22 April 2022 (Hong Kong) – The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society announced today that the 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF46) would take place over 17 days from 15 to 31 August 2022, connecting with audiences again through cinemas and online platforms.
The Society also welcomed the return of Aaron Kwok as its festival ambassador for the fourth consecutive year, coinciding with the launch of HKIFF46’s key visual.
Initially set to commence on 31 March, HKIFF46 was postponed when the Hong Kong government imposed stringent social distancing measures to combat the rising Omicron outbreak since the beginning of 2022. The Cine Fan Summer International Film Festival, which usually takes place around the same time, will make way this year for HKIFF46 and return in 2023.
Kwok re-united with internationally-acclaimed visual artist Wing Shya for a series of photographs to promote HKIFF46 – the two had collaborated previously in 2018 for HKIFF43. Kwok said he was honoured to be the ambassador again, and he was keen for the festival to do well after its success last year. “There is no better platform for the Hong Kong public to reconnect with the best cinema offers,” he said.
“The last two years have been challenging for everyone because of the COVID-19 pandemic, not least for those who work in the film industry. It is important to stay positive and, with productions resuming gradually, I am seeing signs of a recovery, despite the recent setback with the Omicron outbreak.”
Meanwhile, renowned local graphic designer Frank Chan revisited his iconic avian motif in creating the new festival key visual. After his popular design last year featuring a barn swallow, Chan has adopted the common Eurasian tree sparrows for the HKIFF46 campaign.
“Sparrows are sprightly and charming, and they can be found in Hong Kong throughout the whole year,” Chan explained. “They are just like us Hongkongers, busily flying around, from day to night, striving for a better life and reaching out for our dreams.”
Like last year’s HKIFF45, the hybrid festival will feature in-person and online screenings and events. The Society will announce HKIFF46’s complete programme in July.
