The Hong Kong International Film Festival will return for its 50th edition from 1 to 12 April, celebrating five decades of cinema in the city. The festival will screen 215 films from 71 countries and regions, including world premieres and Asian premieres. This year’s theme is “50 and Beyond: Framing the Future”, linking the festival’s history with its focus on new voices and international exchange.
The Two Asian Premieres Leading HKIFF50
HKIFF50 opens on 1 April with We Are All Strangers by Singapore director Anthony Chen. The drama explores chosen family and bonds beyond blood ties, starring Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler.
The festival closes on 12 April with Cyclone by Hong Kong director Philip Yung. Starring Liu Yuqiao, Edwynn Li, and Jenny Suen, it follows a story centred on transgender identity and social marginalisation.
Special Screenings And Key Films To Watch
The wider selection includes 11 world premieres, four international premieres, and 49 Asian premieres.
A number of well-known filmmakers are expected to attend and take part in audience events during the festival period. To mark the Golden Jubilee, the festival will also present a free exhibition at Hong Kong City Hall featuring archival materials and photographs that trace the festival’s cultural role since 1977.
HKIFF50 will also stage three sold-out performances of In the Mood for Love – In Concert with live orchestral accompaniment. Discounted tickets will remain available for eligible groups, and the festival will include four free community screenings.
For filmgoers and specialists, the line-up also features Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague, Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, and Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers. There is also Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water, Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, and Christian Petzold’s Mirrors No. 3. Filmmaker-in-Focus Jia Zhangke is represented with titles including 24 City, Platform, and Ash is Purest White.
Screenings And Tickets
Screenings will take place across nine venues in areas including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, West Kowloon, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Central, Kowloon Bay, and Ngau Tau Kok. Public ticket sales begin at 10am on 20 March through URBTIX outlets.
💡 For more information, visit www.hkiff.org.hk.
Header Image Credit: HKIFF