Sai Wan Ho Hong Kong Film Archive | Hong Kong Film Archive presents 'A Fantasy Film Journey' in April, inviting audiences to embark on a cinematic fantasy adventure

Description

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) Hong Kong Film Archive (the Archive) will present the film programme 'A Fantasy Film Journey' in April, inviting audiences to embark on a cinematic journey into the world of fantasy. The programme is part of the '2026 Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival' and the 25th anniversary celebration of the Archive. It will kick off with the global premiere of 'The Ghost and I' (1980) (4K digital restoration) on Saturday, 25 April, 7.30pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Directed by Ann Hui and written by Chan Yun-man, the film stars Josephine Siao as the producer, alongside Kenny Bee, Kwan Chung, Lau Hak-shun, and Lau Tin-lan. They present a humorous tale of a haunted opera troupe on Cheung Chau Island, blending classic Cantonese opera excerpts with thrilling, comical, and cultural elements, as well as local ghost stories.

Josephine Siao left Hong Kong in the late 1960s to pursue her studies overseas. Upon her return, she resumed her acting career and continued to make strides in the entertainment industry. In the late 1970s, she founded Golden Harvest Limited, aiming to break through the male-dominated film production environment at the time. She invited director Ann Hui and screenwriter Chan Yun-man to collaborate on 'The Ghost and I', continuing the suspenseful style of Ann Hui's directorial debut 'The Secret' (1979). The film combines mysterious tales of opera troupes with a wartime ghost story, infused with black comedy and marking a new chapter in Hong Kong New Wave cinema. The 4K digital restoration aims to recreate the audio and visual quality of the film's original release, showcasing the brilliance of this Hong Kong New Wave classic. A pre-screening talk will be held with guests including Ann Hui, Dr. Lee Luk-si, and Lau Tin-lan. The Hong Kong Film Archive would like to extend special thanks to Ms. Josephine Siao and Golden Harvest Limited for their generous authorization of the restoration, allowing audiences to rediscover this classic masterpiece, listed as one of the '100 Must-See Hong Kong Movies' by the Archive.

From 25 April to 7 June, 'A Fantasy Film Journey' will present 12 films from different eras, exploring five themes: 'Cinematic Memories', 'Eternal Love', 'Spiritual Classics', 'Fantasy Variations', and 'Urban Dreams'. The opening film, 'The Ghost and I' (1980) (4K digital restoration), will be screened at HK$70 per ticket. LCSD museum pass holders can enjoy a 20% discount on full-priced tickets for the opening film when purchasing at URBTIX outlets. The rest of the films will be screened at the Archive's cinema at HK$60 per ticket. A 20% discount is also offered for the purchase of any two or more full-priced tickets for this programme. Tickets will be available from 27 March (Friday) at all URBTIX outlets.

'Cinematic Memories' brings two fantasy Cantonese opera films back to the big screen: 'The Ten Brothers' (1959) (2K digital version) stars Cheung Ying, Yvonne Shima, and Sek Kin, showcasing magical powers through overlapping images, freeze frames, and special props as the brothers rescue their father; 'Nighttime Fairy' (Part 1 and Part 2) (1961) (2K digital version) employs advanced techniques and dense special effects to tell the story of a girl, played by Fung Bo Bo, who receives assistance from a cup spirit (Yvonne Shima) to unravel a conspiracy, spreading kindness and punishing evil. 'Eternal Love' presents modern reinterpretations of ancient fantasy novels, including 'A Chinese Ghost Story' (1987) (2K digital restoration), which captivates audiences with innovative special effects and cinematography, complemented by the delicate portrayal of a ghostly romance by Cheung Kwok-wing and Joey Wong; 'Green Snake' (1993) (4K digital restoration) shifts the focus from White Snake (Joey Wong) to Green Snake (Maggie Cheung), re-examining the mythical romance between White Snake and a scholar (Wu Hsing-kuo) through the lens of special effects and lighting.

'Spiritual Classics' showcases representative works that sparked a craze for spiritual comedies, including 'Encounter of the Spooky Kind' (1980), written, directed, and starring Sammo Hung. By blending martial arts with humorous ghostly elements, the film created a unique sub-genre in Hong Kong cinema; 'Mr. Vampire' (1985), starring Lam Ching-ying, Ricky Hui, and Chin Siu-ho, combines Chinese folklore with Western vampire characteristics, igniting a fever for Hong Kong zombie films. 'Fantasy Variations' presents comic-style, time-traveling imaginations, such as 'Iron Angels' (1988), where former triad member and producer Tsui Hark is chased by a robot played by Sally Yeh in a future world; 'Savior of the Soul' (1991), written by Wong Kar-wai and Jeffrey Lau, blends Eastern and Western fantasy elements, with a stellar cast including Anita Mui, Andy Lau, and Aaron Kwok, delivering a captivating performance in this time-traveling martial arts story.

'Urban Dreams' features films that portray modern fantasy tales, including 'Lavender' (2000), a romantic tale about a fallen angel (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and an aromatherapist (Kelly Chen); 'Wizard of Darkness' (2005), directed by Teddy Chan, stars Andy Lau and Karen Mok in a story about a young boy who takes a growth formula and ages rapidly, leading to profound reflections on the philosophy of life. Some screenings will feature pre- or post-screening talks with guests including directors Ann Hui and Teddy Chan, art director Dr. Lee Luk-si, and actor Lau Tin-lan, who will share their creative insights. Film researchers Dr. Lee Chin-peng, Lam Kai-to, Dang Tu, Tsang Siu-hung, Karly Mak, and Cheng Ching-hang will delve into the deeper meanings of the films. In addition, Lee Yu-wai, son of Lee Wai-to, the founder of Tou Yuen Movie Enterprises Ltd., which produced 'Nighttime Fairy', will share his memories of the film set during the post-screening talk. For more programme details, please visit the Archive's website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk or call 2739 2139.

This year, the LCSD hosts the fourth edition of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival under the theme 'Beyond Imagination'. Hong Kong's pop culture has continuously evolved through music, film, literature, stage, and cross-media creations, blending traditions, transitions, integrations, and breakthroughs to forge a unique Hong Kong style. The festival invites audiences and local creators to cross boundaries within the familiar, inspiring infinite possibilities in pop culture while creating works that are warm, resonant, and touching. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.