The landmark 50th edition of the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF50) will open and close with the Asian premieres of the latest films by Anthony Chen and Philip Yung, as announced at yesterday’s media event.

Opening HKIFF50 on 1 April at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is Chen’s We Are All Strangers, a moving exploration of familial bonds beyond blood ties and the concluding chapter of his acclaimed Growing Up Trilogy.  Starring Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, it recently became the first Singaporean film to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival. 

Yung’s Cyclone will close HKIFF50 on 12 April.  Starring Liu Yuqiao, Edwynn Li, and Jenny Suen, the film examines transgender identity and social marginalisation.  Its HKIFF50 screenings will be its first appearance in Asia following its world premiere at this year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam.

These two films headline HKIFF50’s official selection of 215 films from 71 countries and regions, including 11 world premieres, four international premieres, and 49 Asian premieres.  A stellar gathering of internationally renowned filmmakers – among them Filmmaker-in-Focus Jia Zhangke, Juliette Binoche, Chen Kaige, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Huang Jianxin, Ann Hui, Tsai Ming-Liang, Ildikó Enyedi, Anthony Chen, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Edwin, and Ben Rivers – will attend and engage directly with audiences throughout the festival.

Yesterday’s media event also welcomed an impressive line-up of talents, including Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu, director Anthony Chen of We Are All Strangers; Philip Yung, producer Effy Sun, and actor Edwynn Li of Cyclone; director Herman Yau, and actors Patrick Tam, Anson Kong, and Ansonbean of We’re Nothing At All; director Amos WHY and actor Lo Chun-yip of The Dating Menu; and director Tommy Tom and producer Chan Hing-kai of Spare Queens.

Since its inception in 1977, the Hong Kong International Film Festival has been one of Asia’s most enduring cultural events.  Under the theme “50 and Beyond: Framing the Future“, HKIFF50 will run from 1 to 12 April, celebrating five decades of cinematic and cultural exchanges while spotlighting the future of Asian and global cinema.

To mark this Golden Jubilee, HKIFF50 has appointed Taiwanese actress Gingle Wang, winner of the Best Lead Actress award at the 22nd Taipei Film Festival, and Thailand’s rising star Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Win), recipient of the Asian Film Awards Academy’s Asian Rising Star Award in 2024, as its Asian Visionary Ambassadors.  Both artists will make special appearances during the festival alongside Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu, strengthening cross-cultural dialogue.

As previously announced, HKIFF50 will also present the “50 and Beyond: The Hong Kong International Film Festival Golden Jubilee Exhibition“ at Hong Kong City Hall, showcasing rare archival materials, photographs, and filmmakers’ reminiscences that highlight HKIFF’s cultural contribution over the past fifty years.  Admission is free.

Additionally, HKIFF50 will host three sold-out performances of the Asian premiere of “In the Mood for Love – In Concert,” a unique collaboration with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra that brings Wong Kar Wai’s timeless classic to life through live orchestral accompaniment and a fresh interpretation of the film’s iconic score.

In keeping with HKIFF’s commitment to making cinema accessible and affordable, full-time Hong Kong students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities with one caregiver, and CSSA recipients will continue to enjoy discounted tickets at $28 each.  The festival will also present four free community screenings.

Building on the success of the previous edition, we are pleased to announce that American Express will return as the Official Payment Partner for HKIFF50.  They will offer eligible American Express Cardmembers exclusive priority booking and 30% off regular-priced tickets on the designated ticketing platform.  More details will be announced soon.

Federico Grandesso