Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage will take centre stage this spring as the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) celebrates its 50th anniversary with a landmark exhibition at Hong Kong City Hall Exhibition Hall, running from 1 to 12 April 2026. Titled 50 and Beyond: The Hong Kong International Film Festival Golden Jubilee Exhibition, the showcase is open to the public with free admission.

The venue carries special significance, as City Hall hosted the inaugural HKIFF in 1977. Returning to this historic site underscores the festival’s journey from a pioneering local event to one of Asia’s longest-running and most respected international film festivals.

Back To Its Foundation

“This exhibition is both a return to our roots and a step forward,” said Albert Lee, Executive Director of The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS). “Since its beginnings at City Hall, HKIFF has grown into one of Hong Kong’s most important cultural highlights. We hope the exhibition acts as both a retrospective and a forward-looking vision as we enter our second fifty years.”

The Golden Jubilee Exhibition offers an immersive overview of HKIFF’s evolution and its enduring role in promoting cinematic artistry and cultural exchange. Visitors will encounter a curated selection of rare photographs capturing master filmmakers, celebrated directors and international film stars who have appeared at the festival over the past five decades.

These images are complemented by an array of archival materials, including documents, posters, publications and replicas of artefacts that chart the festival’s growth and transformation. Together, they revisit pivotal moments and iconic scenes that have defined HKIFF’s identity while reflecting broader changes in global cinema.

Film In Focus

A key highlight of the exhibition is a series of recorded interviews with filmmakers sharing personal reflections on their HKIFF experiences, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on the festival’s creative influence. Adding a distinctive artistic layer is a specially curated tribute compilation by renowned art director and editor William Chang, who leads audiences on a visual journey through timeless classics and festival milestones.

More than a celebration of the past, 50 and Beyond also looks to the future, reaffirming HKIFF’s commitment to nurturing new voices, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and maintaining Hong Kong’s position as a vital hub for international cinema.

The HKIFF50 festival will take place from 1 to 12 April 2026, alongside the exhibition. Additional programme highlights will be announced in the coming weeks, with the full festival lineup scheduled for release in early March.