The annual series of Hong Kong Cinema is taking place July 12-August 5 as an online showcase of four Hong Kong films, each with a live-streamed moderated conversation with film directors and cast members.

Though unable to take place as an in-person event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program offers unique opportunities to virtually engage with the Hong Kong talent in front of and behind the camera.

“Though COVID-19 creates numerous hurdles for us all, it’s exciting that this year’s Hong Kong Cinema seeks to reach its widest audience yet since we are not limited to one geographic region,” said Rod Armstrong, SFFILM Associate Director of Programming. “It’s also thrilling that we’ll be able to have guests for every screening so that attendees can get the broadest perspective possible of current filmmaking trends in the region.”

The four movies included in the lineup are: STILL HUMAN, TWILIGHT’S KISS (SUK SUK), LION ROCK, and MAD WORLD. Ticket-buyers and registrants will be sent private links to stream each film online, and provided access to each live-streamed Q&A session with the filmmakers and special guests from Hong Kong. 

The weekly online screening is highlighted by a moderated conversation with key cast members –

July 12, 5pm (Pacific Time): Q&A with Crisel Consunji, lead actress of STILL HUMAN
July 22, 7pm (Pacific Time): Q&A with Ray Yeung, director of SUK SUK
July 29, 7pm (Pacific Time): Q&A with Nick Leung, director of LION ROCK, Alex Lam, lead actor, and subject Lai Chi-wai
August 5, 7pm (Pacific Time): Q&A with Wong Chun, director of MAD WORLD

“Amid the pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to continue this annual festival by moving it online and that film directors, talents and special guest in Hong Kong will be able to join the live-streamed conversation. This truly connects us across the pacific,” said Ivanhoe Chang, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco.

“Our office is committed to continue promoting Hong Kong movies to a wider audience and this online edition will surely serve the purpose,” Mr. Chang continued.

He was grateful to the dedicated effort of SFFILM and their appreciation of Hong Kong movies and emerging talents. Two movies in the lineup were winning projects of the First Feature Film Initiative, launched by the Hong Kong Government in 2013 to identify and nurture talent through a competition focusing on screenplays and production proposals.

The 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong Cinema is presented by SFFILM in association of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. For complete program, please visit sffilm.