Pre-opening Gala Film Screenings
Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre , 30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019
Hung-neung the Matchmaker | The Lost Kite | My Way | The Story of Muk Kwai-ying, Part One | The Red-Haired Steed
Hung-neung the Matchmaker
30 December 2018 (Sunday), 8:00pm
Director: Lung To
Production: Tao Yuen Motion Picture Development Company
Cast: Fong Yim-fun, Law Kim-long, Law Yim-hing, Poon Yat-on, Lau Hak-suen, Lam Kam-tong
Cantonese opera / 1958 / B&W / 105min / D Beta / Lyrics with Chinese subtitles
The Lost Kite
1 January 2019 (Tuesday), 2:30pm
Director: Xu Tao
Production: Shanghai Film Studio
Cast: Hung Sin-nui, Ma Si-tsang, Li Cui-fang, Li Fei-long, He Jian-qiu
Cantonese opera / 1957 / Colour / 125 min / DCP / Lyrics with Chinese subtitles
My Way
1 January 2019 (Tuesday), 8:00pm

Seven years in the making, this documentary feature follows Tam Wing-lun and Wong Hau-wai, two young Cantonese opera performers in Hong Kong. Having made the unusual choice to specialise in the male dan role (female lead), the two men receive little support from their families, the industry or society and are kept going by their friendship and passion for the artform. Watching them motivate each other on and off stage as they learn to interpret the female roles, we see the bond of their friendship strengthen alongside the development of their performance skills.
Director: Cheuk Cheung
Production: CNEX Foundation
Cast: Tam Wing-lun, Wong Hau-wai
Documentary / 2011 / Colour / 72 min / DVD / Chinese and English subtitles
The Story of Muk Kwai-ying, Part One
5 January 2019 (Saturday), 8:00pm

Muk Kwai-ying (Yu Lai-zhen) is both a bold woman warrior and the chief of Mok Oi Fortress. She’s also fearless in proclaiming her love for General Yeung Chung-bo (Yam Kim-fai), the man she desires and ensnares. This cross-over production blending Cantonese opera and fantasy is the perfect vehicle for Yu Lai-zhen, showcasing her unique “bound foot” acrobatics, hair swirling acts and sword fighting skills.
Director: Wong Hok-sing
Production: Lux Film Company
Cast: Yu Lai-zhen, Yam Kim-fai, Leung Sing-po, Poon Yat-on
Cantonese opera / 1959 / Colour / 96 min / D Beta / No subtitles
The Red-Haired Steed
6 January 2019 (Sunday), 8:00pm

In this compelling spin on the “rich girl, poor boy” trope, Wang, a wealthy young woman from an illustrious Tang dynasty family, falls in love with Xue, a pauper. Despite the objections of Wang’s father, the two marry. But soon after, Xue is drafted to fight in a battle and the newlyweds are parted. Fighting on a red-maned steed, Xue is captured by a rival tribe and forced to marry their princess. One of the most popular Hong Kong-produced Teochew operas from the mid-1960s, the film features excellent use of high angle shots, particularly in Wang and Xue’s parting scene, and top performances from the leading stars.
Director: Law Cho
Cast: Chen Chu-hui, Fang Qiaoyu, Mei Zhen, Cheung Ying-yin
Teochew opera / 1963 / B&W / 111 min / D Beta / Chinese subtitles
Screening courtesy of Mr Lee Gee-hing
Screening courtesy of the Hong Kong Film Archive, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the China Film Archive
Online registration for free tickets opens on 11 December 2018 at 10am. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Xiqu Centre Ticketing counter at 10am on the day of each performance.