You can’t just beat the classics so celebrate them with Márta Mészáros and more

Continuing its tradition of honouring accomplished female directors, the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society will celebrate the ground-breaking works of Márta Mészáros with a retrospective of ten films in the upcoming January/February/March edition of the Cine Fan programme.

More Directors, More Fun

In addition to Mészáros’ unwavering pursuit of excellence is a selection of 16 films that juxtapose the original works of master filmmakers with their certified copies in paired screenings. This unique presentation invites comparisons between directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Ozu Yasujiro, and Leo McCarey.

The retrospective titled Márta Mészáros: Embracing the Independent Spirit celebrates the pioneering Hungarian director’s six-decade career, consistently placing women at the forefront. Mészáros broke barriers in the film industry, legitimising women’s gender and artistic emancipation.

The Start

Her directorial debut, The Girl, made her the first woman to direct a feature film in Hungary. Additionally, the retrospective references films such as The Red and the White and Red Psalm, two epic historical dramas directed by Mészáros’ ex-husband, the legendary filmmaker Miklós Jancsó, whose achievements are equally remarkable.

The inclusion of auto-remakes by master filmmakers highlights their pursuit of perfectionism rather than a lack of creative ideas. The 16 classics featured in Two of a Kind: Auto-Remakes by Master Filmmakers demonstrate how these artists reinvented their works, reflecting technological advancements, changes in censorship and more.

Then And Now

From Ozu’s silent and black-and-white film, I Was Born, But…, to the sound and colour of Good Morning, the evolution of Tokyo is captured from pre-war depression to post-war economic recovery. French director Abel Gance’s two versions of I Accuse express his resolute anti-war stance between the two world wars.

In the case of Hitchcock’s kidnapping thriller, The Man Who Knew Too Much, the British-made original is regarded as a raw gem, while its Hollywood remake is considered a polished jewel. Raoul Walsh transformed his gangster picture High Sierra into the noirish Western Colorado Territory, showcasing his versatility.

To find out about all this and more, visit the Official HK CIne Fan Website.