Featured image with Anthony Chen and We Are All Strangers cast Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler. Courtesy of HKIFFS.
HONG KONG — To mark its milestone edition, the 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF50) officially opened with the Asian premiere of Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, commencing the 12-day celebration of world cinema.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), and Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism. Joining this milestone edition, as previously announced, were Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu, together with Asian Visionary Ambassadors Gingle Wang and Win Metawin.
This opening ceremony marked an opening to a distinguished gathering of local and international filmmakers, adding to the festive atmosphere of the culture-shaping festival’s continuing tradition of shaping art and harnessing the voice of Asian cinema.
Attendees of the 50th Edition of the Hong Kong International Film Festival opening ceremony at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Image courtesy of HKIFF Society.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Wong amplified the festival’s 50th anniversary as a moment of profound significance and how HKIFF has grown alongside Hong Kong to become one of the city’s most iconic and enduring cultural events, maintaining its commitment to presenting outstanding international cinema while serving as a vital gateway for Chinese-language films to reach global audiences.
Sum then highlighted that the film festival is an important part of the government’s continuing efforts to support film development. It showcases outstanding Hong Kong and Mainland films to global audiences, while also bringing exceptional international works to Hong Kong to promote film culture.
All of these, while the festival creates valuable opportunities for the local industry to connect with visiting international filmmakers to foster exchange, innovation, and heritage, and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a cultural and artistic hub bridging East and West.
(L-R) Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu, Asian Visionary Ambassadors Gingle Wang and Win Metawin. Images courtesy of HKIFFS.
A highlight of the evening was a series of on-stage conversations with distinguished guests. Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu shared their aspirations to promote Hong Kong cinema and connect with new audiences.
Asian Visionary Ambassadors Gingle Wang and Win Metawin offered forward-looking perspectives on the future of filmmaking, embodying the creativity and global outlook of a new generation of Asian talent.
This year’s Filmmaker in Focus, Jia Zhangke, also appeared on stage to reflect on his long-standing relationship with HKIFF and encouraged younger audiences to approach cinema with openness and curiosity.
Filmmaker in Focus Jia Zhangke. Image courtesy of HKIFFS.
Anthony Chen and the cast members Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler from We Are All Strangers; Edwynn Li from Cyclone; Ansonbean from We’re Nothing At All; Rachel Leung and Renci Yeung from The Dating Menu; Stephy Tang from Spare Queens; as well as renowned Fifth Generation Mainland Chinese filmmakers Tian Zhuangzhuang and Huang Jianxin.
HKIFF50 is set to present more than 215 films from 71 countries and regions, including 11 world premieres, four international premieres, and 49 Asian premieres. With over 320 screenings, audiences will have opportunities to engage directly with internationally celebrated filmmakers, from Juliette Binoche, Chen Kaige, Ann Hui, Tsai Ming-liang, Ildikó Enyedi, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, and Ben Rivers, who are all slated to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
HKIFF50 runs until 12 April 2026. The complete program and screening schedule are available on the festival’s official website at www.hkiff.org.hk. Tickets are now on sale through all URBTIX outlets.
Building on the success of the previous edition, American Express has returned as the Official Payment Partner this year. Eligible American Express Cardmembers can enjoy exclusive 30% savings on HKIFF50 regular-priced tickets when purchasing tickets through the URBTIX outlets, bringing the best of world cinema to its cardmembers.
Don't Miss
