Film
Hong Kong has its fair share of cinemas, most of which are conveniently located in shopping malls. Alternative cinemas screening indie and arthouse films are rare compared to European and American cities, but worth a detour for fans of film and video art.
Cinemas
Broadway Cinematheque
Broadway Cinematheque in Yau Ma Tei is currently the only cinema in Hong Kong dedicated to the exclusive screening of indie and art house films. The cinema also houses a café, a bookstore and a members-only DVD lending library.
Hong Kong Film Archive
The Hong Kong Film Archive, on the waterfront just east of Taikoo Shing, screens old Hong Kong classics and films from around the world. It is also a resource center, with books, magazines, newspapers and audio-visual materials.
Other venues that frequently screen arthouse films include:
- Asia Society
- Hong Kong Arts Centre (Louis Koo Cinema)
- Tai Kwun (Sunday Movie Steps)
Film Festivals
FILMART
The Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) is held annually in March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. This giant fair is a must-see for all those involved in the Asian movie scene. A trade-only event, it attracts participants from both the business and artistic sides of the industry, from producers to financiers. FILMART attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors from all over the world. FILMART has firmly established Hong Kong as a regional center for the distribution of film, television and all things entertainment related.
Hong Kong International Film Festival
The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is typically held in March or April each year. The HKIFF is always a magnet for film buffs, showcasing hundreds of films at various cinemas and arts venues in town. From modest origins in 1977, the festival has grown to become one of Asia’s most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers all over the world. The HKIFF is one of the most important events in Hong Kong’s cultural calendar, as it premieres some of the most innovative and influential films from filmmakers around the world. For award-winning movies, booking tickets early is essential.
Smaller festivals aimed at Hong Kong cinephiles include:
From modest origins in 1977, the festival has grown to become one of Asia’s most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers all over the world.
Literature
Hong Kong has several annual events for readers and bibliophiles.
Hong Kong Book Fair
The Hong Kong Book Fair is held in mid-summer in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Although positioned as a trade fair, it is highly regarded not only as a promotional platform for writers and publishers but also as a cultural literary event for Hong Kong people. At this fair, visitors are treated to a wide selection of books and publications for children and adults, often sold at a significant discount.
The book fair is highly regarded not only as a promotional platform for writers and publishers but also as a cultural literary event for Hong Kong people.
Hong Kong International Literary Festival
Hong Kong International Literary Festival is an annual celebration of literature that consists of a series of events and readings that take place all over the city. Started by a small group of friends in 2001, the festival has since received global recognition in the literary world, and features accomplished local and overseas authors each year at a city-wide selection of free and ticketed events. In a city where Chinese and English are the official languages, this festival also aims to encourage greater interest in English literacy.
Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival
Organized by the same team behind the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, the Young Readers Festival brings international and local writers, illustrators, comic creators and poets together for a series of events, workshops and school visits suitable for audiences as young as 2.
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