Hong Kong’s pop culture holds significant influence among Asian cities, particularly in its widespread Cantopop music and movies from the 1980s and 1990s, which produced several internationally renowned superstars. The timeless impact of these masterpieces continues to permeate the pop culture of Hong Kong and the rest of Asia.
In April, the inaugural “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival” commenced, featuring more than 20 exciting events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences to relive the golden era of Hong Kong’s superstars, including Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, who reigned in the music and movie industries.
Several pop culture classics will receive reinterpretation with unconventional modern elements, incorporating new components such as jazz and a cappella into some unique melodies. By presenting fresh takes on Hong Kong classics, these events pay homage to the legendary trendsetters who have devotedly contributed to the local pop culture.
For visitors seeking to savor and reminisce about the old days, paying tribute to the legends, here are four recommended experiences to consider.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum has organized an exhibition to honor the 20th anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s (“Gor-gor”) passing this year. The “Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition” features his stage costumes, vinyl records, music and film work, awards, and personal collections, with Cheung’s close friends Florence Chan, William Chang, and Wing Shya as guest curators.
The exhibition showcases Cheung’s legendary accomplishments in music and film, as well as his impact on popular culture. Through this exhibition, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Cheung’s enduring legacy and celebrate his contributions to Hong Kong’s entertainment industry.
As a quintessential symbol of Hong Kong, trams hold a special place in the city’s unique scenery and memories, often appearing as a backdrop in Hong Kong movies. In the upcoming festival, “Movie Tram” tours will be offered, allowing participants to embark on a walking tour of film locations in the Central & Western District before hopping onto a tram.
During the tour, famous filmmakers such as Stanley Kwan and Kearen Pang will share behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations for cinematic creativity, revealing the hidden gems of the city’s moving pictures. Tickets for the tour can be registered online, providing an immersive experience for cinema enthusiasts to delve into the stories behind some of Hong Kong’s iconic films.
The Hong Kong Film Archive has organized an exhibition titled “Cinderella and Her Qipao” to showcase the qipao (cheongsam) as a fashion symbol of Chinese culture and a key styling element for female leads in many Hong Kong movies.
The exhibition features over 30 qipaos from a selection of films spanning different eras, providing a glimpse into the cultural landscapes of the past with pieces worn by iconic actresses such as Maggie Cheung and Brigitte Lin. Through this showcase, visitors can appreciate the intricate design and craftsmanship of the qipao and its significance in Hong Kong’s cinema history.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Hong Kong Film Arts Association will present a joint exhibition titled “Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes Exhibition”. The exhibition will showcase iconic costumes, props, sets, paraphernalia, and workshop scenes to take visitors behind the scenes and explore the nature of Hong Kong’s film culture.
Through this exhibition, visitors can also gain a deeper understanding of the highly adaptable professionalism and creative inclusiveness of film industry workers. In addition to the exhibition, more riveting activities will debut soon, making it an excellent addition to any itinerary for a distinctive pop culture journey in the footsteps of legendary Hong Kong superstars.
For more information on the “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival”, visitors can visit https://www.pcf.gov.hk/en/.
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