Hong Kong cinema takes centre stage in the City of Light this weekend with Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema, a festival organised by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society in collaboration with the Alliance Cinéaste Chine-Europe.
From October 3 to 5, 2025, the prestigious Club de l’Étoile will host six French premieres, with filmmakers and actors travelling from Hong Kong for the occasion.
A Rich and Diverse Lineup
The festival opens on Friday, October 3 with Four Trails (2025), a gripping documentary by Robin Lee that explores the birth of one of the world’s most demanding ultra-marathons. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the award-winning director.
On Saturday, October 4, two powerful dramas take the spotlight:
- Papa (2024), directed by Philip Yung, based on a horrific real family tragedy, featuring a breakthrough performance by Dylan So, who won Best New Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards at just 16.
- Cesium Fallout (2025), Anthony Pun’s large-scale drama about firefighters facing catastrophe, presented alongside actor Leung Chung-Hang, acclaimed for his role in Zero to Hero.
Sunday, October 5 promises an emotional finale with three screenings. My First of May (2025) by James Hung tells a touching story of resilience in the face of illness. Last Song of You (2024), the debut feature of Jill Leung, blends romance, music, and fantasy, with the director present for a Q&A.
To close the festival, a newly restored 4K version of Tsui Hark’s beloved classic Shanghai Blues (1984) will light up the screen, reminding audiences why the filmmaker is considered one of Hong Kong’s most influential directors.
Building Bridges Through Cinema
Beyond its screenings, the festival aims to create dialogue between Hong Kong cinema and European audiences. Post-screening Q&As will offer rare opportunities to hear directly from directors and actors about their creative journeys and the evolving landscape of Hong Kong filmmaking.
Practical Information
- Dates: October 3–5, 2025
- Venue: Club de l’Étoile, 14 rue Troyon, 75017 Paris
- Tickets: €5 per screening
In celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, each attendee will also receive a traditional mooncake!
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.