The Hong Kong International Film Festival (IFF) is set to return this summer with an exciting lineup of films that cater to cinephiles’ diverse tastes. Running from August 15 to 30, the festival promises a mix of genres, including Taiwanese crime comedy, Hong Kong supernatural thriller, and the latest works from renowned auteurs.
Among the highlights is Miss Shampoo, a madcap crime comedy by Taiwanese author and filmmaker Giddens Ko Ching-teng. Based on his own short story, the film follows a trainee hairdresser who inadvertently saves the life of a local gang boss and finds herself entangled in a world of romance and bloodshed.
Another highly anticipated film is Back Home, a Hong Kong production featuring Anson Kong Ip-sang from the boy band Mirror in the lead role. Directed by Nate Tse Ka-ki, the movie delves into Chinese mythology and the supernatural as a young man returns to Hong Kong after his mother falls into a coma, only to find himself caught in a terrifying and atmospheric journey.
Past Lives is a critically acclaimed cross-cultural romance that explores the complexities of choices, priorities, and relationships. Written by Canadian playwright Celina Song, the film follows a Korean woman who reunites with her first love after twenty years, forcing both characters to confront their past and assess their present lives.
Fans of Pedro Almodóvar will delight in Strange Way of Life, a short film that showcases the Spanish director’s stylistic richness and engaging storytelling. Starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal as aging cowboys, the movie delves into their attempts to rekindle their passion for one another in the dangerous setting of the Old West.
The late Jean-Luc Godard, a prolific filmmaker, leaves behind one last cinematic statement with Trailer of the Film That Will Never Exist: Phony Wars. A vibrant collage of photographs and reminiscences, the 20-minute film serves as a trailer for Godard’s unrealized project, an adaptation of Charles Plisnier’s novel. It offers viewers an adventurous and thought-provoking glimpse into the auteur’s brilliant mind.
For those seeking nostalgia, Single 8 by Kazuya Konaka, the godfather of the Ultraman franchise, takes audiences back to the 1970s. The film follows high-schooler Hiroshi, who rallies his classmates to create their own science fiction masterpiece after being inspired by George Lucas’ Star Wars. With themes of youthful exuberance, adolescent romance, and analog filmmaking, it offers a delightful trip down memory lane.
The festival also offers a selection of restored masterworks by Japanese legend Yasujiro Ozu, including his rarely seen silent crime melodrama Dragnet Girl. As part of the festival’s Neo Cine VR program, audiences can also experience cutting-edge virtual reality films that push the boundaries of cinematic exploration and expression.
With its diverse and exciting lineup, the Hong Kong Summer IFF 2023 promises to be a haven for film enthusiasts seeking to escape the summer heat and immerse themselves in a world of compelling storytelling and visual artistry. Tickets are now available for purchase, and further information can be found on the festival’s website.
In summary, the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival 2023 will feature a range of films, including Taiwanese crime comedy, Hong Kong supernatural thriller, and the latest works from acclaimed auteurs. From Miss Shampoo to Dragnet Girl, the festival offers something for every film lover. Don’t miss out on this exciting cinematic event.
