Hong Kong Film Archive Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Major Exhibition Showcasing Film Treasures and Cinematic Heritage

Glamourous showcase of rare cultural treasures at "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" radiate extraordinary charm of Hong Kong cinema

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present the exhibition "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from tomorrow (June 3) to March 29 next year. The exhibition will showcase nearly 1 000 items of treasures of Hong Kong film culture that the HKFA has acquired, restored and preserved over the years, among which more than 100 items are making their debut, to demonstrate the enduring charm of Hong Kong cinema. The artefacts will also serve to look back on the HKFA's efforts in carrying forward Hong Kong's cinematic heritage over the past quarter century.

Silver screen legends across a century

The exhibition is meticulously crafted through a collaboration between visual effects master Victor Wong as the Technology and Artistic Director, renowned art director and textile costume culture expert Edith Cheung and film culture researcher Janice Chow as Exhibition Consultants, and the HKFA, with the full support of eight major film companies. At the exhibition entrance, the immersive star-studded tunnel display "Starry Portraits at 25" presents the film stills of numerous movie stars at the age of 25, enlightening visitors through a captivating journey across a century of cinematic legends.

Precious artifacts revive early cinematic scenes

Featuring a curated selection of precious artefacts and images from the HKFA's collection, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey back to the golden age of early cinema. They include a film still for the silent film "Join the Army and Live" (1926) as well as the most representative donations to the HKFA over the years, including the diary of Hong Kong film pioneer Lai Man-wai and the 1903 building plan for the Tai Ping Theatre, a large-scale cinema in Sai Wan built in the early 20th century.

Film trailers re-enacting evolution of film industry

Over 60 trailers from early films and melodrama, musical, comedy and martial arts films, as well as international versions of trailers for overseas releases of films are screened at the "Screening Room of Trailers-Highlights of Hong Kong Film Trailers" zone, including a trailer of "The Story of a Discharged Prisoner" (1967) directed by Patrick Lung, a film from which John Woo drew inspiration to direct his eponymous classic 20 years later. An additional promotional clip for "Knockabout" (1979) which has been specially produced to feature the handsome physicality and solid skills of Yuen Biao is another rare treasure to be seen. This zone also features oral history interviews where directors, film editors, dubbing artists and others explain the production processes of film trailers, deepening visitors' understanding of the craftsmanship behind the scenes.

Revisiting classics through fascinating costumes of megastars

The HKFA has long been dedicated to preserving film costumes. The exhibition will showcase a series of classic costumes and precious accessories, including debuts of some selected film costumes of legendary film stars, such as Li Lihua in "Red Rose" (1952), Betty Loh Ti in "The Three Loves" (1956), Hsia Moon in "Bride Hunter" (1961), and Zhang Ziyi in "House of Flying Daggers" (2004). This zone also features manuscripts and historical records related to film costumes, and outlines the journey that costumes in the HKFA's collection pass through, from acquisition, restoration, preservation to exhibition.

Showcasing glorious achievements of Hong Kong cinema

Since the 1950s, the Hong Kong film industry has garnered numerous awards from major film festivals and professional organisations. Forty-six of these are on display in this exhibition, inviting visitors to appreciate the achievements of filmmakers' years of dedication and hard work, from as early as the Silver Sail for Best Actor won by Kwan Shan at the Locarno International Film Festival for "The True Story of Ah Q" (1958), the Silver Bear for Best Actress won by Josephine Siao Fong-fong for "Summer Snow" (1995), and the Silver Bear for Best Director won by Yim Ho for "The Sun Has Ears" (1996) at the Berlin International Film Festival, to such newly collected items as Best Costume and Makeup Design won by Bruce Yu and Karen Yip for "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" (2024), and Best Film Editing won by William Chang for "Sons of the Neon Night" (2025) at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Over 100 filmmakers appearing to share their experience

The Oral History Project, launched in 1994, has researched the history of Hong Kong cinema's development from all perspectives through extensive interviews with film veterans.The exhibition showcases precious interview clips of over 100 filmmakers. Videos titled "'A Filmmaker, A Story' Parts 1 & 2" will be shown at the exhibition, with a number of filmmakers sharing their own invaluable experiences in the industry, illustrating the creation of films from preparation, shooting to post-production. For example, Tsui Hark, the producer of "Swordsman II" (1992), shares how he went against opinions of others to cast actress Brigitte Lin as Dongfang Bubai, a male character in the original novel. The HKFA has also produced an oral history video titled "25 Key Figures and Events in Hong Kong Cinema", focusing on film companies, film personalities, genres and cultural phenomena, while introducing outstanding figures in Hong Kong's cinematic history.

The exhibition features several photo spots, including an interactive installation, "Galaxy Station", for visitors to take photos with images of movie stars from different eras when they were 25 years of age. Visitors can also take pictures at a poster wall, where classic film posters are mixed with neon light signs of film titles.

The exhibition also showcases video messages from filmmakers of different generations congratulating the HKFA for its 25th anniversary. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Public Libraries, the HKFA has curated the "The Bookstore" zone, featuring a selection of the HKFA's previous publications, allowing readers to savour the rich essence of Hong Kong cinema.

