Hong Kong’s cinema showcased through ‘Making Waves’ in Montreal

A piece of Hong Kong is being brought to Montreal through six movies.

The work of filmmakers are being showcased through the “Making Waves” program – now in its second edition.

“It’s a mix of six films. Together, they represent the landscape of Hong Kong cinema these days,” said Sophia Wong Boccio, executive producer of the festival and  founder and executive director of Asian Pop-Up Cinema.

Directors, and renowned Hong Kong movie stars are also in town, showcasing their films.

Running until Oct. 26, movies will be presented at Cinéma Cineplex Forum et VIP in downtown Montreal.

“The films we have chosen really show you different aspects of contemporary Hong Kong, besides the traditional values you will see in how the story is being told. A lot of them cover everyday ordinary life, ordinary people, their predicaments, and stories. Some of them are called action-type stories that try to provoke people or promote the system to understand the issues they have. They also have a sense that we have a mix of everything,” said Boccio.

The action-comedy ‘Rob N Roll’ kicked off the festival on Thursday’s opening night reception and movie screening.

Award-winning Hong Kong actor and film producer, Gordan Lam was in attendance for the big night, serving as the guest of honour.

“It’s a great honour for me because this is my first time in Montreal and I brought my movie to the Montreal audience,” said Lam.

“Usually, we will see Chinese movies in Toronto and Vancouver, but not in Montreal. We can bring a new generation of directors and actors to know about Hong Kong movies, so that’s more meaningful,” he adds.

“It’s important to connect the Chinese and non Chinese community in Montreal, that’s very very important and meaningful.”

Actor Tai Bo was also in attendance and is featured in multiple films in this year’s festival.

“Even though Hong Kong movies are about Hong Kong people and Hong Kong stories, there are so many common things for all people. I really hope the audience can feel the same thing—the same love, the same relationship—from his movies,” said Bo.

“The people of Montreal are very warm and that’s makes me feel good.”

Other guests included actresses Yoyo Tse and Kuku So.

“I am very honoured to be here because it’s my first time in Canada,” said So.

So is featured in the movie “For Alice” being shown on October 26.

“This movie is about a relationship between a father and daughter so I hope the audience can get that love expressed by the film,” said So.

Yoyo Tse is in town for the film Fly me to moon.

“It’s very wonderful and magical, I didn’t expect to come to Canada and share this movie with the audience,” she said.

“I really hope the audience will enjoy the movie and I am looking forward to meeting the audience,” she adds.

Admission to the movie screenings are free, but you must RSVP ahead of time in order to attend. This can be done through the Asian Pop-Cinema website.

“Every year we add something to it, make it grow, and make it bigger. So I feel very happy about this development,” said Boccio.