Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Returns to Dubai for its Fifth Edition to Showcase a New Chapter of Hong Kong Cinema
A celebration of Hong Kong’s cinematic spirit returns to the UAE with a powerful new lineup
Dubai, UAE – October 2025 – The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP) returns to Dubai for its fifth edition, presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) in collaboration with Cinema Akil, the region’s only independent arthouse cinema. Taking place from November 8 to 12, 2025, the festival will showcase seven films ranging from heartfelt dramas and thrillers to documentaries and reimagined classics that embody the creative depth of Hong Kong cinema.
Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (HKETO), this year’s edition continues to build cultural connections between Hong Kong and the UAE through film, dialogue, and exchange.
The festival will open on November 8 at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, beginning with guest arrivals and mingling, followed by a kickoff ceremony and the opening film Good Game (2025) by Dickson Leung, a story about friendship and rivalry unfolding in the high-stakes world of
e-sports. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with actor Anson Chan, who is the new generation Hong Kong actor and singer, performing intense action sequences in the film. The evening will conclude with John Woo’s 1991 classic Once a Thief, a romantic and action-packed caper that remains one of Hong Kong’s most iconic films.
From November 9 to 12, the festival continues at Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, presenting a dynamic program that explores themes of family, identity, perseverance, and rediscovery, each film offering a distinct perspective on the human experience while showcasing the emotional and visual language that defines Hong Kong cinema.
Opening the programme is Fight For Tomorrow (2025) by Chan Tai Lee, an action film that continues the tradition of Hong Kong’s classic fight movies. The story follows a father and son whose relationship grows through boxing, exploring how they learn about perseverance and connection through the challenges they face both inside and outside the ring.
The search for truth takes a darker turn in Behind the Shadows (2025) by Chou Man-Yu and Jonathan Li, an intriguing crime story about a private detective who begins investigating his own wife, only to uncover a series of increasingly suspicious cases. Starring Louis Koo, known for his roles in Rob-B-Hood (with Jackie Chan), Election (by Johnnie To), and last year’s blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.
From inner battles to physical ones, Four Trails (2024) by Robin Lee captures the endurance and spirit of Hong Kong’s trail runners. While the city is often seen as an urban jungle, it is also home to dozens of hiking paths that reveal breathtaking views of its natural surroundings. The film highlights both the physical challenge and the stunning landscapes that define these ultramarathons, offering an inspiring look at human perseverance amid nature’s beauty.
Adding an intimate emotional note to the programme is My First of May (2025), a touching drama starring Aaron Kwok, one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated actors, about a squash champion father reconciling with his ailing daughter.
Closing the lineup is Reborn (2025) by Danny Pang, a haunting exploration of loss and healing that blends the emotional and the supernatural, following a grieving couple drawn into a chilling encounter between memory and rebirth.
The screenings will be accompanied by exclusive Q&A sessions with directors Chan Tai Lee (Fight for Tomorrow) and Chou Man Yu (Behind the Shadows), giving audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with the creative voices behind the films.
Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Reaching Volume 5 is a milestone that speaks to the lasting resonance of this collaboration. The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has grown into one of our most cherished annual programs, bridging communities
through the magic of cinema. Each edition brings new stories, fresh perspectives, and the same unmistakable passion for film that continues to inspire audiences across the region.”
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