HKETO promotes Hong Kong cinema and regional collaboration at 9th Malaysia International Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur (with photos)
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Jointly presented by the MIFFest and the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, the event highlighted the special curated segment "Hong Kong Cinema in Flux" at the 9th MIFFest, which celebrates the timeless evolution, bold innovation, and dynamic storytelling of Hong Kong filmmaking. The project is supported by the Film Development Fund (FDF) and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Addressing the event, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, highlighted that Hong Kong cinema constantly breaks new ground and innovates, asserting its creative leadership in the region. "In the first half of 2026, the box office revenue for Hong Kong-produced films alone reached an impressive HK$286 million (or RM 150 million), " Mr Fung said. "Our local stories are drawing audiences back to the silver screen in record numbers, proving that Hong Kong's unique cinematic magic remains robust in Asia and beyond."
Mr Fung shared that this strong momentum is a direct result of creative perseverance paired with strategic government support. As of mid-2026, the FDF alone has accumulatively committed HK$1.5 billion (RM 783 million) across roughly 500 projects, financing more than 120 films, elevating over 120 emerging directors and producers, and earning over 290 international awards.
He also pointed out that Malaysia and Hong Kong share a deep, historical affinity for each other's cinema, and encouraged Malaysian industry counterparts to actively utilise the unique resources and explore co-production opportunities that Hong Kong offers to the region.
The "Hong Kong Cinema in Flux" segment features a stellar lineup of five Hong Kong films, namely "Bird of Paradise", "Ciao UFO", "Dog Day Evening", "The Dating Menu" and "Unidentified Murder".
The event was attended by the Chairman of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, Dato' Hans Isaac, renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Man Lim-chung, alongside acclaimed directors, producers, and actors from the five featured films. In addition to a dedicated interview session featuring the Hong Kong filmmakers, the attending Malaysian filmmakers, media representatives, and film enthusiasts also engaged in vibrant cultural exchanges to strengthen bilateral ties and foster creative co-productions.
Ends/Friday, July 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 22:10
Issued at HKT 22:10
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