1 April 2026 (Hong Kong) —The 50^th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF50) officially opened this evening with the Asian premiere of Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, marking the start of a 12-day celebration of world cinema.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), and Ms Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.  They were joined by Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu, as well as Asian Visionary Ambassadors Gingle Wang and Win Metawin.  A distinguished gathering of local and international filmmakers also attended, adding to the festive atmosphere of this milestone edition.

In his opening remarks, Dr Wong described the festival’s 50^th anniversary as a moment of profound significance.  He noted that HKIFF has grown alongside Hong Kong to become one of the city’s most iconic and enduring cultural events, maintaining its commitment to presenting outstanding international cinema while serving as a vital gateway for Chinese-language films to reach global audiences.

Ms Sum highlighted that the film festival is an important part of the government’s effort to support film development.  It showcases outstanding Hong Kong and Mainland films to global audiences, while also bringing exceptional international works to Hong Kong to promote film culture.  At the same time, the festival creates valuable opportunities for the local industry to connect with visiting international filmmakers, fostering exchange, innovation, and heritage, and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a cultural and artistic hub bridging East and West.

A highlight of the evening was a series of on-stage conversations with distinguished guests.  Festival Ambassadors Angela Yuen and Tony Wu shared their aspirations to promote Hong Kong cinema and connect with new audiences.  Asian Visionary Ambassadors Gingle Wang and Win Metawin offered forward-looking perspectives on the future of filmmaking, embodying the creativity and global outlook of a new generation of Asian talent.

This year’s Filmmaker in Focus, Jia Zhangke, also appeared on stage to reflect on his long-standing relationship with HKIFF and encouraged younger audiences to approach cinema with openness and curiosity.

The star-studded ceremony welcomed Anthony Chen and the cast members Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler from We Are All Strangers; Edwynn Li from Cyclone; Ansonbean from We’re Nothing At All; Rachel Leung and Renci Yeung from The Dating Menu; Stephy Tang from Spare Queens; as well as renowned Fifth Generation Mainland Chinese filmmakers Tian Zhuangzhuang and Huang Jianxin, adding further prestige to the evening.

HKIFF50 will present more than 215 films from 71 countries and regions, including 11 world premieres, four international premieres, and 49 Asian premieres.  With over 320 screenings, audiences will have opportunities to engage directly with internationally celebrated filmmakers such as Juliette Binoche, Chen Kaige, Ann Hui, Tsai Ming-liang, Ildikó Enyedi, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Edwin, and Ben Rivers, all of whom will participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Building on the success of the previous edition, we are pleased to announce that American Express has returned as the Official Payment Partner this year. Eligible American Express Cardmembers can enjoy exclusive 30% savings on HKIFF50 regular-priced tickets when purchasing tickets through the URBTIX outlets, bringing the best of world cinema to its cardmembers.

HKIFF50 runs until 12 April 2026.  The complete programme and screening schedule are available on the festival’s official website at http://www.hkiff.org.hk.  Tickets are now on sale through all URBTIX outlets.