The festival kicks off on November 8 at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central with the screening of 'Good Game', directed by Dickson Leung.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP) is set to return to Dubai for its fifth edition, presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) in collaboration with Cinema Akil. Running from November 8 to 12, 2025, the festival will showcase seven films spanning dramas, thrillers, documentaries and reimagined classics that capture the artistic depth and diversity of Hong Kong cinema.
Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (HKETO), this year’s edition continues to strengthen cultural ties between Hong Kong and the UAE through film, dialogue and creative exchange.
The festival will open on November 8 at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central with an evening of networking, a kickoff ceremony, and the world premiere of Good Game (2025), directed by Dickson Leung. The film tells a story of friendship and rivalry in the competitive world of e-sports. Following the screening, audiences will engage in a Q&A session with actor and singer Anson Chan, who delivers an intense performance in the film. The opening night will conclude with a screening of John Woo’s 1991 classic Once a Thief, a romantic action film regarded as one of Hong Kong’s most enduring cinematic treasures.
From November 9 to 12, screenings will continue at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue, featuring a lineup of films exploring themes of family, identity, perseverance and rediscovery—each offering a unique perspective on the human experience while reflecting the emotional depth and visual flair synonymous with Hong Kong cinema.
The programme begins with Fight for Tomorrow (2025) by Chan Tai Lee, an action drama that revives the spirit of Hong Kong’s traditional fight films. It follows a father and son who rebuild their bond through boxing, learning perseverance and connection as they navigate life’s challenges inside and outside the ring. The tone darkens with Behind the Shadows (2025), a crime thriller directed by Chou Man-Yu and Jonathan Li. The film centres on a private detective investigating his own wife, leading him into a labyrinth of secrets and deceit. Starring acclaimed actor Louis Koo, the film adds depth to the festival’s slate of gripping storytelling.
Documentary Four Trails (2024) by Robin Lee shifts focus from inner conflict to physical endurance, chronicling Hong Kong’s trail-running community. Set against the city’s natural landscapes, the film captures the grit and spirit of athletes who challenge themselves through ultramarathons, revealing a lesser-seen side of Hong Kong’s beauty beyond its urban skyline.
The festival concludes with Reborn (2025) by Danny Pang, a moving supernatural drama about grief, loss, and renewal. The film follows a couple drawn into a haunting journey between memory and rebirth, blending emotional storytelling with psychological suspense.
Audiences will also have the chance to participate in exclusive post-screening Q&As with directors Chan Tai Lee (Fight for Tomorrow) and Chou Man-Yu (Behind the Shadows), offering firsthand insight into their creative processes and storytelling visions.
Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil, said: “Reaching Volume 5 is a milestone that speaks to the lasting resonance of this collaboration. The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has grown into one of our most cherished annual programs, bridging communities through the magic of cinema. Each edition brings new stories, fresh perspectives, and the same unmistakable passion for film that continues to inspire audiences across the region.”
