The Hong Kong Film Festival returns to Dubai as the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP) with an eclectic selection of Hong Kong’s most captivating cinematic masterpieces. Running from November 2nd to November 8th at Cinema Akil in AlSerkal Avenue, this year’s festival promises an exciting cultural fusion, giving Dubai’s vibrant audience a fresh perspective on Hong Kong’s dynamic film industry.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2024 will showcase eight carefully curated films, starting with the opening film True Love, For Once in My Life featuring soulful love tales, followed by the heartwarming drama Once in a Blue Moon, the romantic thriller Love Lies, the action-packed Stuntman, the reflective drama Time Still Turns the Page and gripping crime stories like Dust to Dust. The festival offers a cinematic journey through Hong Kong’s diverse genres. Two Hong Kong classic films will also be featured, A Better Tomorrow and In the Mood for Love. Expect intense action, stirring romance, and thought-provoking narratives that will leave audiences wanting more.
But the festival is more than just film screenings—HKFGP is an immersive experience. Audiences can connect with Hong Kong’s finest talent, including actress Gladys Li from Once in A Blue Moon, director Delon Siu from True Love, for Once in My Life, director Jonathan Li from Dust to Dust and experienced film critic Kevin Ma, through three post-screening Q&A sessions and a panel discussion at Cinema Akil and a film forum at the American University of Sharjah.
The panel discussion Legacy in Frames: The Evolution of Hong Kong Cinema will be held on the 3rd of November in Cinema Akil. While the film forum titled New Horizons: The Future of Storytelling in Hong Kong Cinema, will be conducted on the 5th of November at the American University of Sharjah. These experiences are designed for film enthusiasts, students, and anyone passionate about storytelling and creativity, providing a rare insight into the minds of actors, directors, and filmmakers shaping the future of cinema in Hong Kong.
“AFAA is thrilled to be back in Dubai for the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in 2024. This year, we are excited to bring a diverse selection of Hong Kong films that highlight the creativity and richness of our vibrant film industry. We look forward to sharing these cinematic treasures with audiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for Hong Kong cinema,” said Josie Lin, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy.
“The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region strives to promote Hong Kong’s role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. We are excited to partner with the AFAA to bring the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation to the UAE again since films serve as an excellent medium for Hong Kong to demonstrate its unique East-meets-West culture. We believe that the presentation can also provide a valuable platform for Hong Kong filmmakers to connect with stakeholders of the local film industry, thereby fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between the two places,” said Damian Lee, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai.
Cinema Akil—Dubai’s go-to indie theatre for art-house films—will once again set the stage for this cinematic showcase. The venue creates the perfect backdrop for the film screenings and live discussions with Hong Kong’s celebrated filmmakers.
“The third edition of the HKFGP in Dubai is a contemporary, timely and engaging celebration true to the spirit of East-to-East cultural exchange,” said Butheina Kazim, Founder & Managing Director of Cinema Akil. “We truly believe in the foundations of this collaboration and our joint endeavour to build an inspirational platform through cinema.”
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation is organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), in collaboration with Cinema Akil, with financial support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), Film Development Fund (FDF) and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Dubai.
Whether a cinema buff, an aspiring filmmaker, or just someone who loves discovering new stories, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation offers something for everyone.
For tickets and more information, visit www.cinemaakil.com. Follow the Asian Film Awards Academy and Cinema Akil on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, event highlights, and sneak peeks behind the scenes.
Screening information:
Date: 2 – 8 November 2024
Venue: Cinema Akil (Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial District, Dubai, UAE)
Language: Dialogues in original language with Chinese and English subtitles
2 Nov
(Sat)
3 Nov
(Sun)
4 Nov
(Mon)
5 Nov
(Tue)
6 Nov
(Wed)
7 Nov
(Thu)
8 Nov
(Fri)
19:00
Once in A Blue Moon*
Dust to Dust*
Stuntman
Love Lies
A Better Tomorrow
In The Mood for Love
19:15
True Love, for Once in My Life*
22:00
Time Still Turns the Pages
*Filmmaker(s) will attend the screening
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