Dubai
Cinema Akil
Dubai
Date: 22 – 28 March 2025
Location: Dubai (Cinema Akil)
Guest: Oliver Siu Kuen Chan, Thomas Lee, Sheena Chan
Screening: An Abandoned Team, Blossoms Under Somewhere, Montages of a Modern Motherhood, Last Song for You, Cesium Fallout, Papa, The Last Dance, The Bride with White Hair
Partner: Cinema Akil
After the successful conclusion of the 18th Asian Film Awards on March 16, this year’s “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” kicked off its first stop in Dubai. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy and co-hosted by local independent cinema Cinema Akil, the event is supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, taking place from March 22 to 28.
The event opened grandly, showcasing the latest Hong Kong films and classic works to audiences in the Middle East. It attracted several Hong Kong filmmakers for post-screening discussions, allowing for deep exchanges about the creative process and viewing experiences. Many films delicately explore themes of family, personal growth, and life choices, touching the audience with their sincere emotions. The discussions were warm and genuine, fostering a deeper understanding of Hong Kong cinema.
At the opening ceremony, Leo POON, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, and Khalid Al Sabi, General Manager of Cinema Akil, delivered welcome speech to open the event. Mr. POON expressed his pleasure at returning to Dubai for the fourth consecutive year, saying, “We are delighted to be back once again to showcase the energy and talent of Hong Kong’s film industry.” He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Cinema Akil and emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a cultural crossroads between East and West, reaffirming the city’s commitment to promoting its creative industries globally.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Hong Kong filmmakers, including Oliver Siu Kuen Chan, director of “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”; Thomas Lee, director of “An Abandoned Team”; and actress Sheena Chan from “Blossoms Under Somewhere”, along with film critic Patrick Suen. Speaking at the event, Oliver noted the warm reception from the audience: “Many Chinese residents in Dubai may not have seen Hong Kong films in a while. They were surprised by the diversity of themes in our recent works. I’m glad they had the chance to connect with the issues that matter to a new generation of filmmakers.”
Other distinguished guests included Zhan Chong and Meng Xiaoxuan from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai; Liu Yang, Director of the China Cultural Centre in the UAE; and Nassif Mahfoud, Marketing Manager at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” in Dubai took place from March 22 to 28, featuring a curated selection of eight Hong Kong films. The lineup included “An Abandoned Team” by Thomas Lee and Daniel Ho, “Blossoms Under Somewhere” by Riley Yip, “Montages of a Modern Motherhood” by Oliver Siu Kuen Chan, “Cesium Fallout” by Anthony Pun, “Last Song for You” by Jill Leung, “Papa” by Philip Yung, “The Last Dance” by Anselm Chan, and a newly restored 4K version of the Hong Kong classic “The Bride with White Hair”.
“The experience of being a mother is something people can relate to—whether in Dubai or Hong Kong,” said Montages of a Modern Motherhood director Oliver Siu Kuen Chan during the post-screening Q&A. She described the film as a quiet portrait of an ordinary mother. Audience members raised questions about the depiction of motherhood, and Chan noted that, across cultures, many could relate to the pressures new mothers face. One of her aims, she added, was to spark awareness around the mental health of working mothers. She also praised lead actress Hedwig Tam Sin-yin’s performance, especially given the challenge of acting alongside a real baby: “She had to hold the baby, respond to its cues, and deliver her own emotions at the same time—it was incredibly difficult.”
“Blossoms Under Somewhere” marked Sheena Chan’s debut in a narrative feature. During the post-screening Q&A, she shared her process of building the character, noting that her own personality is quite different from Rachel’s. By observing friends and mimicking their traits, she gradually found her way into the role. Chan also reflected on her experience in Dubai, saying she was struck by the welcoming atmosphere at Cinema Akil: “The seats were like sofas—it felt like watching a film at home.” She noted that the audience was especially expressive: “They reacted warmly and weren’t shy about showing their emotions—even gasping during the screening.” She added that she was glad the film connected with viewers.
“An Abandoned Team”, directed by Thomas Lee, is set around an animal shelter and explores themes of abandonment and care. During the post-screening Q&A, Lee shared his creative approach and said he found the questions from the Dubai audience thoughtful and memorable. One particularly touching moment occurred during the screening, when a young viewer burst into tears during a scene involving a dog’s death. After the film, Lee approached the child to offer comfort—an experience he said was both surprising and deeply moving.
Screening information:
Date: 22 – 28 March 2025
Tickets: AED 56.50
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
