Hong Kong Film Gala Opens in Kuala Lumpur, Celebrating Cinematic Ties and Cultural Exchange

2026-08-21 21:30 Last Updated At：21:38

HKETO Kuala Lumpur brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Malaysian audiences

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (HKETO Kuala Lumpur), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund (FDF) jointly supported the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation - Kuala Lumpur organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy. The film gala opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (August 21), showcasing six acclaimed Hong Kong films alongside a dedicated cinematic exhibition.

Click to Gallery

HKETO Kuala Lumpur brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Malaysian audiences Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

More Images

HKETO Kuala Lumpur brings Hong Kong cinematic charm to Malaysian audiences Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speaking at the gala opening ceremony, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, emphasised the importance of cinema in strengthening regional and cultural connectivity. "Our collaboration leverages the unique soft power of Hong Kong cinema to strengthen people-to-people ties across Malaysia and the broader ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) community. This event goes beyond screenings. It serves as a premier platform for filmmakers and producers from both places to exchange concepts and cultivate robust co-production opportunities," Mr Fung said.

The Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, also attended the opening ceremony. She said that this is the fifth consecutive year that the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has been organised in Kuala Lumpur. Over the years, the Presentation has become a signature film event for the CCIDA in Malaysia, reflecting the growing popularity of Hong Kong films among audiences from Malaysia and other member states of ASEAN. She added that the line-up this year features an array of Hong Kong films of different genres in the hope of maximising the viewing experience of the audiences, including some that were supported by the FDF under the CCIDA, and have achieved both box office success and international acclaim.

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026 opened with the compelling drama "Afterpiece". Over the subsequent days, the event will screen five other notable films, including "Wakesurf Lovers", "Unidentified Murder", "Bird of Paradise", "Palimpsest: The story of a name", and "Dog Day Evening".

More than 150 guests attended the event, including filmmakers, actors, and cinema representatives from Hong Kong and Malaysia.

In tandem with the screenings, an immersive exhibition titled "Prisms Pulse: Hong Kong Cinema in Full Color" is being held at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, showcasing the visual aesthetics and dynamic energy of contemporary Hong Kong cinema. Admission is free.

Imported Shiga Toxin E. coli Case Detected; Public Urged to Practice Hygiene Standards

CHP investigates imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) announced an imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection and reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infections.

The case involves a 24-year-old male with good past health. He developed abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, blood and mucus in stool and headache since August 6. He attended a private hospital on August 9 and was admitted for treatment. His condition improved after treatment and was discharged on August 13. Throughout the hospitalisation period, his condition remained stable without any complications. His stool sample tested positive for STEC by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

According to information provided by the patient, he travelled to Malaysia between August 1 and 8, part of which fell within the incubation period. During the trip, he had consumed high-risk food and beverages, including drinking unboiled tap water, and consuming pre-cut fruits and street foods. The CHP classified the case as an imported case. One of his five travel collaterals also developed diarrhoea. The CHP advised the travel collateral to seek medical attention as soon as possible with arrangement to test stool sample to confirm if there is any infection. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

Over the past five years (2021 to 2025), the CHP has recorded one to six cases of STEC infection annually. The above case is the fourth case of STEC infection recorded in Hong Kong this year.

The incubation period of STEC infection generally ranges from three to four days. In general, STEC infections are mostly associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur. Waterborne transmissions have been reported, both from contaminated drinking water and from recreational waters. The public is advised to observe good personal and food hygiene.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'swebpagefor more information about STEC.

Hong Kong Film Gala Opens in Kuala Lumpur, Celebrating Cinematic Ties and Cultural Exchange

HK