A screen legend, a veteran film producer and talented fresh gems of Hong Kong filmmaking, all brought together in London for the highly anticipated ‘Hong Kong 15 Film Festival’ from 2nd – 14th July 2012.
The Festival is thrilled to introduce new emerging talent, first-time and established filmmakers reflecting the vibrancy and energy of Hong Kong cinema. For this special occasion, world renowned star Jimmy Wang Yu and producer Roger Lee will be appearing in their respective film screenings, along with acclaimed directors Fung Chih Chiang and Jessey Tsang.
Famed in both Hong Kong and international film circles, Jimmy Wang Yu is widely credited as being the first Hong Kong Kung Fu star and this veteran of over 80 films has been a vital part of the evolution of Hong Kong action films since he joined Shaw Brothers studio in 1963.
He is still actively acting four decades later and ‘Hong Kong 15 Film Festival’ is extremely proud to screen his latest film, Wu Xia made in 2011, as well as the classic that shot him to fame in 1967, One Armed Swordsman directed by famed director Chang Cheh; he will be making a personal appearance at both screenings for an audience Q&A session on the 7th and 8th of July.
Producer Roger Lee will present his autobiographical feature, A Simple Life, at the festival Opening Gala on July 2nd. The film, which stars Andy Lau and Deanie Ip, was directed by Ann Hui and earned Ip the Best Actress award at the 2011 Venice Film Festival.
In support of emerging talent, Hong Kong independent director Jessey Tsang will hold a post screening Q&A to introduce her new film, Big Blue Lake on July 9th. This moving story is based on her own experiences and depicts a less explored side of the Hong Kong New Territories.
Another highlight is the attendance of a new fresh talent in Hong Kong cinema: Fung Chih Chiang, who will present his directorial debut, The Bounty on July 12th. He has had great success as a scriptwriter with hits such as Shaolin Soccer and Sparrow, and the festival is proud to introduce his quirky new comedy as a premiere to the UK audience.
Other UK premieres include White Vengeance, sword fighting historical epic; The Detective 2, serial killer thriller; mad-cap fantasy comedy East Meets West 2011 and touching coming of age comedy drama When Beckham Met Owen.
Mrs Agnes Allcock, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, says: ”The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London is delighted to be supporting the Hong Kong 15 Film Festival to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Hong Kong film industry has been thrilling and entertaining people around the world for many decades, and highlights the talent, creativity and competitiveness of Hong Kong, with its famous‘can-do’ spirit and our continued striving for excellence.”
Talent attending the event will travel courtesy of Sponsor-in-Kind, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier’.
“As Hong Kong’s official airline, we are delighted to be a part of the Hong Kong 15 Film Festival to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the handover.” Says Cathay Pacific “This is a unique and exciting event to participate in to further our brand’.
‘Hong Kong 15 Film Festival’is presented by the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office, London, in association with Terracotta Festival, to mark the 15 year anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty.
All screenings will be hosted at the Odeon Covent Garden, 135 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, from July 2nd to 14th 2012.
The programme features 15 carefully selected films, grouped in three themed sections: ‘Currents’ will showcase the best of what Hong Kong cinema has had to offer over the past year while the‘15 Years Review’ will look back on some significant films since the handover, and finally, ‘Shaw Brothers Classics’will show a rare double-bill treat of two of the legendary martial arts films that sparked international interest in Hong Kong cinema.
Full details and descriptions of the films featured in the programme and tickets prices can be found on the festival website at: http://hk15filmfestival.com/
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