Exploring Hong Kong Cinema: Together We Dare to Direct at JAFF
The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival has teamed up with the Asian Film Awards Academy for the second year in a row to present a special Hong Kong film program. The program, titled "Together We Dare to Direct," will showcase the works of director Ann Hui and films from various generations of Hong Kong filmmakers. Taking place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the program will include a masterclass with Hui and screenings of nine feature films and four shorts that represent different eras of Hong Kong cinema.
This collaboration between JAFF and AFAA celebrates the 20th anniversary of JAFF and builds on the success of their 2023 partnership. The program aims to highlight the evolution of Asian cinema through a curated lineup of Hong Kong films, showcasing the journeys of filmmakers across generations and genres. Alexander Matius, JAFF program director, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in promoting Asian cinema globally.
Among the films featured in the program are two of Ann Hui's works, "A Simple Life" (2011) and "July Rhapsody" (2002), which will be screened in newly restored 4K. The lineup also includes award-winning films such as Tommy Kai Chung Ng's "Another World" and Robin Lee's "Four Trails." The program will also feature classics like John Woo's "The Killer" and contemporary films like "Sons of the Neon Night" and "The Remnant."
The short film compilation will include works by Ivan Cheung, a participant in the AFAA International Film Camp, such as "The Apple of My Eye" and "Tomatoes Are Poisonous." Filmmakers like Lee, Mandrew Kwan Man Hin, Quist Tsang, and Cheung will participate in Q&A sessions and the JAFF Community Forum. The presence of these Hong Kong directors and film professionals reflects the art of directing and the craft that defines their work.
Financial support for the program comes from Hong Kong's Creative Cultural Industries Development Agency, the Film Development Fund, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Jakarta. The festival's market component, the JAFF Market, will run concurrently with the film screenings until Dec. 1.
In conclusion, the partnership between JAFF and AFAA brings together a diverse selection of Hong Kong films that showcase the rich history and talent of Asian cinema. The program not only celebrates the work of established filmmakers like Ann Hui but also highlights the emerging voices in the industry. Through screenings, masterclasses, and Q&A sessions, the program aims to engage audiences and promote a deeper appreciation for Asian cinema.