Hong Kong Films Shine at 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam, Showcasing Cinematic Talent and Cultural Heritage.

Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supported the participation of Hong Kong films and filmmakers in the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) being held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from January 30 to February 9.

This year, IFFR proudly presents four Hong Kong films, highlighting the city's vibrant film industry and its global influence. A Hong Kong networking event was organised by the HKETO, Brussels during IFFR on February 1 when Hong Kong production "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" was screened in the same night.

Celebrating Hong Kong's dynamic cinema, the Hong Kong networking event brought together 150 Dutch and international filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts to an engaging exchange with renowned and emerging filmmakers from Hong Kong.

The Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li highlighted at the networking event that Hong Kong films and long history in cinematography was one of the strongest testimony to the lively creativity and diverse yet blended cultures of Hong Kong. "Hong Kong is the destination that inspires and realises the storylines of your coming productions", Miss Li said as she invited the audience to visit Hong Kong.

Miss Li said that, "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region actively supports the industry through the Film Development Fund, focusing on nurturing new talent, enhancing local film production, expanding international markets and building an international audience". Hong Kong spares no efforts in showcasing promising filmmakers and accomplished talents among the arts, cultural and creative sectors in Europe for more collaboration. "We aspire to strengthen the international visibility of our productions beyond this festival, to take our film industry to the next level, and to enhance Hong Kong as an international centre of arts, creativity and innovation", she added.

As one of the leading international film festivals, the IFFR in 2024 recorded 253 500 visits across its programme of 424 films, including 183 world premieres, complemented with a variety of multi-disciplinary and industry programmes. The four Hong Kong productions screened in IFFF 2025 were: The Last Dance (Dutch Premiere) by Anselm Chan, Possession Street(European Premiere) by Jack Lai, Last Song For You (European Premiere) by Jill Leung, and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In(Dutch Premiere) by Soi Cheang.

Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema celebrated at International Film Festival Rotterdam Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (May 26) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 11 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 18kg of suspected ketamine, with a total estimated market value of about $8.85 million. Two men were arrested.

The first case involved a 62-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market of about $2 million, inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The second case involved a 58-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Paris, France, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market of about $6.85 million, inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 27). For the second case, an investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases