37th Hong Kong LGBTQ+ Film Festival Opens with Record 70+ Films
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The 37th Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (HKLGFF) officially opened on September 4, 2026, at PREMIERE ELEMENTS cinema in Kowloon's Elements complex, marking the beginning of a 17-day celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema. This year's festival has assembled its largest program in recent memory, with more than 70 feature and short films showcasing diverse themes and perspectives from around the world . The opening ceremony brought together filmmakers and artists from multiple countries, including directors from the Philippines, Mainland China, and Hong Kong, who participated in post-screening Q&A sessions and panel discussions with local audiences .
Key Points
- The festival opened with two films: the comedy "Stop! That! Train!" starring global drag superstar RuPaul, and the award-winning drama "Montréal, My Beautiful" starring renowned actress Chen Chong
- Gigi Chao (趙式芝) received the Prism Award at the opening ceremony in recognition of her contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ equality in Hong Kong and throughout Asia
- Chao co-founded HKME in 2019 to advocate for equal marriage rights and family harmony, and established the "Love Belief Foundation" charity to support disadvantaged youth through scholarships and resources
- The festival program includes over 70 films—the most in recent years—with filmmakers from the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong attending the opening events
- Notable attendees included entertainer Wong Ha-wai, festival chairman Yeung Yiu-kai, and drag performers Falanja, alongside rising Hong Kong directors
Why It Matters
The festival's record attendance and expanded programming signal growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ narratives in Hong Kong's cultural scene, providing crucial visibility for a community that continues to face legal and social challenges in the city . By honoring Chao's cross-sector work—from UN advisory roles to grassroots scholarship programs—the Prism Award highlights how LGBTQ+ advocacy has matured into a multifaceted movement spanning policy, business, and community support across the region .
The festival's record attendance and expanded programming signal growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ narratives in Hong Kong's cultural scene, providing crucial visibility for a community that continues to face legal and social challenges in the city . By honoring Chao's cross-sector work—from UN advisory roles to grassroots scholarship programs—the Prism Award highlights how LGBTQ+ advocacy has matured into a multifaceted movement spanning policy, business, and community support across the region .