The Hong Kong International Film Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with the Asian premieres of two films by two of the region’s most followed young auteurs. Singaporean director Anthony Chen We are all strangers It was chosen as the opening night film for the historic edition of the festival, while Hong Kong filmmaker Philip Yeung was selected tornado The event will close. The festival lasts from April 1 to 12.
Chen’s film will kick off the celebrations with a gala screening at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The drama, the concluding installment of the director’s “Growing Up” trilogy set in Singapore, recently premiered in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it was received to great acclaim. Starring Yu Yan Yan and Koh Jia Ler, the story addresses questions of family, identity and belonging beyond traditional blood ties.
Young tornadowhich debuted earlier this year at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, will close the festival on April 12. The film stars Liu Yuqiao, Edwin Lee, and Jenny Suen, and explores themes of transgender identity and social marginalization.
The two titles headline a program of 215 films from 71 countries and regions assembled for the festival’s golden jubilee edition. The collection includes 11 world premieres, four international premieres and 49 Asian premieres.
Chinese writer Jia Zhangke was previously announced as the festival’s filmmaker, with a retrospective program and on-stage appearances planned during the event. The festival has appointed Taiwanese actress Jingle Wang – who won Best Lead Actress at the 22nd Taipei Film Festival – and Thai actor Mitawin Upasiamkajorn, winner of the 2024 Asian Rising Star Award from the Academy of Asian Film Awards, as visionary Asian ambassadors. They join festival ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu. A number of prominent international filmmakers are also expected to attend, including Juliette Binoche, Chen Kaijie, Tian Chuangchuang, Huang Jianchen, An Hui, Cai Mingliang, Ildiko Enyedi, Pin Ek Ratanarwang, Edwin and Ben Rivers.
In addition to the film programme, the festival is organizing many special events related to the 50th anniversary. These include three offers In the Mood for Love – At Concertin collaboration with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra to present Wong Kar-wai’s classic film with a newly interpreted live score.
The festival will also host a free exhibition at Hong Kong City Hall titled 50 and Beyond: Hong Kong International Film Festival Golden Jubilee Exhibitionfeaturing archival material, photographs, and reflections from filmmakers associated with the event over the decades.
