Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Celebrates Grand Opening in Dubai
Directors Delon Siu and Jonathan Li, along with actress Gladys Li, shared exclusive insights into their filmmaking journeys.
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy and co-organised with the local independent cinema, Cinema Akil, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation officially launched on 2nd November at Cinema Akil in Dubai. Financially supported by the Cultural and Creative Industry Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Dubai, the event welcomed an enthusiastic audience of film lovers, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Hong Kong talents, including Delon Siu, director of the film True Love, For Once in My Life; Jonathan Li, director of Dust to Dust; actress Gladys Li from Once in a Blue Moon; and renowned Hong Kong film critic Kevin Ma, attended in person to meet the UAE audience.
Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included Leo Poon, Deputy Director of HKETO in Dubai; Khalid Al Sabi, General Manager of Cinema Akil; and Mohammed Mamdouh, filmmaker and Assistant Professor at the American University of Sharjah, who each delivered opening speeches to kick off the event. Mr. Poon highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role as an “East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange” and expressed excitement about showcasing Hong Kong’s cinematic excellence to the Middle East. Khalid Al Sabi added that the films featured in the programme not only showcase the creativity of Hong Kong filmmakers but also bring stories and perspectives that connect diverse cultures and regions.
Other notable guests included renowned Emirati filmmaker Ali F. Mostafa; Media Relations Manager of the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Tara Salem; Turkish filmmaker based in Dubai, Gorkem Sifael; famous director and screenwriter Faisal Hashmi; Singer-songwriter Jeff Maximum; and model and Influencer Amin Shoukat.
During the opening ceremony, Delon Siu shared his journey of directing his first feature film, “True Love, For Once in My Life”, and reflected on the valuable lessons learned through collaborating with veteran producer Fruit Chan. Jonathan Li, director of the award-winning crime film “Dust to Dust”, spoke about his film’s focus, explaining that “the backdrop of robbery and the action sequences are merely a vehicle; the true focus of the story is to explore themes of humanity and morality.” He suggested viewers concentrate on the characters’ internal conflicts when watching.
Actress Gladys Li, known for her role as Mei Chun in “Once in a Blue Moon”, shared her personal connection to the character, describing it as one of her most cherished roles. She invited audiences to follow the character’s journey, hoping the film’s emotional depth would resonate with them. Hong Kong Film critic Kevin Ma expressed his enthusiasm for the post-screening Q&A and panel discussions. He hopes the event will enable Dubai’s audiences and filmmakers to deepen their appreciation of Hong Kong cinema and encourage cultural exchange.
The following day, Hong Kong and Dubai filmmakers continued their exchange at a networking luncheon, where they shared creative insights, cinematic journeys, and ideas for the future of the film industry. The warm, engaging atmosphere fostered a deeper understanding between the two film communities, opening doors to potential collaborations.
From 2nd to 8th November, eight films will be screened, celebrating both classic and contemporary Hong Kong cinema. In addition to “True Love, For Once in My Life”, “Dust to Dust”, and “Once in a Blue Moon”, the programme features “Time Still Turns the Pages” by Nick Cheuk, “Stuntman” by Albert Leung and Herbert Leung, “Love Lies” by Ho Miu Ki, as well as the two 4K restored classics “A Better Tomorrow” by John Woo and “In the Mood for Love” by Wong Kar Wai. This selection offers UAE audiences a captivating journey into the rich and diverse world of Hong Kong cinema.
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