Written by HK Cheapo
The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of the biggest and most respected film festivals in Asia, and a popular event in Hong Kong’s cultural calendar.
What happens?
Born out of a desire to promote Hong Kong and Asian films to the international community, the annual event is Hong Kong’s longest running film festival.
Every year the HKIFF secures an impressive lineup of new and noteworthy films, many of which have won acclaim both in their homeland and abroad.
Schedule 2025
The 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is scheduled from April 10 to 21.
The festival will open with the world premieres of “The Brightest Sun” by Japan’s Tetsuya Nakashima and “Pavane for an Infant” by Malaysia’s Chong Keat Aun. The closing film is “Dreams (Sex Love)” by Norway’s Dag Johan Haugerud, which recently won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale.
This year’s Filmmaker in Focus is Hong Kong actor and producer Louis Koo, with a retrospective of ten of his films. The festival will showcase nearly 200 films from 69 countries and regions, including six world premieres, two international premieres, and 52 Asian premieres, with over 300 screenings planned.
Esteemed filmmakers such as Leos Carax, Albert Serra, Juho Kuosmanen, and Ando Sakura will attend the festival to present their works and engage with audiences.
Tickets 2025
Tickets prices vary depending on the film.
For those on a Cheapo budget, snap up some weekday matinee tickets for the low price of HK$55.00.
Full-time students and seniors pay HK$20.00 and there are also discounted ticket packages available depending on how many tickets you buy. Sold-out screenings do have a limited number of stand-by tickets on sale 30 minutes prior to the film time.
Tickets are sold online and on the door, however, some venues like M+ Cinema only have online tickets available and others may limit the time you can purchase in-person.
Venues 2025
The films are shown at venues across Hong Kong, including Emperor Cinemas in both Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, PREMIERE Elements in Kowloon, and Hong Kong Arts Centre Louis Koo Cinema in Wan Chai.