Hong Kong Film Archive

Costume design is a vital part of movies, reflecting the time and space of settings, and even the emotions or personalities of the characters wearing them. Qipao is one of the most ubiquitous traditional Chinese clothing styles, with a silhouette that translates beautifully onscreen. Better known as cheongsam to Cantonese speakers, qipao were featured prominently in movies from the 1950s to 60s and are still often seen in period films. In 2021, the technique of making Hong Kong cheongsam was even inscribed onto our list of intangible cultural heritage. This exhibition at the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) showcases 31 qipao costumes worn by iconic actors from the 50s to the 90s, including Li Lihua in Red Rose (1952), Luo Lan in Modern Red Chamber Dream (1952), Linda Lin Dai in The Blue and the Black (1966), Brigitte Lin in Red Dust (1990), and Maggie Cheung in Center Stage (1992). Film clips and stills will accompany the costumes, and the HKFA will also be screening five movies between January 14 to May 5, 2024, so audiences can better admire the qipao in a wider historical and artistic context. Admission is free – check out their website for schedules on screenings and accompanying seminars.

As part of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024, which organises year-round events highlighting Hong Kong culture, the Hong Kong Film Archive has hand-picked over 20 martial art films from the 1970s to the present day – movies which not only ruled the local box office but have also dazzled audiences worldwide and cultivated generations of international kung fu film lovers and inspired multiple Hollywood movies. These works span the genres of wuxia, kung fu, modern action, and action fantasy, showcasing how Chinese culture and traditions have been blended with elements of popular culture.  The programme opens with Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983) restored in 4K and closes with Wong Kar-wai’s The Grandmaster (2013), both of which will be screened specially at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre. Grouped under six themes, the film lineup includes The Butterfly Murders (1979), The Way of the Dragon (1972), Police Story (1985), and Once Upon a Time in China (1991), many of which have been digitally restored. This is a great chance for martial arts film aficionados to see the evolution of action choreography, visual effects, and the making of on-screen heroes in Hong Kong cinema. Tickets are on sale for $45, and all screenings aside from the opening and closing films will be shown on weekends at the Hong Kong Film Archive.