the Black Panthers and Shirley Chisholm.

Their philosophies still affect racial, class and gender relations in America and the world to this day. The documentaries explore their influential roles in contributing to the social progress towards greater political and cultural understanding. There will be after-screening talks and a talk on racial relations in Hong Kong.

8pm, 25 February, 2021
King in the Wilderness
Director: Peter Kunhardt

8pm, 26 February, 2021
Malcolm X: Make It Plain
Director: Orlando Bagwell

8pm, 27 February, 2021
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Director: Stanley Nelson Jr.

8pm, 28 February, 2021
Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed
Director: Shola Lynch

8pm, 1 March, 2021
Talk: Racial Relations in Hong Kong
Venue: Africa Center Hong Kong

Online registration for screenings: https://hkmovie6.com/filmFest/bab6bb4b-be1e-4ca1-8fb5-e892e57ff829

Registration for the Talk: https://hkac.org.hk/registration/?event=ij4EtZnOyY

Larger Than Life: the American Civil Rights Movement in Documentaries
Date: 25 February – 1 March, 2021
Venue: Vimeo
Tickets: Free

Images: Courtesy Library of Congress

Santa Staycation Stamps Available Today

Ignoring the National Security Law, Wuhan virus quarantine and social distancing rules Santa Claus has come to town! Hongkong Post launches it’s fourth set of Christmas stamps (previous issues were in 2002, 2007 and 2014).

The set of four stamps features Santa enjoying a short staycation – twelve days, not one less – while his new hybrid electric/reindeer sleigh is recharging. Savouring Chinese tea and dim sum, playing on the swings in a children’s playground, practising Tai Chi on the Victoria Harbour waterfront Santa finds the ‘Worlds Greatest City’ much changed before jumping on a Ding Ding to deliver presents and seasonal blessings of hope to the people of Hong Kong.

The $2 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet sees Santa savouring a Hong Kong-style Christmas feast of yum cha. On the stamp sheetlet, Santa is sharing dim sum from a cart with the homeless.

$3.7 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet, Santa and Rudolph chill out on the swings reminiscing about pre-Covid Christmas and free speech.

The $4.9 stamp has Santa Claus join his gingerbread men friends for a Tai Chi workout on the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The $4.9 stamp sheetlet has Santa and the gingerbread man enjoying a mental workout over a game of Chinese chess.

$5 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet – with his reindeer recovering from being pepper-sprayed while trying to park his sleigh in Central – has Santa taking a ding ding to finish delivering his presents…

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip on the Star Ferry, Santa crosses the harbour to bring love, peace and joy to those unable to sit at home with piles of cash.

The assorted Christmas stamps and philatelic products can be bought at any post office or ordered online here

Hongkong Post to Issue Bruce Lee Souvenir Stamps

On the 80th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s birth, 27 November, Hongkong Post will pay tribute to the local legend with a special stamp issue Bruce Lee’s Legacy in the World of Martial Arts.

More than 47 years after his passing Bruce Lee still inspires people across the world. As Hongkong Post puts it “His great achievements transcend territories, times and disciplines. His charisma radiated from the silver screen, his prowess amazed the martial arts community, his profound legacy lives on in the hearts of many”.

The special issue comprises a set of six stamps and two stamp sheetlets, featuring Lee’s four movies – The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon and Game of Death – as well as his philosophy and signature Jeet Kune Do. The $10 and $20 stamp sheetlets portray Lee from various perspectives representing “multiple aspects of who he was and how he lived his life”.

A special souvenir pack modelled on a film clapperboard includes:
an embossed album containing the various stamps, a set of six maximum cards and a notebook featuring photos, quotes and Lee’s philosophy.

The mini-pane, designed as an old-style movie ticket, feature scenes Lee’s movies. A stamp printed on the mini-pane is derived from his autograph and the Chinese character for dragon.

The stamps and associated philatelic products are available at all post offices from 27 November or ordered online here.

India by the Bay: A Digital Series

The Sixth India by the Bay, postponed from February, has become a slimmed-down online festival entitled India by the Bay: A Digital Series running from 15-18 October, 2020

The virtual festival features four free events and offers HongKongers an insight into Indian culture and history through film, food, yoga and conversation. The events are:

Yoga as a Way of Life | 15 October, 7pm
Yoga philosopher Daniel Simpson will present a specially designed session on the benefits of Yoga in these difficult times

Zaika: Food, Creativity and Lockdown | 16 October, 7pm
Romy Gill and Rahul Gomes Pereira in conversation with Vir Sanghvi

East West – A Legacy | 17 October, 7pm
Shubhendra Rao, disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar celebrates the centenary of his Guru’s birth.

