Cantonese opera was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. As part of the first Hong Kong ICH Month, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Culture Services Department (LCSD) will launch the Discovering ICH Through Cinema programme, screening Cantonese opera-themed film classic "The Dutiful Daughter Chu-chu" (1966) with free admission on June 21 (Saturday) for audiences to revisit the precious legacy of Cantonese opera.
 
     Connie Chan Po-chu plays the lead role of Chu-chu, who earns money by disguising herself as a Japanese acrobat in an amusement park in order to support her mother in the hospital. After meeting Cantonese opera actor Wong, played by Lam Kar-sing, Chu-chu is inspired by Wong and decides to learn Cantonese opera from Wong and his master Pak, played by the "King of Wusheng" Lan Chi Pak, to make an honest living.
 
      Much of the film focuses on Chu-chu's Cantonese opera training sessions under Wong and Pak, which are realistic and compelling portrayals of how the traditional art form is preserved and passed on through generations. Lam, who is also the film's operatic director, showcased his solid Cantonese opera skills, embodying the awe-inspiring charisma and essence of the art form. The appearance of Lan Chi Pak in modern attire in the film is also a rare sight on screen.
 
     The film will be screened in three time slots at noon, 3pm and 6pm on June 21 at the HKFA Cinema, accompanied by pre-screening talks hosted by film critic Grace Ng.
 
     Admission is free with tickets to be distributed starting from June 1 (Sunday) at the information counter of the HKFA on Mondays and from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 8pm. Each person can receive up to two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Limited walk-in seats will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and members of the public are welcome to queue up at the 1/F Foyer of the HKFA 45 minutes before the screening begins. Each person can register for one ticket while stocks last.
 
     For programme details, please visit www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/ich-month-2025/pe-event-2025-chu-chu.html or call 2739 2139.
 
     Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 is presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the LCSD, with ICH June as a strategic partner. For details of the programmes, please visit the website www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2025.html.

Ends/Thursday, May 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:00

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