A visitor photographs record covers at an exhibition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death of Canto-pop singer Leslie Cheung in Hong Kong. Photo: AP
Hong Kong has one of the most influential pop cultures among Asian cities, especially its pervasive Cantopop and movies from the 1980s to the 1990s, which gave birth to a lot of superstars who were well-known internationally. The timeless influence of those masterpieces can still be found in the pop culture of Hong Kong and even the rest of Asia.
The first-ever “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival” kicked off last month, with over 20 exciting events scheduled throughout the year. An array of experiences await visitors to relive the golden age of Hong Kong superstars, including Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, who reigned in the music and movie industries.
Some pop culture classics will be reinterpreted with unconventional modern elements, including makeovers of some one-of-a-kind melodies with new components, like jazz and a cappella. With fresh presentations of Hong Kong classics, these events pay tribute to the legendary trendsetters who have assiduously contributed to the local pop culture.
Here are five recommended experiences for visitors to savour and reminisce about the old days, paying tribute to the legends.
MISS YOU MUCH LESLIE EXHIBITION
(Hong Kong Heritage Museum, ends Oct 9, 2023)
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of Leslie Cheung (“gor-gor”) this year, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has organised an exhibition, with Cheung’s close friends Florence Chan, William Chang and Wing Shya as guest curators.
Featuring his stage costumes, vinyl records, music and film work, awards and personal collections, the exhibition presents Cheung’s legendary achievements in music and film, as well as his influence on popular culture.
The festival will present ‘Movie Tram’ tours, featuring walking tours around film locations in Hong Kong before hopping onto a tram, where famous filmmakers will share behind-the-scenes stories. Photo: Handout
MOVIE TRAM – TALES TOLD BY CINEMATIC STORYTELLERS
(Causeway Bay Tram Terminus, check available dates in May)
A quintessential Hong Kong symbol on the move, the tram is a vessel of the city’s unique scenery and memories, making it an ideal backdrop for a lot of Hong Kong movies.
The festival will present “Movie Tram” tours, in which the participants will take a walking tour around film locations in Central and Western District before hopping onto a tram, where famous filmmakers, including Stanley Kwan and Kearen Pang, will share behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations for cinematic creativity, uncovering the gems of the city’s moving pictures.
Tickets are finishing fast. Be quick.
Maggie Cheung wearing a cheongsam, also known as qipao, in the film 'In The Mood For Love'. Photo: Handout
IN THE MOOD FOR QIPAO – CINDERELLA AND HER QIPAO EXHIBITION
(Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Film Archive, Nov 2023 to April 2024)
Here is an exhibition featuring one of the grand highlights from the flourishing era of Hong Kong cinema. The qipao (cheongsam) is a fashion symbol of Chinese culture, as well as a key styling element for female leads in a lot of Hong Kong movies.
This exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Film Archive, with over 30 qipaos from a selection of films spanning different eras will be on display, recreating the cultural landscapes of the past with pieces worn by iconic actresses such as Maggie Cheung and Brigitte Lin.
OUT OF THIN AIR: HONG KONG FILM ARTS AND COSTUMES EXHIBITION
(Hong Kong Heritage Museum, May 6 to Sept 2, 2023)
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Hong Kong Film Arts Association will jointly present this exhibition. Through the display of iconic costumes, props, sets, paraphernalia and workshop scenes, the exhibition will take visitors behind the scenes to explore the nature of Hong Kong’s film culture, as well as the highly adaptable professionalism and creative inclusiveness of film industry workers.
More riveting activities will debut soon. Make these experiences part of your itinerary and embark on a distinctive pop culture journey in the footsteps of legendary Hong Kong superstars.
Old Master Q is a Hong Kong manhua (Chinese-language comic strip) male character created by the late Alfonso Wong. Photo: Handout
FROM PANEL TO BIG SCREEN – PANORAMA OF HONG KONG'S COMICS-INSPIRED FILMS
(Hong Kong Film Archive, May 6 to Sept 2, 2023)
Hong Kong films have always been adept at drawing inspiration from different mediums in pop culture. This is especially notable in comics, with a large cultural base including people from all walks of life.
As an important source of creativity for films, comics and their iconic characters have leapt effortlessly from the panel to big screen. This programme, paying tribute to the special art form, features a series of films adapted from comics during different eras. Post-screening talks and workshops are also held for the audience to gain a better appreciation of these comic-inspired films.
More info here.
