Tag: film

Amadeus (a cyberpunk dream)

Amadeus (a cyberpunk dream) is a short film, available on youtube, created by the Hong Kong Ballet and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra which depicts Mozart’s journey from the classical era to a psychedelic urbanscape in frenetic Hong Kong. 

Director and production designer Ahong Cheung combines Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik performed by the HK Phil and choreography from HKB’s Artistic Director Septime Webre to transform the streets of Hong Kong into a vibrant Blade Runner style cyber-verse.

https://youtu.be/h9M4zUmHNwo

A disoriented Mozart finds himself in retro-futuristic SoHo pursued by ominous authority figures. While cyber-goth gangsters, mahjong players, street musicians, construction workers, and pedestrians mill about on the bustling streets.

images: hk ballet

Sad Day – UA Cinemas Shuts Down

A sad day, many fine films and good nights out.

“UA Cinemas has always been committed to providing the highest quality of cinematic entertainment to all audiences in Hong Kong since it was founded in 1985 by Mr. Ira Kaye. However, we regret to announce that UA Cinemas will cease business with immediate effect from 8 March 2021 due to unavoidable and devastating pressure faced by our operations since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

We would like to thank our customers, colleagues and business partners for their support with UA Cinemas over the past 36 years. Thank-you everyone for taking the journey with us.”

Remark: To comply with the statute and to protect the interests of all stakeholders, UA Cinemas has commenced winding up proceedings with the Hong Kong court. For any enquiries, please call 3104-1777 or 3104-1779 for assistance.

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.