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Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms (with photos)
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     With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, the Hong Kong film festival returned to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the fifth edition from November 8 to 12 (Dubai time), bringing a curated selection of Hong Kong cinema to the Middle East community.
      
     Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation - Dubai screened seven Hong Kong movies in a variety of genres, such as action, drama and documentary, showcasing the creativity and diversity of Hong Kong cinema.
      
     A number of Hong Kong movie talents travelled to Dubai to attend the gala, including actor ANSONBEAN from the opening film "Good Game", director Chan Tai-lee from "Fight for Tomorrow" and director Chou Man-yu from "Behind the Shadows". They attended the opening night reception organised by Dubai ETO to meet the audience, and participated in post-screening sharing sessions to exchange views with film enthusiasts.
      
     The opening night took place at the unique setting of the semi-outdoor Cinema Akil in 25hours. Apart from the newly release "Good Game", the 90s classic "Once a Thief" directed by John Woo was also screened, as the audience showed great enthusiasm about the captivating action scenes and thrilling plot of both movies.
      
     Other Hong Kong films screened at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai's leading creative district included "Four Trails", "My First of May", and "Reborn".
      
     Speaking at the opening reception, the Acting Director-General of Dubai ETO, Mr Leo Poon, said that the successful hosting of the fifth edition of Hong Kong film festival in Dubai reflects the continuous creativity of Hong Kong cinema and the sustained support from local audiences. He also emphasised the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's staunch support for Hong Kong's cultural, creative and film industries, including efforts in recent years to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, strengthen overseas ties and pave the way for future collaborations.
      
     "The Government is committed to promoting the development of the film industry. Over the past three years, films funded by the CCIDA through the Film Development Fund have accounted for nearly 30per cent of Hong Kong's total box office receipts. The Chief Executive also announced in his 2025 Policy Address that the CCIDA will enhance publicity, exchanges, and business matching overseas. We are eager to bring more outstanding Hong Kong film productions to the Middle East, with a view to further promoting Hong Kong films to the local film industry and community."
      
     Dubai ETO will continue to support Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries in fostering exchanges and exploring business opportunities through collaboration with various partners.
 
Ends/Saturday, November 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 1:00
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The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows the Acting Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), Mr Leo Poon (centre), with Hong Kong directors Chan Tai-lee (second left) and Chou Man-yu (second right); actor ANSONBEAN (first left); and the representative of Cinema Akil (first right), at the opening reception organised by the Dubai ETO.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows the Acting Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), Mr Leo Poon, speaking at the opening reception organised by the Dubai ETO.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows local film enthusiasts exchanging views during the opening reception.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows Hong Kong directors Chan Tai-lee (centre) and Chou Man-yu (right); and actor ANSONBEAN (left) outside the semi-outdoor cinema hosting the opening night of the film festival.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows Hong Kong actor ANSONBEAN (centre) sharing his views with the audience at the question-and-answer session after the screening of the opening film "Good Game".
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows Hong Kong director Chan Tai-lee (front row, third right) taking a group photo with local film enthusiasts after the screening of the film "Fight for Tomorrow".
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 8 to 12, to showcase a selection of seven new and classic Hong Kong films to local audiences. Photo shows Hong Kong director Chou Man-yu (right) exchanging views with the audience at the sharing session after the screening of the film “Behind the Shadows”.