How did it start? Alliance Française de Hong Kong is committed in the promotion of French cinema since its establishment in 1953. The same year it organised the first French film Festival. That edition was the pioneer in Hong Kong, and making it the oldest film festival in the city. The first festival presented at the Queen Theatre the “cult-to-be” film “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” by Jacques Tati, immediately after its release in France. Since then the festival has always brought the latest films to Hong Kong. More than 45 editions of the festival Since 1972 the festival has become a regular event each year, in collaboration with LCSD. Today we celebrate the 45th consecutive edition of the festival. The festival has screened hundreds of French films, attracted a wide range of audience from cinema lovers to the general public, including some Hong Kong artists and directors who had their first exposure to French cinema at the festival. Dynamism, Diversity and Quality The festival always promotes and accompanies the evolution of French cinema, from the prominent and influential new wave period until today. Each festival is a new challenge for the team to bring you the continuing renewal and invigorating diversity of French cinema, from first works to multi-awarded movies, making the programme accessible and truly representative of what French cinema is today. The organisations behind the festival The festival is passionately created and presented by Alliance Française de Hong Kong, the city’s French language and cultural center since 1953. Nonetheless, the festival wouldn’t be a success without the support of many other organisations, such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, UniFrance, French Consulate, local theaters, film distributors, sponsors and many other partners. The festival attracts the stars Over the years, many French actors and directors have been joining the celebrations of the festival and met Hong Kong audience through Q&A or press conferences: from the recently invited guests Daniel & Emmanuel Leconte (Je suis Charlie), Nicolas Saada (Taj Mahal), Gaspard Ulliel (Saint Laurent), Frédéric Chau, Phillipe de Chauveron (Serial Bad Weddings), Abdellatif Kechiche (Blue is the Warmest Colour – Palme d’Or to the iconic Pierre Richard, Miu Miu, Gérard Jugnot, Matthieu Kassovitz, Cédric Klapish, Isabelle Huppert, Olivier Assayas and many mores.