Watch dramedies and classics at Dubai’s independent cinema.

Lights, camera, films. Cinema Akil, the independent cinema, has announced the return of its Hong Kong Film Festival.

Taking place from 22 to 28 March at Cinema Akil’s Alserkal Avenue location, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation will feature eight films. These works capture the essence of Hong Kong’s film scene. You can look forward to various genres, from romantic movies to action-packed thrillers and much more.

The 2025 program will commence with an iftar-style opening night ceremony, setting the stage for an evening of culture and storytelling. The event will feature a screening of An Abandoned Team (2024), directed by Thomas LEE and Daniel HO. This poignant drama delves into themes of loneliness, redemption, and the connection between a man and a stray dog. Following the screening, audiences will have the chance to engage in an exclusive Q&A session with director Thomas LEE.

Blossoms Under Somewhere (2024), directed by Riley YIP, follows a high school girl navigating life with a stutter. As she manages an online business, her pursuit of love and self-discovery leads to the painful loss of her only friendship. Recognised for its heartfelt storytelling, Blossoms Under Somewhere has earned two nominations at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best New Performer and Best Original Film Song.

Montages of a Modern Motherhood (2024), directed by Oliver Siu Kuen CHAN, delves into the emotional and societal complexities of motherhood and follows a woman struggling to balance her career ambitions, family expectations, and the profound personal transformation that comes with becoming a mother. Acclaimed for its nuanced storytelling, Montages of a Modern Motherhood has been selected as an official entry at both the Busan International Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival.

In Papa (2024), Philip Yung crafts a deeply emotional story about a café owner tormented by guilt after his mentally unstable son commits a tragic act. Last Song for You (2024), directed by Lai-Yin Leung, brings a bittersweet, supernatural touch, following a deceased woman’s spirit as she reconnects with her former lover, hoping to fulfill her final wish of having her ashes scattered in Japan.

Shifting to a more urgent narrative, Anthony Pun’s Cesium Fallout (2024) dives into a gripping radiation crisis in Hong Kong, triggered by illegal garbage smuggling. A team of government advisors, corporate executives, and firefighters must act swiftly to contain the unfolding disaster. Meanwhile, Anselm Chan’s The Last Dance (2024) infuses dark humor into the story of a debt-ridden wedding planner who pivots to the funeral business, struggling to prove his legitimacy while navigating this unexpected career shift.

Adding a nostalgic element, the festival will also feature Ronny Yu’s iconic wuxia fantasy classic, The Bride with White Hair (1993). This celebrated Hong Kong martial arts film offers audiences a chance to revisit the epic romance and swordplay that defined an era of cinema.

Key highlights of the festival include in-depth Q&A sessions with leading figures from the industry, such as actress Sheena CHAN (Blossoms Under Somewhere) and director Oliver Siu Kuen CHAN (Montages of a Modern Motherhood). These sessions provide a unique opportunity for audiences to explore the creative processes behind the films, gaining first-hand insight into the vision, challenges, and inspirations that shape modern cinema.

Tickets for the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation are available now and start from AED 57 per person.

Let the movies begin.

GO: Visit https://cinemaakil.com for more information.