50th Hong Kong International Film Festival to Showcase Anthony Chen’s ‘We’re All Strangers’ and Philip Yung’s ‘Cyclone’
The 50th edition of the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) will celebrate a milestone year with a compelling lineup of films, opening with Anthony Chen’s We’re All Strangers and closing with Philip Yung’s Cyclone. The festival is scheduled to run from April 1-12.
Opening and Closing Films
We’re All Strangers, the third installment in Chen’s Singapore-set Growing Up trilogy, garnered attention with its world premiere in the main competition section of the Berlin International Film Festival. Yung’s Cyclone, which debuted at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, offers a poignant exploration of transgender identity and the challenges of social marginalization.
A Diverse Selection of Films
This year’s HKIFF boasts a selection of 215 films representing 71 countries, and regions. The program includes 11 world premieres, four international premieres, and 49 Asian premieres.
Filmmaker in Focus and Notable Attendees
Mainland Chinese director Jia Zhangke has been selected as the Filmmaker in Focus, celebrating his three-decade-long relationship with the festival, beginning with the selection of his short film Xiao Shan Going Home in 1996. Alongside Jia, Anthony Chen, and Philip Yung, a host of filmmakers are expected to attend, including Juliette Binoche, Chen Kaige, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Huang Jianxin, Ann Hui, Tsai Ming-Liang, Ildikó Enyedi, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Edwin, and Ben Rivers.
Anniversary Celebrations and Exhibitions
To mark its 50th anniversary, HKIFF will present three performances of ‘In the Mood For Love – In Concert,’ a collaboration with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, offering a fresh interpretation of Wong Kar Wai’s iconic score. A free exhibition, ‘50 and Beyond: The Hong Kong International Film Festival Golden Jubilee Exhibition,’ will be held at Hong Kong City Hall, showcasing archival materials and filmmakers’ recollections.
Young Cinema Competition Highlights
The HKIFF’s Young Cinema Competition for Chinese-language features has selected eight titles, including Ah Girl by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla and Amoeba by Tan Siyou from Singapore, as well as Nighttime Sounds from China’s Zhang Zhongchen and Deep Quiet Room from Taiwan’s Shen Ko-shang, both winners at the Pingyao film festival. The World section of the competition includes Rose by Markus Schleinzer and Variations On A Theme by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar.
Founded in 1976, the Hong Kong International Film Festival is one of Asia’s oldest international film festivals.