Churchill: Hero or Anti Hero | 18 October, 7pm
Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Mukulika Banerjee on the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, one of history’s most complex figures.

India by the Bay 2020
Date: 15-18 October, 2020
Venue: Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Tickets: free

10th HK International Deaf Film Festival

The 10th Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival and the 2nd International Conference on Deaf Cinema will be held online from the 2-11 October, 2020.

“Over the past ten years, we have continuously assembled Deaf Film from across the world in an attempt to present sign language and Deaf culture through films that tell stories fo the Deaf and created by Deaf people. We do not see Deaf as disabled, but affirm that Deaf people are a community with their own language, culture and history”

Opening Ceremony & Programme 1

Programme 2: The Art of Sign Language

Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1

Programme 4: Hong Kong Deaf Film 2

Programme 5: CODA (A Child of Deaf Adults)

Programme 6: Deaf Funny and Stories

Programme 7: Deaf Advocacy

The Opening Ceremony & Programme 1: Hong Kong Deaf Film and all conference sessions are free of charge. The online screening film programmes 2 -7 are $65 and tickets are available at www.putyourself.in

10th HK International Deaf Film Festival
Date: 2-11 October, 2020
Venue: online
Tickets: $65

44th Hong Kong International Film Festival New Dates

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) have announced the new dates for the 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF44) which will now be held from the 18-31 August 2020.

No information has been released as to whether the new dates will also include Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF18).

In announcing the new dates Executive Director Albert Lee said HKIFFS had decided to re-launch HKIFF44 after the Hong Kong government began easing the COVID-19 restrictive measures, including allowing local cinemas to re-open.

“We are cautiously optimistic that Hong Kong is gradually returning to normal from the health crisis,” said Mr Lee.  “I am pleased that we have not stopped our preparation since the postponement.  The prospects of being able to bring back HKIFF44 to our audience are exciting.  Nothing beats the big-screen experience of watching a diverse selection of films from around the world.”

The full programme of films will be announced on the 28 July with tickets going on sale from the 5 August through URBTIX.

44th Hong Kong International Film Festival
Date: 18-31 August, 2020
Venue: various
Tickets: tbc

For latest updates of HKIFF44 and Cine Fan programmes, www.hkiff.org.hk and www.cinefan.com.hk.  For information about HAF18, www.haf.org.hk.

Postponement of HKIFF44 and HAF18, Cancellation of Cine Fan April/May edition

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society have announced the postponement of the 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF44) and the 18th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF18) in response to the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

In making the announcement, HKIFFS Executive Director Albert Lee confirms that the Society’s two flagship events, both scheduled to start in less than six weeks, will be postponed to the summer of 2020.  However, the April/May edition of the year-round Cine Fan repertory programme has been cancelled.

“We hope to be able to share more information regarding a postponed HKIFF44 following discussions with screenings venues, as well as our many stakeholders, partners and sponsors,” said Lee.

HAF director Jacob Wong said plans are on track to hold HAF18 during the 24th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), which the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has just postponed to 27-29 August.

“Besides, we are still going ahead with HAF Goes to Cannes which takes place during Cannes Film Festival in May,” said Wong.  “We will announce the selected projects for this initiative in late March.”

Lee added that the postponement of HKIFF44 and HAF18 was not an easy decision to make.  “We see the need to make a socially-responsible decision and not to put the public’s safety and well-being at risk,” he said.  “Our prayers are for those who are affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak and to wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

For latest updates of HKIFF44 and Cine Fan programmes, www.hkiff.org.hk and www.cinefan.com.hk.  For information about HAF18, www.haf.org.hk.

India by the Bay – Postponed

Due to the coronavirus India by the Bay sixth edition (14-19 February, 2020) has been postponed until April.

The Festival offers HongKongers an insight into Indian culture and history through a diverse and eclectic programme including music, dance, film, food, theatre, yoga, literature and art.

India by the Bay 2020
Date: April, 2020
Venue: Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Tickets: tbc