Welcome to the 36th Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (HKLGFF)! It is incredible to reflect on the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights over the past 36 years, achieving significant milestones in our quest for equality and inclusivity. However, the resurgence of homophobia and transphobia globally serves as a reminder that these rights remain vulnerable.
This year, HKLGFF has been revitalised by an enthusiastic team of new programmers and dedicated staff who have worked diligently to deliver an exceptional lineup of films, engaging post-screening Q&As, and insightful panel discussions.
We are excited to kick off the festival with the poignant film Jimpa, featuring Chinese subtitles and starring Oscar winner Olivia Colman. Our closing films, Flat Girls and Four Mothers are equally compelling. Throughout the festival, we will present a marvellous selection of feature films from Asia and around the world, including six engaging short film programs. We are particularly proud to highlight our Centerpiece, Cactus Pears, an award-winning film by director Rohan Kanawade. His previous work, U for Usha. was the inaugural winner of the HKLGFF Short Film Jury Award and will be screened as part of the Lesbian short program, the Circle of Life.
Additionally, we will announce the recipients of the Prism Award, Short Film Jury Award, and the Short Screenplay Competition.
As we celebrate this year’s festival, we bid farewell to former Festival Director Joe Lam and his team, thanking them for their hard work over the years. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
As an NPO, we are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their ongoing support. It is heartening to see so many companies and consulates championing diversity, along with new sponsors joining us this year.
We are thrilled to present this festival and truly value your participation. There is nothing quite like the experience of enjoying a film on the big screen, so join us at the cinema as we celebrate HKLGFF 36!
Ray Yeung
Executive Director
