The Los Angeles Post

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival Announces Lineup for LAAPFF PRESENTS: HONG KONG GENERATIONS OF CINEMA 2024

by · Published · Updated

Two-Day Showcase to Celebrate the Rich History of Hong Kong Cinema,
Sponsored by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco

Los Angeles, CA (October 1, 2024) – The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) is excited to announce the lineup for the third annual LAAPFF PRESENTS: HONG KONG GENERATIONS OF CINEMA, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco. This special two-day showcase will take place on October 26 and 27, 2024, at the AMC Atlantic Times Square 14 in Monterey Park.

HONG KONG GENERATIONS OF CINEMA celebrates the dynamic storytelling talent of Hong Kong and highlights its profound global impact. This year’s theme focuses on Cantopop and its deep influence on Hong Kong cinema, featuring iconic films and stars that have shaped generations. The curated lineup includes films from various decades, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Hong Kong cinema:

  • Days of Being Wild “阿飞正传” (1990) – Directed by Wong Kar-wai, this visually captivating, moody masterpiece explores themes of love and loneliness set in 1960s Hong Kong.
  • Happy Together “春光乍泄” (1997) – Another Wong Kar-wai classic, this intimate portrayal of a turbulent love story stars Hong Kong icons Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
  • Rouge “胭脂扣” (1987) – Directed by Stanley Kwan and featuring Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, this haunting romance bridges past and present, delving into eternal love, memory, and the cultural shifts in Hong Kong.
  • Anita “梅艳芳” (2021) – Directed by Longmond Leung Lok-Man, this heartfelt biopic celebrates the life and legacy of Anita Mui, one of Hong Kong’s most beloved pop stars and actresses.
  • July Rhapsody “男人四十” (4K Restoration) (2002) – Directed by Ann Hui, this sensitive drama explores mid-life crises and familial relationships with emotional depth and nuance.
  • The Lyricist Wannabe (2023) – A fresh, contemporary look at the modern Hong Kong youth experience, providing a glimpse into the future of the city’s cinema industry.

This diverse selection spans over three decades, from timeless classics like Happy Together to modern tributes such as Anita, illustrating the strong connection between music and storytelling in Hong Kong’s film history.

“Cantopop has been a cultural cornerstone in Hong Kong, shaping not only its music industry but also its cinematic landscape,” said Emily Hoang, Visual Communications Programmer. “Many of the films in our showcase, especially Anita and Rouge, are deeply intertwined with the influence of Cantopop icons like Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung. Their music, style, and stories have transcended generations, making Cantopop an essential part of Hong Kong’s cultural identity and a powerful vehicle for storytelling in cinema. This event is a celebration of that rich legacy.”

Jacko Tsang, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, added, “The development of Cantopop and Hong Kong films both reflect and influence the lives and stories of Hong Kong people throughout recent history. The films in this year’s Hong Kong Generations of Cinema will take audiences on a journey to explore the past, present, and future of Cantopop and Hong Kong cinema.”

The two-day event promises to offer a unique cinematic experience, showcasing the enduring influence of Cantopop and Hong Kong’s rich film heritage. Don’t miss this special opportunity to explore the cultural ties between music and film in one of the world’s most vibrant cinematic landscapes.

Tickets for LAAPFF PRESENTS: HONG KONG GENERATIONS OF CINEMA 2024 are available now on the festival’s website. For more information on showtimes, please visit： https://laapffpresentshkcinema2024.eventive.org/welcome

WHAT: LAAPFF PRESENTS: HONG KONG GENERATIONS OF CINEMA 2024
WHERE: AMC ATLANTIC TIMES SQUARE 14, THEATER 4 (450 N Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754)
WHEN: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26-27, 2024
TICKET PRICE: $5.00
TO SECURE TICKETS AND VIEW FILM SCHEDULE:  https://laapffpresentshkcinema2024.eventive.org/welcome