Cinema Akil will celebrate Hong Kong’s cinematic artistry.
The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and Cinema Akil will present the fifth edition of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP). The event takes place in Dubai from 8 to 12 November, at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue and 25hours Hotel Dubai. Cinema Akil is the region’s only independent arthouse cinema.
The film festival will platform seven films ranging from emotional dramas and thrillers, to educational documentaries and reinvented classics. The selection represents the artistic depth of Hong Kong film industry. This year’s edition will continue its goal to build artistic connections between Hong Kong and the UAE through film.
After the ceremony, the festival will open with the film Good Game (2025) by Dickson Leung. This is a tale about friendship and rivalry in the high-stakes world of e-sports. John Woo’s 1991 romantic and action classic Once a Thief will be screened.
Chan Tai Lee’s Fight for Tomorrow (2025) is as an action film that keeps up the tradition of Hong Kong’s fight movies. The plot follows a father and son whose relationship flourishes through the art of boxing. The film covers themes of perseverance and connection through the challenges faced within and out of the ring.
Behind the Shadows (2025) by Chou Man-Yu and Jonathan Li is a crime story. The film follows a private detective investigating his wife. Four Trails (2024) by Robin Lee explores the endurance and emotions of Hong Kong’s trail runners. The film highlights the physical challenge and landscapes that narrate these ultramarathons. Closing the festival is Reborn (2025) by Danny Pang. The story is an exploration of healing through grief, fusing the power of the supernatural.
Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil said: “Reaching Volume 5 is a milestone that speaks to the lasting resonance of this collaboration. The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has grown into one of our most cherished annual programs, bridging communities through the magic of cinema. Each edition brings new stories, fresh perspectives, and the same unmistakable passion for film that continues to inspire audiences across the region.”
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GO: Visit www.cinemaakil.com for more information.