WITH INFERNAL AFFAIRS MARATHON

20 July 2022 (Hong Kong) – The 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF46) will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of Andrew LAU and Alan MAK’s Infernal Affairs with a marathon screening of the complete epic crime trilogy, now restored in 4K.

An image from the first Infernal Affairs film

This special screening of The Infernal Affairs Trilogy, details to be announced on 27 July with the unveiling of HKIFF46’s complete programme, will highlight a six-film Chinese-language Restored Classics section which also includes Ann HUI’s Boat People (1982), Lou YE’s Suzhou River (2000), and HOU Hsiao-Hsien’s Millennium Mambo (2001).

Remade as the Oscar-winning The Departed by Martin SCORSESE in 2006, Infernal Affairs (2002) is a testament to the indelible creative power of Hong Kong cinema and, arguably, the definitive film of the post-1997 era.  Together with its prequel Infernal Affairs II (2003) and the finale Infernal Affairs III (2003), this stunning trilogy about an undercover cop battling a triad mole features a stellar ensemble cast led by Andy LAU and Tony LEUNG Chiu-wai.

Equally impressive are the performances of the female leads in the other films selected for the section.  Making her screen debut, Season MA was outstanding in Boat People, Ann HUI’s profoundly humanistic approach to the tragedy of Vietnam people fleeing their homeland in search of freedom.  ZHOU Xun’s breakthrough performance was the focal point of Suzhou River, LOU Ye’s Rotterdam Tiger Award winner that gives a vivid portrait of an uprooted generation through an elusive story of tragic romance, resonating against the sombre backdrop of Shanghai.

A still from HOU Hsiao-Hsien’s Millennium Mambo

Rounding off the programme is HOU Hsiao-Hsien’s Taipei allegory, Millennium Mambo, which captures the mercurial spirit of the new generation on the eve of the new millennium under lustrous lensing and alluring tableaux, featuring a captivating performance by the formidable SHU Qi.            

Taking place from 15 to 31 August for 17 days, HKIFF46 will again adopt a hybrid format, featuring screenings and audience-engagement events in theatres and online.       

Six Chinese-language Restored Classics:

1982       Boat People by Ann HUI

2000       Suzhou River by Lou YE

2001       Millennium Mambo by HOU Hsiao-Hsien

2002       Infernal Affairs by Andrew LAU and Alan MAK

2003       Infernal Affairs II by Andrew LAU and Alan MAK

2003       Infernal Affairs III by Andrew LAU and Alan MAK


About The Hong Kong International Film Festival

The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of Hong Kong’s most significant cultural events annually.  It is Asia’s longest-running platform for filmmakers, film professionals, and filmgoers worldwide to launch new work and experience outstanding films. 

HKIFF introduces world cinema to local audiences to enrich and deepen the understanding of Hong Kong moviegoers.  Committed to discovering new talent, HKIFF premieres the breadth of Chinese cinema and showcases Asian talent.  Festival-goers can enjoy world-class films, attend seminars hosted by leading filmmakers from around the world, visit film exhibitions, participate in receptions and parties, and more.

HKIFF draws extensive coverage from the local and international media and has grown in importance as one of the premier platforms for launching films in Asia.

About The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to discovering and promoting creativity in film art and culture. 

It organises the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).  Another highlight is the Cine Fan Summer International Film Festival (SummerIFF), held every August. 

In 2013, HKIFF introduced the repertory HKIFF Cine Fan Programme to enrich and deepen Hong Kong moviegoers’ experience through a monthly programme of contemporary, retrospective, and thematic showcases.  In 2021, HKIFFS restructured its film industry services and set up HKIFF Industry to promote and support non-mainstream film industry development through co-production, festival strategies, and overseas distribution (HKIFF Collection).

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