Asian Film Awards Academy Announces Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 20214 min read
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Asian Film Awards Academy (AFA Academy), in collaboration with mm2 Entertainment (mm2), Cathay Cineplexes, with the financial support of Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) and Film Development Fund (FDF), and with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (HKETO in Singapore), today announced the details of “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2021” in Singapore.
The 3-day programme featuring six recent Hong Kong films, will run from 2 to 4 July. All screenings will be held at The Cathay Cineplex, located at 2 Handy Road. For more information on titles, screening schedule and tickets, please visit the website of AFA Academy and mm2 Entertainment, and mm2 Entertainment Singapore Facebook page.
The Singapore programme will open on 2 July with musician and actor Chiu Sin-hang’s solo directorial follow-up One Second Champion, which topped the Hong Kong box office when it was released in March 2021. Septet: The Story of Hong Kong directed by seven of Hong Kong’s most revered auteurs – Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To, the late Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark – will close the programme on 4 July.
“The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is committed to facilitating the long-term development of the Hong Kong film industry,” said Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the AFA Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, “the missions of the ‘Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2021’ are to strengthen film and cultural exchanges, provide an international platform for promoting relations between film businesses, and bring together film professionals from ASEAN countries. We are looking for close collaboration and cooperation among the regions.”
“Hong Kong cinema is well-regarded by Singaporean cinephiles for decades. This film programme will allow a new generation of Singaporean audiences to discover the rich and vibrant creativity of contemporary movies produced out of Hong Kong,” said Chang Long Jong, Chief Executive Officer mm2 Asia Ltd.
Wong Chun To, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore, said, “The Singapore market has always had a good appetite for Hong Kong movies, given the close connection and cultural affinity between the two places. We certainly welcome more film events that can showcase the vigour of Hong Kong’s film industry and its gifted talents in the ASEAN region.”
In addition to Singapore, the other three ASEAN countries to host the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2021” are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
Films to be shown in Singapore programme are:
- One Second Champion 《一秒拳王》 | 2 July 2021 – 20:00*#
Synopsis: Loser single father Tin Yen learns that lesson the hard way when he becomes gifted with the power of seeing one second into the future. When his ability is exposed, a boxing stuff persuades him to use his power in the boxing ring. In order to win his son’s respect, Tin Yen takes up the challenge to be trained and fight the boxing champion.
- The Way We Keep Dancing 《狂舞派3》| 3 July 2021 – 12:30*
Synopsis: The Kowloon Industrial District is home to many of Hong Kong’s artists, including rapper Heyo, YouTuber Alan, rising star Hana, and dancer. However, the government is preparing the area for gentrification. The group from ‘The Way We Dance’ were invited to participate in a publicity stunt to transform the district into a ‘Dance Street’. Alan points out that this is an opportunity to garner support from the public. Meanwhile, Heyo’s master Afuc is planning a revolution.
- Ready o/r Knot 《不日成婚》| 3 July – 15:30#
Synopsis: After being together for five years, Guy and Heidi are faced with a serious dilemma: Whether or not it is time to marry and for a family. While Heidi is ready to settle down, Guy is not ready to be tied down to a woman that he will one day grow distant from. What follows is an outright battle of the sexes.
- Drifting 《浊水漂流》| 3 July – 20:00*#
Synopsis: Released from jail, Fai goes back to his old stomping ground in Sham Shui Po, but his return to normal life is cut short when the authorities raid his makeshift home and dispose of his belongings. Urged on by a social worker, Fai and his fellow homeless friends take their fight to court.
- All U Need Is Love《总是有爱在隔离》| 4 July – 12:30
Synopsis: The Grande Hotel in Hong Kong is suddenly suspected of being the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak. Quarantined by the local health authorities, hotel guests find themselves isolated in the hotel. As they bond over this difficult time, the learn to treasure what may be their final moments together.
- Septet: The Story of Hong Kong 《七人乐队》| 4 July – 15:30#
Synopsis: Seven of Hong Kong’s most revered auteurs come together to compose a symphony of stories for their city. As a tribute to the bygone era of filmmaking, each filmmaker shot a short movie, entirely on 35mm film, covering a different period in the city’s recent history. This is a momentous cinematic event not only adhering to the past memories but also communicating with the new generation.
*Virtual post-screening Q&A
#Singapore premiere
All screenings are in original Cantonese language with English and Chinese subtitles.
