Together with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) has collaborated with the San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival for the first time, bringing four Hong Kong films to the Festival's 37th edition, currently taking place from October 30 to November 6 (San Sebastián time) in San Sebastián, Spain.
The Hong Kong programme features two new releases, "Back to the Past" and "Ultimate Revenge", alongside two classic Hong Kong films, "The Black Magic with Buddha" and "Hard Boiled". The selection reflects the diversity of Hong Kong genre cinema, from supernatural storytelling to the dynamic action filmmaking for which Hong Kong is renowned, offering European audiences a glimpse into the city's film traditions and contemporary productions.
Speaking at the Hong Kong Reception at the Festival on November 1 (San Sebastián time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, highlighted Hong Kong's cinematic tradition and modern creativity. She noted the HKSAR Government's commitment to supporting the film industry through various initiatives such as the Film Development Fund, and welcomed European film industry professionals to visit Hong Kong for the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market in March every year to explore new opportunities for international collaboration.
Building on the four Hong Kong films featured in the programme, the Brussels ETO also joined hands with the Festival to organise a round-table discussion on the same day, bringing together film experts and industry professionals to explore the legacy and development of Hong Kong cinema over the decades.
Since its beginning in 1990, the San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival has become a major film and cultural event in the city, welcoming more than 20 000 participants every year. A total of 32 feature films, 33 shorts and six TV episodes will be screened this year.
