Hong Kong Golden Age Film Season Showcases 16 Iconic Films in London

Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported Plus One Films in presenting the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season at the Garden Cinema in London from July 9 to August 27(London time).

The Film Season presented 16 iconic Hong Kong films across 29 screenings, showcasing works by some of Hong Kong's most celebrated filmmakers and the rich diversity of stories and filmmaking styles that emerged during that remarkable era when Hong Kong established itself as one of the world's most prolific, dynamic and influential centres of film production. A themed panel discussion was arranged during the season, and selected screenings were complemented by expert introductions and Q&As, offering audiences an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of Hong Kong cinema and its creative legacy.

A highlight of the season was the Masterclass: In Conversation with Stanley Kwan, held on August 26 (London time) at King's College London. Director Kwan, the season's guest of honour, joined Professor Victor Fan of King's College London for a lively and insightful conversation, engaging with film critics, students and members of the audience. He shared his filmmaking journey, creative insights, and reflections on the evolution of the Hong Kong film industry. The season also featured a selection of Director Kwan's acclaimed works, including Center Stage, Full Moon in New York and Red Rose White Rose.

The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, addressed the audience at the masterclass. She highlighted the enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema and the important role of film in fostering cultural connections between Hong Kong and audiences around the world.

"Hong Kong films are rooted in the city and its experiences, but the emotions and questions they explore can resonate across cultures and generations. It is particularly encouraging to see these films being discovered, and rediscovered, by audiences in London," Miss Chau said.

She added that the London ETO was keen to foster cultural connections through film. "Film has a wonderful ability to bring people closer to a place and its culture, allowing audiences to experience another city and another culture through its characters and stories. And when we have a filmmaker here with us, as we do tonight, that exchange becomes even more meaningful and enriching."

Plus One Films is dedicated to promoting the work of Chinese filmmakers in the United Kingdom through regular screenings and cultural programme including the Chinese Cinema Project and curated film seasons. The Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 film season ran from July 9to August 27, 2026 (London time). It featured 29 screenings of 16 films, as well as a panel discussion and a masterclass, offering London audiences an opportunity to discover and experience the creativity, diversity and enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season presented at The Garden Cinema from July 9 to August 27 (London time) in London. Photo shows the Director-General of London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau (right), and Director Stanley Kwan (left) after the masterclass. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London supported the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season presented at The Garden Cinema from July 9 to August 27 (London time) in London. Photo shows Director Stanley Kwan (left) engaging in a lively exchange with film critics, students and members of the audience at the masterclass. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season presented at The Garden Cinema from July 9 to August 27 (London time) in London. Photo shows the Director-General of London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, addressing the audience at the special masterclass titled "Masterclass: In Conversation with Stanley Kwan". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products

An incoming male passenger was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (August 27) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as importing an alternative smoking product, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

Customs officers intercepted a 20-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (August 26) and seized 75 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 7 600 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $364,100 and a duty potential of about $247,900 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

An incoming air passenger was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (August 27) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance and the Import and Export Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes and alternative smoking products seized in the case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases