Specially curated by film veteran Law Kar and contemporary visual artist Chow Chun-fai, the bamboo theatre stage will be transformed into an outdoor cinema, offering a unique experience through five rarely seen Hong Kong cinematic masterpieces relate to Cantonese opera.
Princess Chang Ping* (1976)2pm
Director: John WooMain cast: Lung Kim–sung & Mui Suet-see
The original Princess Chang Ping became an instant classic in the fifties with a cast headed by the legendary opera stars, Yum Kim-fai & Pak Suet-sin. Commissioned by Golden Harvest in the mid-seventies, this adaptation sees the then relatively unknown John Woo working together with the disciples of Yum & Pak: Lung Kim-sung & Mui Suet-see in bringing this epic love story back to the screen. While Woo's personal approach brings a new cinematic sensation, the essences of the opera are clearly evident throughout. This version of Princess Chang Ping is a master class in revitalising and reimaging the classic opera genre in filmic terms.
Director: John WooMain cast: Lung Kim–sung & Mui Suet-see
The original Princess Chang Ping became an instant classic in the fifties with a cast headed by the legendary opera stars, Yum Kim-fai & Pak Suet-sin. Commissioned by Golden Harvest in the mid-seventies, this adaptation sees the then relatively unknown John Woo working together with the disciples of Yum & Pak: Lung Kim-sung & Mui Suet-see in bringing this epic love story back to the screen. While Woo's personal approach brings a new cinematic sensation, the essences of the opera are clearly evident throughout. This version of Princess Chang Ping is a master class in revitalising and reimaging the classic opera genre in filmic terms.
Let it Be (2004)4pm
Director: Rex Ng
In praise of the artistic contribution of Yum Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin, Ng intercuts and waves between the fate of Yum and Pask's fictional characters and the fate of HK in 2003 after SARS. With the soundtrack of Beatles' Let It Be as a backdrop, this 25-minute experimental short film succeeds in conveying the triumphant spirit of a city that has gone through hardships. It demonstrates a specific viewpoint of a young artist exploring the tradition of Cantonese opera as well as the history of Hong Kong.
Director: Rex Ng
In praise of the artistic contribution of Yum Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin, Ng intercuts and waves between the fate of Yum and Pask's fictional characters and the fate of HK in 2003 after SARS. With the soundtrack of Beatles' Let It Be as a backdrop, this 25-minute experimental short film succeeds in conveying the triumphant spirit of a city that has gone through hardships. It demonstrates a specific viewpoint of a young artist exploring the tradition of Cantonese opera as well as the history of Hong Kong.
Spooky Bunch* (1980)4:45pm
Director: Ann HuiMain cast: Siu Fong-fong, Kenny Bee
Centring on a travelling Cantonese Opera troupe and their outing in Cheung Chau Island, Spooky Bunch is a rarely seen gem from Ann Hui that gives the classic Hong Kong ghost genre a comedic twist. Starring the beloved Siu Fong-fong, this film is a fun and real-life anecdotes filled journey. It illustrates the passing of traditions between generations whilst paying homage to those old-time travelling players.
Director: Ann HuiMain cast: Siu Fong-fong, Kenny Bee
Centring on a travelling Cantonese Opera troupe and their outing in Cheung Chau Island, Spooky Bunch is a rarely seen gem from Ann Hui that gives the classic Hong Kong ghost genre a comedic twist. Starring the beloved Siu Fong-fong, this film is a fun and real-life anecdotes filled journey. It illustrates the passing of traditions between generations whilst paying homage to those old-time travelling players.
The Sorrowful Lute (1957)6:45pm
Director: Tso KeaMain cast: Fong Yim –fun & Ng Chor-fan
Starring the Queen of Cantonese opera Fong Yim –fun – a top leading lady in both opera & film in the fifties and sixties – and Ng Chor-fan, The Sorrowful Lute tells the story of the rise of a young actress and the arrival of a triad boss in her life. The film's detailed recreation of old-time opera theatres in Guangzhou and Hong Kong during the golden age of Cantonese opera in the thirties and forties is not to miss.
Director: Tso KeaMain cast: Fong Yim –fun & Ng Chor-fan
Starring the Queen of Cantonese opera Fong Yim –fun – a top leading lady in both opera & film in the fifties and sixties – and Ng Chor-fan, The Sorrowful Lute tells the story of the rise of a young actress and the arrival of a triad boss in her life. The film's detailed recreation of old-time opera theatres in Guangzhou and Hong Kong during the golden age of Cantonese opera in the thirties and forties is not to miss.
The Dutiful Daughter Zhu Zhu (1966)8:45pm
Director: Chan WanMain cast: Chan Po-chu, Lam Kar-sing & Liang Tsi-pak
A melodrama showcasing Chan Po-chu as a teenage show girl who struggles to achieve her dream in becoming a Cantonese opera actress. This film also features the well-known actor Lam Kar-sing and timeless training scenes by the old master Liang Tsi-pak. With several opera performances by Chan and Lam, The Dutiful Daughter Zhu Zhu will surely delight Cantonese opera fans of all ages.
Director: Chan WanMain cast: Chan Po-chu, Lam Kar-sing & Liang Tsi-pak
A melodrama showcasing Chan Po-chu as a teenage show girl who struggles to achieve her dream in becoming a Cantonese opera actress. This film also features the well-known actor Lam Kar-sing and timeless training scenes by the old master Liang Tsi-pak. With several opera performances by Chan and Lam, The Dutiful Daughter Zhu Zhu will surely delight Cantonese opera fans of all ages.