To tie in with the exhibition, free screenings of eight restored Hong Kong film classics will be held at the theatre on the first floor of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from June to November. Audience members will be admitted to the theatre 15 minutes before the programme commences. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The film screening schedule is as follows:

June 13 (Saturday)

11am

The Valiant Ones (1975) (4K Digitally Restored Version)

June 13 (Saturday)

3pm

Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983) (4K Digitally Restored Version)

June 14 (Sunday)

11am

Colourful Youth (1966) (Restored Version)

June 14 (Sunday)

3pm

The Wild, Wild Rose (1960) (4K Digitally Restored Version)

July 19 (Sunday)

3pm

The Secret (1979) (Restored Version)

August 8 (Saturday)

3pm

Father and Son (1981) (4K Digitally Restored Version)

October 3 (Saturday)

3pm

November 14 (Saturday)

3pm

Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom (1959) (Restored Version)

The exhibition is supported by eight major film companies as Partner Organisations, including Edko Films Limited,Far Sun Film Co Ltd,Star Alliance Movies (HK) Co Ltd, Fortune Star Media Limited,First Distributors (HK) Ltd.,Cathay-Keris Films Pte Ltd, Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd., and Media Asia Film Distribution (HK) Limited.

For details of the exhibition and screenings, please visit www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/25a-hm/pe-event-2026-25a-hm.html or call 2739 2139.

The exhibition is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2026. With "Beyond Fantasy" as this year's theme, the LCSD is presenting the fourth Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. For more information, please visitwww.pcf.gov.hk.

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows a poster wall, where visitors can take pictures with classic film posters mixed with neon light signs of film titles. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the exhibition zone featuring film trailers and oral history interviews where filmmakers explain the production processes of film trailers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the 1903 building plan for the Tai Ping Theatre, a large-scale cinema in Sai Wan built in the early 20th century. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the earliest Hong Kong film magazine in the Hong Kong Film Archive's collection: Inaugural Issue of Silver Light. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows a film still for "Join the Army and Live" (1926) from the silent film era. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the Silver Bear for Best Actress won by Josephine Siao Fong-fong at the Berlin International Film Festival for "Summer Snow" (1995). (Courtesy of Dr Josephine Siao Fong-fong) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the classic costumes showcased in the exhibition. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the immersive tunnel display "Starry Portraits at 25" at the exhibition entrance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive, will be staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum starting from tomorrow (June 3). Photo shows the gorgeous dancer look of Zhang Ziyi in "House of Flying Daggers" (2004). (Courtesy of Edko Films Limited) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition was held today (June 2) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows guests visiting the exhibition. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition was held today (June 2) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows officiating guests (from left) Museum Expert Adviser (Film) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Mr Joe Cheung; son of the late donor Mr Gordon Fung, Mr Weldon Fung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; donor and third-generation owner of the Tai Ping Theatre, Ms Beryl Yuen, and the Head of the Hong Kong Film Archive, Miss Priscilla Chan, at the opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition was held on June 2 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows guests at the immersive tunnel display "Starry Portraits at 25" at the exhibition entrance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Film Archive Stories: Treasure Hunting for 25 Years" exhibition was held on June 2 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows guests at the exhibition entrance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE meets Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 10) met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Kanat Bozumbayev, at Government House to exchange views on deepening co-operation between the two places. The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting.

Mr Lee said he was pleased to meet Mr Bozumbayev for the first time and welcomed him and his delegation to Hong Kong for the Alatau City Investment Round Table event scheduled to take place tomorrow (June 11). Mr Lee noted that a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises led by himself had successfully concluded a visit to Central Asia last week and made various achievements. During his visit to Kazakhstan, Mr Lee met respectively with the President of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Olzhas Bektenov; and two Deputy Prime Ministers, to exchange views on topics such as finance, economic and trade relations, and innovation and technology, and to establish high-level liaison between the governments. He thanked the government of Kazakhstan for the great importance it had attached to the visit, providing high-level hospitality and meticulous arrangements for the visit. Mr Lee witnessed the signing of multiple agreements between the two sides, including eight co-operation documents at the government level and 53 co-operation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding beyond the government level, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. These fruitful results have brought co-operation between the two places to a new level. Mr Lee added that he was delighted to further follow up on these outcomes with Mr Bozumbayev today, and looks forward to the continuous deepening of co-operation between the two sides in the future.

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong supports and upholds free trade and multilateralism, as it continues to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, strives to create new trade corridors, and explores emerging market opportunities. Kazakhstan is an important commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe. It is also the place where the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative was first proposed, and is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia. There are broad prospects for further co-operation. The multiple outcomes achieved during Mr Lee's visit demonstrate Hong Kong's role as a functional platform for the B&R Initiative, as the city actively plays its roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to promote broader and deeper co-operation between the two places and establish a hub-to-hub co-operation model. With the launch of direct flights from Hong Kong to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the first quarter of next year, people-to-people exchanges between the two places will become even more frequent.

Mr Lee noted that Kazakhstan is promoting reforms on various fronts and driving economic diversification. It is making every effort to develop Alatau City, with a focus on technological innovation and green growth. Hong Kong harnesses its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle in connecting the Mainland and the world, ranking No. 1 globally in economic freedom. Hong Kong is speeding up the development of the Northern Metropolis as the city strives to become an international innovation and technology centre. Mr Lee said he looks forward to Hong Kong and Kazakhstan achieving complementary advantages and co-ordinated development across different sectors. He welcomed enterprises in Kazakhstan to make good use of Hong Kong's premier financial and innovation and technology platforms, as well as its world-leading professional services, to explore more business opportunities. At the same time, Hong Kong will further help local and Mainland enterprises to go global and discover more opportunities, venturing into a new blue ocean in Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan.

CE meets Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases