A new generation of Asian filmmakers has gained international appreciation with their creative talent and sophisticated craft. The 43rd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF43) is pleased to announce two award-winning works from promising Asian directors – “The Crossing”, winner of Best Film in the Fei Mu Awards at this year's Pingyao International Film Festival in China, and “Manta Ray”, named Best Film in Venice Film Festival's Horizons Section, both of which will premiere in HKIFF43.
Produced by world-renowned filmmaker Tian Zhuangzhuang, “The Crossing” is the debut feature directed by BAI Xue. Her cinematic talent is on full display in this captivating tale of a teenage girl's precipitous slide into a web of crime and passion. The film well deserves Best Film in the Fei Mu Awards, and also Best Actress for Huang Yao's outstanding performance.
In “Manta Ray”, a mesmerizing debut feature about the bonding of a Rohingya refugee and the Thai fisherman who rescues him, Thai director Phuttiphong Aroonpheng captivated the Venice jury with his gentle, mystic and hypnotic images.
HKIFF43 will be held from 18 March to 1 April 2019. More details will be announced in due course.
