Celebrate the cinematic genius of Stephen Chow with a selection of his most iconic films, showcasing his unique blend of humor, creativity, and cultural impact in Heart of the Richmond: Stephen Chow Film Festival. This three-day festival in Richmond district is a tribute to one of Hong Kong's most beloved filmmakers, offering audiences the chance to experience his timeless classics on the big screen. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Stephen Chow and enjoy an unforgettable film experience! Heart of the Richmond: Stephen Chow Film Festival is is a partnership of the Balboa Theater, The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, the Office of Supervisor Connie Chan, and Another Planet Entertainment.
Friday July 12
Opening Reception: 6:30-7:30
Featuring traditional Chinese dancing, hors d'oeuvres, and Cantonese calligraphy
Shaolin Soccer (2001): 8pm
The film revolves around a former Shaolin monk who reunites his five brothers, years after their master's death, to apply their superhuman martial arts skills to play soccer and bring Shaolin kung fu to the masses.
Saturday July 13
The God of Cookery (1996): 1:30pm
Chow is a corrupt celebrity chef who runs a successful business empire. Dubbed the “God of Cookery”, he humiliates other chefs in a culinary competition where he appears as a judge, despite knowing very little about cooking himself.
All's Well, Ends Well (1992): 4:30pm
Featuring a star-studded ensemble of Hong Kong movie stars including Maggie Cheung and Leslie Cheung, this romantic Chinese New Year comedy is about three hapless brothers who eventually learn, through their amorous exploits and misadventures, that love is only won through gradual nurturing, and quickly lost through the quick, dishonest, selfish ways which they have always taken for granted.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004): 7:30pm
In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious “Axe Gang” while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.
Sunday July 14
A Chinese Odyssey Part 1: Pandora's Box (1995): 1:30pm
Together with Part 2, this is a classic film that has generated a cult following through the decades. Forced to reincarnate as a goofy gangster as punishment, the once-powerful Monkey King unwittingly embarks on an adventure to rediscover his destiny.
A Chinese Odyssey Part 2: Cinderella (1995): 4:30pm
The convoluted continuation of the adventures of the time-traveling, now-human Monkey King, who attempts to fulfill his divine destiny.
Flirting Scholar (1993): 7:30pm
A scholar in search of true love. Disguising himself as a houseboy, he indentures himself to a rich family in order to pursue the ravishing servant girl who has stolen his heart.
From Ms. Jacko Tsang, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco
“We are excited to present a festival dedicated to the works of Stephen Chow in the heart of San Francisco. Stephen Chow is a renowned filmmaker, actor and comedian from Hong Kong, whose films have become a cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong and beyond, and occupy a unique place in Hong Kong cinema. We hope the audience in the San Francisco Bay Area will have a chance to enjoy his classic films, which aligns with our office's mission to foster cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the US.”
From Supervisor Connie Chan
“I am excited that we will be showcasing Hong Kong filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow's work with everyone at the Richmond's Balboa Theater this summer. I especially want to offer our Chinese speaking monolingual seniors and their families this opportunity to go out, enjoy movies, and dine out,” said Supervisor Connie Chan, “Our partnership with Balboa Theater, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco and Another Planet Entertainment to create these film festivals in the Outer Richmond, helps boost our small businesses and brings community enrichment to our neighborhood.”
All films will be presented in Cantonese with English subtitles. A special Stephen Chow Film Festival pass is available to view all classic films for $45. More info can be found here.
