The 39th Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), which ran from November 6 to 24, 2019, presented a special Spotlight on Hong Kong. Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco (HKETO SF) was the presenting sponsor.
Director John Woo, an iconic figure in Hong Kong cinema and a master of action movies, was presented with the Halekulani Lifetime Achievement Award on November 15. This award was given to an artist in recognition of their longstanding dedication to their craft across a broad body of work.
On November 13, HKETO SF hosted a Hong Kong Reception in Honolulu, in honor of director Woo. A special 30th anniversary screening of Woo’s “The Killer” was held in the Spotlight on Hong Kong series at the Festival.
At the reception, the Director of HKETO SF, Mr Ivanhoe Chang, congratulated Woo on his achievements and thanked the Festival for its appreciation of Hong Kong cinema.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Hawaii International Film Festival, which has been very supportive of Hong Kong cinema. I was here last year when the Festival honored director Wong Kar-wai. This year, in addition to presenting the honor to director John Woo, it has curated a very special Spotlight on Hong Kong.
“Three important Hong Kong movies are featured in this year’s Spotlight. In addition to “The Killer”, there are two new films that have gained success, whether at major film festivals or at the box office,” Mr Chang said.
Veteran filmmaker Yonfan’s “No. 7 Cherry Lane” and Herman Yau’s “The White Storm 2 – Drug Lords” were in the lineup. The former won the Award for Best Screenplay at its premier at the Venice Film Festival, while the latter was selected as the Hong Kong entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2020 Oscars.
The HIFF said it was proud to partner with HKETO SF to look to the past, present and future of Hong Kong cinema, which included honoring the godfather of Hong Kong action cinema, director John Woo, and hosted a screening of “The Killer” on November 16 with Woo in attendance.
The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco, Mr. Ivanhoe Chang (right), Hong Kong film director John Woo (center) and Executive Director of Hawaii International Film Festival, Ms. Beckie Stocchetti (left) attend the 39th Hawaii International Film Festival’s Hong Kong Reception on November 13.
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 Hong Kong film director John Woo (center) speaks at the 39th Hawaii International Film Festival’s Hong Kong Reception on November 13.
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