2 Filmmakers Showcase Hong Kong Cinema at HIFF

Josie Ho screened her supernatural thriller “The Mage” at Consolidated Theaters in Kahala at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. The screening was part of the Hawaii International Film Festival’s “Spotlight on Hong Kong” program, which also featured actress and singer Stephy Tang.

Tang serves as this year’s “Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile.” She promoted her feature films “My Prince Edward” and “Spare Queens” during the festival. Ho, who was the festival’s honoree in 2022, joined the event after missing her original invitation due to a family emergency in Melbourne. Both artists stated they aim to introduce wider audiences to the region's movie industry.

Ho described her production company, 852 Films, as a small operation dedicated to reviving elements from 1980s Hong Kong cinema. “I make films in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the world, but Hong Kong is my home. It’s where I was born,” Ho said. She added that the new film conveys a message of unconditional love and immeasurable karma.

Tang emphasized the universal nature of emotion in local storytelling. “Stories can begin in Hong Kong. I think the emotions can be universal,” Tang said. She noted that while the films are local, the feelings resonate across different cultures and languages. “I want to bring more and more Hong Kong films to all of you around the world, and I hope you can connect with us.”

The program includes additional participants such as actor and producer Convoy Chan, who is married to Ho, and Iman Taheri, a doctor-turned-actor. D.C. Cheung, director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, confirmed the organization’s role as a long-term partner in promoting Hong Kong movie culture across the United States. “We are honored to work with HIFF again as a long-term partner to present the ‘Spotlight on Hong Kong’ film program,” Cheung said.

The festival’s awards reception is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Halekulani Resort. Screenings on Oahu continue through Nov. 5. The festival will then move to the neighbor islands, with additional screenings running through Nov. 15.

For more information, visit hiff.org.