ON! 文化 / CULTURE-ON

The 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF49) opened tonight at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, kicking off the 12-day festival with world premiere of Japanese director Nakashima Tetsuya’s The Brightest Sun, followed by the Malaysian feature Pavane for an Infant, directed by Chong Keat-aun and starring Fish Liew, Natalie Hsu and Ben Yuen.

 

The star-studded Grand Opening ceremony featured appearances by Filmmaker in Focus Louis Koo, director Nakashima Tetsuya and producer Yasunori Naruse from The Brightest Sun, director Chong Keat-aun and cast Fish Liew and Ben Yuen from Pavane for an Infant.  Adding to the excitement, renowned Japanese actress Ando Sakura, one of “Face to Face” guests this year, made a special appearance and wished the festival a successful run, making the evening even more memorable.

 

This year’s festival will showcase nearly 200 films, including six world premieres, two international premieres, and 52 Asian premieres.  In addition to the aforementioned film talents, HKIFF49 has invited oversea filmmakers to Hong Kong, including international acclaimed director Leos Carax, renowned Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra, Finnish auteur Juho Kuosmanen, Chinese documentary director Wang Bing, Golden Horse winner Lee Kang-Sheng, and Japanese actress Kishii Yukino.

 

HKIFF49 runs from now until 21 April 2025, the complete programme and screening schedule are available on HKIFF's official website (www.hkiff.org.hk).  Tickets are now on sale through all URBTIX outlets.