Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Launches in Seoul for the First Time
Veteran Filmmakers Stanley KWAN and CHAN Hing Kai Lead a New Generation of Directors and Actors to Showcase the Spirit of Hong Kong Cinema’s Legacy
The Asian Film Awards Academy continues its mission of fostering cultural exchange through Asian cinema. This year, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from 26 June to 5 July 2026 at the iconic arts venue emu Artspace. Through film screenings, a thematic exhibition, and a series of panel discussions, the ten-day cultural event will offer audiences a comprehensive exploration of the unique charm and rich cultural heritage of Hong Kong cinema.
Supported once again by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO), this year’s programme presents ten Hong Kong films spanning both classic and contemporary cinema. The lineup features opening film Someone Like Me; a selection of recent Hong Kong productions including Another World, Ciao UFO, Girlfriends, In Broad Daylight, Love Lies, and Palimpsest: The Story of a Name; and restored classics A Better Tomorrow (4K Restoration), Once a Thief (4K Restoration), and Rouge (4K Restoration). Covering a diverse range of genres—including romance, social realism, female coming-of-age stories, animation, documentary, fantasy narratives, and classic crime dramas— the selected films showcase the remarkable vitality of Hong Kong cinema across generations. Many of the titles have earned recognition at international film festivals and awards, highlighting the industry’s continued evolution from its golden era to the present day.
A special exhibition themed “Hong Kong Urban Culture and Cinematic Memories” will invite audiences to revisit the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. Making their Seoul debut are behind-the-scenes photographs from Once a Thief, alongside a collection of rare archival materials, including handwritten scripts, production notes, and film documents from both A Better Tomorrow and Once a Thief. These invaluable artifacts offer visitors a rare glimpse into the creative process behind some of Hong Kong cinema’s most beloved classics.
The exhibition also celebrates Hong Kong’s urban culture through cinema, recreating the city’s iconic landscapes and collective memories through carefully curated displays and visual design. By weaving together film history and city culture, the exhibition offers audiences a deeper appreciation of the development of Hong Kong cinema and its distinctive cultural identity.
A distinguished lineup of Hong Kong filmmakers and artists will travel to Seoul to engage with local audiences. The delegation includes veteran filmmakers CHAN Hing Kai and Stanley KWAN; directors HO Miu Ki, Lawrence KAN, and TAM Wai Ching; actors Elizabeth TANG and WONG You Nam; as well as film composer and erhu performer CHU Wan Pin. Together, they will participate in post-screening Q&A sessions and thematic panel discussions, exploring topics ranging from social issues and female perspectives to cinematic legacy and the growth of actors and filmmakers. Bringing together creative voices from different generations of Hong Kong cinema, the programme highlights the industry’s rich tradition of mentorship and exchange, while showcasing the innovation and vitality that continue to shape its future.
Panel Discussions
Behind the Screen: Reflections of Society
Directors Lawrence KAN of and TAM Wai Ching will draw upon their own works to discuss how cinema reflects social realities and human relationships. The conversation will explore how filmmakers can use storytelling to inspire audiences to engage with issues concerning vulnerable communities, human compassion, and broader social concerns.
The Actor’s Journey: From Beginnings to Perseverance
Multi-talented performer WONG You Nam, rising actress Elizabeth TANG, and acclaimed Chungmuro actress HAN Ye-ri will share their personal experiences in the entertainment industry, reflecting on their growth from newcomers to established performers. The discussion will examine how actors understand life through their roles, overcome industry challenges, and maintain their passion for performance in a rapidly changing screen landscape.
Through Her Lens: Contemporary Narratives by Women Directors
Director HO Miu Ki and Korean filmmaker YOON Dan-bi will explore contemporary cinematic storytelling from the perspective of female creators. The discussion will focus on the portrayal of women in film, emotional narratives, creative challenges, and the experiences of women working in the film industry, while examining how unique perspectives can expand the possibilities of cinematic expression.
Passing the Torch: The Legacy of Film Mentorship
Presented by Stanley KWAN and CHAN Hing Kai, this conversation brings together two acclaimed filmmakers whose contributions extend beyond the creation of numerous classic Hong Kong films. Throughout their careers, both have been dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and supporting the continued growth of Hong Kong cinema. The discussion will focus on the transmission of creative knowledge and filmmaking experience across generations, exploring how the industry can cultivate the next wave of filmmakers. Through their insights and observations, the forum will examine how Hong Kong cinema continues to evolve while preserving its rich creative legacy, embodying the enduring spirit of passing the torch from one generation to the next.
Through its film screenings, exhibition, and four thematic discussions, the Asian Film Awards Academy hopes to provide Korean audiences with a deeper appreciation of the artistic spirit and cultural richness of Hong Kong cinema, while fostering greater exchange and collaboration between the film industries of Hong Kong and South Korea. From classics that shaped Asian cinema to internationally acclaimed contemporary works; from rare archival treasures to firsthand stories shared by filmmakers themselves, this unique celebration of film, culture, and urban memory promises to offer Seoul audiences an unforgettable Hong Kong cinematic experience.
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professional. Masterclass Series – in conversation with filmmakers, Journey to the fest – Student Visit to International Film Festivals, Asian Cinerama – Film Roadshow, and Young Film Professionals Programme – overseas training and work-placement, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes couldn’t have held successfully without the financial support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Film Development Fund of the HKSAR Government. AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organizations.
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CCIDA)
Under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) (formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)) is a dedicated office, aiming to spearhead the development of cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong.
FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong, including: part-financing small-to-medium budget film productions; enhancing efforts to promote Hong Kong films in the Mainland and overseas; enhancing initiatives to train talents in various aspects of film production and distribution; and enhancing the interest and appreciation of Hong Kong films by the local audience.
