Based at agnès b. CINEMA at HKAC, and financially supported by Create Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Film Development Fund, the monthly Cine Fan programme features restored classics, tributes to masters, genre films and indies among other rarely seen works. Running from 5 April – 25 May, the first edition of the programme presents an extensive tribute to French film pioneer and essayist Chris MARKER. One-time Marker collaborator, San Francisco-based filmmaker and Emmy award winner Emiko OMORI will present her documentary on the elusive Marker, To Chris Marker: An Unsent Letter, on 6 April. The programme also includes a long overdue retrospective on Italy’s renowned directing and screenwriting duo, the Taviani brothers (Paolo & Vittorio TAVIANI).

At the reception HKIFFS also revealed the exciting news of two additional screenings on 25 May of The Taste of Cherry and The Wind Will Carry Us by Abbas KIAROSTAMI. The world-famous Iranian filmmaker will be in town to conduct a master class on the same day – details will be announced soon on www.cinefan.com.hk. “This is only the first in a series of Cine Fan events where we invite established filmmakers, both local and overseas, to meet the audience, lead seminars, and join panel discussions,” said LI Cheuk-to, Artistic Director of the HKIFFS.

In conjunction with the new initiative, the Cine Fan privilege scheme has been launched to offer ticket discounts both for the Cine Fan programme, the annual HKIFF, the Summer International Film Festival, and other associated programmes. Wilfred WONG, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIFFS, said, “Cine Fan is borne out of our strong belief in a supportive environment for cinema in all its diversity, and the value of a club where film buffs can gather to do what they like best: celebrate movies!”

Appointed as the HKIFF Cine Fan Ambassador, Anthony WONG received a giant patron privilege card at the ceremony. He said, “Every filmgoer in Hong Kong should be thrilled to hear about this new programme – finally we have a place to get together on a regular basis and see movies from all over the world. After all films are meant to be seen on the big screen inside a cinema; I look forward to reach out to the local community and help foster a passionate movie-going culture as the Cine Fan Ambassador.”

The full HKIFF Cine Fan programme can be viewed at www.cinefan.com.hk. Tickets can be booked online at www.urbtix.hk or in-person at all URBTIX outlets.

Director Adam WONG spent three years auditioning over 500 dancers. He said, “I had the first burst of inspiration in the yard outside a convenience store near The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A few years back, I didn’t have my own office, and I used to hang out there with my partner to discuss our screenplays. Every now and then, a bunch of people would show up and start dancing. Later I realised that the school had stopped offering the dance group a place for rehearsals, and they decided to practice outdoors. That open space soon turned into a celebrated place for dance battles, where avid lovers of street dance from outside the school, even overseas, would come and join the fun. Their passion moves me deeply, and if youth means anything at all, it means the relentless pursuit of dreams that these young people best exemplify.”

Actress Cherry NGAN said, “This is my first time to play the female lead. While I certainly felt pressure, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with an inspirational cast and crew that whole-heartedly enjoyed the shooting. We were able to overcome challenges together precisely because we all loved and believed in this uplifting story. And we were lucky enough to have renowned break-dancer Tommy Guns come all the way from the States to join us for the project – seeing him dance is an eye-opening experience!” 

Running from 17 March to 2 April, the 37^th HKIFF screens over 300 titles from 68 countries and regions, 57 of which are world, international or Asian premieres. The full programme can be viewed at www.hkiff.org.hk. Tickets are now available at www.urbtix.hk online and all URBTIX outlets.

A RMB 250 million epic period piece, Saving General Yang spices up the well-known actioner cum family drama by casting some of the most popular stars from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, as well as veteran Adam CHENG who hasn’t graced the big screen for over 20 years. Director Ronny YU commented, “Many people today regard filial piety and other traditional Chinese values as something trivial, even laughable. With this film I aim to encourage audiences to reflect on fundamental moral attitudes while enjoying the riveting action of the legendary Yang brothers.”