Fantasia Film Festival: Features You Won't Want To Miss!

Written by Deborah Lau-Yu

Images courtesy of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

Apandemic won't stop us from enjoying cinema! The Fantasia Film Festival is here. August is always a time where film lovers start making plans for the Toronto International Film Festival, and this year, there is lots to be excited for, so stay tuned for that! In just a few weeks, we also wait with great anticpation for the release of Shang-Chi, the movie that many Asian-Canadians have been longing to see, starring Canada's Simu Liu and a host of loved talents including icon Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Fala Chan, to name just a few. Stay tuned for more on that as well. 

In an effort to introduce Hong Kong films to the Canadian community, the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (HKETO) has been partnering with numerous film festivals across the country.  The Fantasia International Film Festival 2021 will take place from August 5 to 25th, both virtually and in-person — a hybrid model so that more audiences can view some great action on screens at home and in theatre.

《RAGING FIRE 怒火》

Live Screening at the Imperial Theatre of Montreal, no virtual screening

August 10th, 2021 @ 7:30 pm EST

More info: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/raging-fire

Starring the widely celebrated Donnie Yen and Canadian Nicholas Tse, Raging Fire is directed by Benny Chan. Other talents include Jeana Ho and Ray Lui. Shan, who is portrayed by Yen, is a righteous member of the police force who is greatly admired. The story turns when his past comes back to haunt him —— his sting operation is under fire by a mysterious group of criminals led by Ngo, played by Tse, whom we discover is his former protégé.

《SEPTET: THE STORY OF HONG KONG 七人樂隊》

live screening at the Imperial Theatre of Montreal, no virtual screening

August 9th, 2021 @ 7 pm EST

More info: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/septet-the-story-of-hong-kong

Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To, Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark Seven legendary Hong Kong directors join forces to compose a dramatic symphony of a movie for their changing city. Produced by Johnnie To, this seven-part anthology is a tribute to Hong Kong, ranging from the 1950s to the present day, told in different 10-minute episodes by each celebrated director.

《HARD ROLLED CIGARETTE 手捲煙》

virtual screening

August 24th, 2021 @ 7 pm EST

More info: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/hand-rolled-cigarette

Directed by Kin Long Chan, this highly accomplished movie has captured the attention of many film festivals and is an intricately crafted, thoughtfully told story. Featuring actors Gordon Ka Tung Lam, Bipin Karma, Singh Hartihan Bitto, and Siu-Ho Chin. The story revolves around a retired British-Chinese soldier and a marginalized young South Asian man, both facing the plight of being abandoned by society.

《TIME 殺出個黃昏》

virtual screening

August 23rd, 2021 @ 9 pm EST

More info: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/time

As the title of the film suggests, time is fleeting especially for the elderly population. This movie is a tribute to that sentiment, as two iconic Hong Kong film stars from the 1960s, Patrick Tse and Petrina Fung Bo-Bo, reunite in a bittersweet story about neglected elderly population in the metropolis city.

《RETURN OF THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN 布衣神相》

virtual screening

August 6th-25th, 2021 @ anytime

More info: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/return-of-the-bastard-swordsman

Directed by Tony Lu, starring the main cast of Norman Tsui, Alex Man, and Chen Kuan Tai, this 1984 classic of Kung Fu and top fight scenes are impressive in choreography.