Tag: HKfilm

Hong Kong’s Filmmakers Fight To Stay Free

The director kept his eyes on the audience, ignoring the cops in the back of the room.

It was a private screening of a romance film by Kiwi Chow. Several dozen friends had gathered in the office of a local district councillor to watch the movie and hear Chow speak. He was a politically sensitive figure who’d made films about Hong Kong’s protests and China’s crackdown on the city’s liberties.

His new work was an apolitical tale about a schizophrenic man who falls in love with a psychological counsellor. Hardly a storyline that would provoke dissent or violate a national security law. But the audience took note when two dozen police officers arrived. Chow, undeterred, went on with his talk.

By midnight, police had shut down the screening, fining each attendee HK$5,000 for violating social distancing rules. If the screening had featured Chow’s protest documentary, they could have been fined HK$1 million and imprisoned for up to three years, according to a law proposed by the Hong Kong government in August.

Police raids on movie screenings — unimaginable in Hong Kong a few years ago — are the latest reality in Beijing’s relentless suppression of the territory’s civil liberties. For filmmakers like Chow, 42, they are a sign of how China’s grip on Hong Kong is not only about asserting political control but also suffocating the cultural spaces where art can reflect truth and build solidarity in a society…

Read the full LA Times article here https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-09-16/china-hong-kong-movies-censorship

Kiwi Chow

MCL Amoy Theatre

The new MCL Amoy Theatre opens in Kowloon Bay on 15 July. The three-screen complex has 603 seats and features as MCL puts it “the latest and best in cinema experience”. Each auditorium is equipped with 4K Laser projectors and Dolby Atmos sound. Opening ticket prices are $60

MCL Amoy Theatre
G/F, Phase III, Amoy Plaza,
77 Ngau Tau Kok Road,
Kowloon Bay,
Hong Kong

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.

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.

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.