Free Screenings of Classic Cantonese Opera Films at Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 on June 13

Film Archive's Discovering ICH Through Cinema to present free screenings of Cantonese opera-themed classic films

As part of the Hong Kong ICH Month 2026, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Culture Services Department (LCSD) will present free screenings of two Cantonese opera-themed film classics of different styles, starring Connie Chan, "The Dutiful Daughter Chu-chu" (1966) and "The Story of Heroine Fan Lei-fa" (1968), in the Discovering ICH Through Cinema programme on June 13 (Saturday) at the Cinema of the HKFA for audiences to revisit the profound legacy of Cantonese opera.

In "The Dutiful Daughter Chu-chu", Chan plays the lead role of Chu-chu, who earns money to support her mentally ill mother by pretending to be a Japanese acrobat. After meeting a Cantonese opera master and his apprentice, played by Lan Chi Pak and Lam Kar-sing respectively, Chu-chu decides to lead an honest life and learn Cantonese opera from them both. Much of the film focuses on Chu-chu's Cantonese opera training sessions. The performance of Lan Chi Pak in the film demonstrates the strict adherence and fervent upholding of the artistic traditions by Cantonese opera maestros in teaching and on stage. The audience can learn about how the traditional art form is preserved and passed on through generations with these realistic and compelling portrayals. Lam's skilled and artful performances of Cantonese opera excerpts in the film also exude the awe-inspiring charisma and essence of the art.

The other film, "The Story of Heroine Fan Lei-fa", stars Chan, Shum Chi-wah, Yu Kai and Tam Lan-hing. Chan portrays the legendary female warrior Fan Lei-fa in the film. At times, she expresses tender and poignant love towards her husband in the film with melodic songs in the style of huangmei diao. She also displays adept martial arts skills in fighting scenes, exuding a commanding presence and valour. Fan's adopted son Sit Ying-lung, a reformed young swordsman, is played by the cross-cast Shum. Meanwhile, Yu Kai, who is well trained in Northern-style martial arts, puts his impressive skills on full display in the film, while Tam is cross-cast in the role of Ching Ao-kam, adding humour with her witty and comedic performance.

The films will be screened on June 13 at the following times:

The Dutiful Daughter Chu-chu

11am

The Story of Heroine Fan Lei-fa

3pm

6.30pm

Each screening session will be accompanied by a pre-screening talk by film critic Grace Ng. Admission is free with tickets to be distributed starting from May 9 (Saturday) at the HKFA box office. Each person can receive up to two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Limited walk-in seats will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and members of the public are welcome to queue up at the G/F lobby of the HKFA 45 minutes before the screening begins. Each person can register for one ticket while stocks last.

For programme details, please visit www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/ich-month-2026/pe-event-2026-ich-month.html or call 2739 2139.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office of the LCSD will organise the "Hong Kong ICH Month 2026" from May 30 to June 30 this year. With the theme "ICH Around Town", a series of diverse programmes will be featured to give members of the public and tourists a deeper understanding of ICH, thereby realising the principle of "shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism". For details, please visit the website www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2026.html.

The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Culture Services Department will present free screenings of two Cantonese opera-themed film classics in the Discovering ICH Through Cinema series on June 13 (Saturday) at the Cinema of the HKFA. Photo shows a film still of "The Story of Heroine Fan Lei-fa" (1968). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Culture Services Department will present free screenings of two Cantonese opera-themed film classics in the Discovering ICH Through Cinema series on June 13 (Saturday) at the Cinema of the HKFA. Photo shows a film still of "The Story of Heroine Fan Lei-fa" (1968). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Culture Services Department will present free screenings of two Cantonese opera-themed film classics in the Discovering ICH Through Cinema series on June 13 (Saturday) at the Cinema of the HKFA. Photo shows a film still of "The Dutiful Daughter Chu-chu" (1966). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Culture Services Department will present free screenings of two Cantonese opera-themed film classics in the Discovering ICH Through Cinema series on June 13 (Saturday) at the Cinema of the HKFA. Photo shows a film still of "The Dutiful Daughter Chu-chu" (1966). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody from attacking staff member

Correctional officers at Stanley Prison stopped a male remand person in custody from attacking a staff member today (May 6).

At 3.37pm today, a 39-year-old male remand person in custody suddenly became emotional and attacked a correctional officer inside a shower room. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailant and applied oleoresin capsicum (OC) foam to subdue him after repeated warnings were ignored.

During the incident, the officer sustained an injury to his chest. After examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. The assailant sustained injuries to his back and head. He did not need to be sent to a public hospital after examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer.

The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

The assailant was remanded for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug in December 2024.

Source: AI-found images