Dubai
Cinema Akil
Dubai
Date: 2 – 8 November 2024
Location: Dubai (Cinema Akil)
Guest: Delon Siu, Jonathan Li, Gladys Li
Screening: True Love, For Once in My Life, Dust to Dust, Once in a Blue Moon, Time Still Turns the Pages, Stuntman, Love Lies, A Better Tomorrow, In the Mood for Love
The “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” was launched in Dubai from 2 to 8 November, 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, in collaboration with the local independent cinema Cinema Akil. The event showcase eight carefully curated films, starting with the opening film Delon Siu’s “True Love, For Once in My Life”. Other films included Jonathan Li’s “Dust to Dust”, Andy Lo’s “Once in a Blue Moon”, Nick Cheuk’s “Time Still Turns the Pages”, Albert Leung and Herbert Leung’s “Stuntman”, Ho Miu Ki’s “Love Lies”, as well as Hong Kong classics John Woo’s “A Better Tomorrow” (in 4K restoration) and Wong Kar Wai’s “In the Mood for Love” (in 4K restoration).
The opening ceremony 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.
The programme opened with “True Love, For Once in My Life”, a film that explores traditional marriage through the breakup of a long-married couple. During the post-screening Q&A, director Delon Siu shared that the story was inspired by the personal experiences of the film’s investor. He also discussed his bold decision to shoot the entire film on a smartphone, which successfully captured the audience’s attention. Delon further elaborated on his use of wide shots transitioning to close-ups, symbolising the different stages of life.
The screening of “Once in a Blue Moon” left a lasting impression on the audience. Actress Gladys Li delivered a heartfelt portrayal of Mei Chun. She shared her experience of working closely with her fellow actors and expressed her hope that Mei Chun could find her passion and navigate personal relationships with courage.
“Dust to Dust” is based on true events that occurred in mainland China during the 1990s. During the post-screening Q&A, Director Jonathan Li emphasised that beyond its action sequences and gripping plot, the film explores the inner struggles of the characters and the conflicts they face when making difficult choices. He also drew inspiration from his childhood memories and visited the Myanmar border for on-site research, which added a layer of authenticity to the film.
In addition to the screenings, directors Delon Siu, Jonathan Li, and Hong Kong film critic Kevin Ma hosted a panel discussion at Cinema Akil, titled “Legacy in Frames: The Past, Present, and Future of Hong Kong Cinema”. They explored the evolution of Hong Kong cinema, from the golden age of the 80s and 90s to the rise of a new generation of filmmakers. Both directors agreed on the importance of preserving Hong Kong cinema’s distinctive identity. “We need to document Hong Kong stories through film,” Jonathan urged. Delon added, “Filmmakers must stay true to their own voices and artistic styles to ensure Hong Kong cinema continues to shine on the global stage.”
The guests also visited the American University of Sharjah, where they met a group of aspiring filmmakers and shared their filmmaking experiences. The forum, titled “New Horizons in Hong Kong Cinema Storytelling”, began with Delon Siu and Jonathan Li sharing their creative processes behind two films based on true stories, “Dust to Dust” and “True Love, For Once in My Life”. They also explored the impact of technology on filmmaking. Following this, Gladys shared her unique approach to character development and encouraged students to embrace challenges and learn from failure.
Screening information:
Date: 2 – 8 November 2024
Tickets: AED 55.13
Venue: Cinema Akil, Warehouse 68, 17th Street, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Language: Dialogues in original language with Chinese and English subtitles
Leaflet
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 recognise 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 could not have held successfully without the financial support of Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong, and Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (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, formerly known as Create Hong Kong is established in June 2024and is a dedicated office set up by the HKSAR Government under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It provides one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conductive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, cultural and creative sectors as industries.
Film Development Fund
The 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. Since 2005, the HKSAR Government has injected a total of $1.54 billion into FDF to support Hong Kong’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience. In the past, FDF has supported a number of film productions and other film-related projects through various film production funding schemes and other film-related project schemes.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, established in 2021, is the official representative of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in the six member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), namely Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The office works to promote and strengthen Hong Kong’s economic, trade and cultural ties with the GCC countries, and to enhance the understanding of Hong Kong’s unique advantages to the GCC states.
Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil is the UAE’s first and only independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the UAE. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts while amplifying the exposure of international films to a regional audience. Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 75 pop-up cinemas attracting over 85,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In 2022, Cinema Akil also held its first-ever regional pop-up in Doha during the World Cup followed by a popup in Al Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai making its flagship home the GCC’s first arthouse cinema which has been brought to you in partnership with Alserkal. In November 2023, Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Dubai opened its purpose-built space as a seasonal outdoor outpost acting as a public cinema and multipurpose venue in Dubai One Central. The independent cinema has grown to launch the UAE’s first-ever Arab Cinema Week in 2022 to celebrate Arab Cinema and has also hosted global film festivals to bring innovative cinematic artworks from the lands of Hong Kong and Italy here in the GCC region. Cinema Akil is a member of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS) which includes members from the MENA region such as Metropolis in Beirut, Zawya in Cairo and Cinematheque du Tangier in Morocco.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
