A truly unforgettable film often leaves behind iconic lines and timeless melodies that linger in our hearts. These musical and verbal elements form an essential part of the cinematic experience, standing the test of time to become classics for generations. Whenever we hear them again, they bring waves of nostalgia and rekindle our connection to the golden age of cinema.

In celebration of this year’s festival theme, “More Than Joy”, renowned musician Ng Cheuk Yin will reimagine beloved songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements. These performances will bring together pop singer Alfred Hui, the a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, beatboxer Heartgrey (Eric So), and a live band, uniting on stage to mark the grand opening of the 3rd Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. Following the musical performance, there will be a screening of The Banquet (1991), a comedy masterpiece with a cast of legendary stars.

Directed by Tsui Hark, Clifton Ko, Cheung Tung Joe and Alfred Cheung, The Banquet is a film produced to raise disaster relief funds for the Eastern China Flood of 1991. A remake of the 1959 classic Feast of a Rich Family, the film follows wealthy businessman Tsang (Eric Tsang) and his wife (Dodo Cheng) as they try to deceive a Kuwaiti prince (George Lam) into believing that they offer a luxurious life for Tsang’s father (Richard Ng), in order to secure a lucrative business deal. What follows is a series of farcical attempts to maintain the illusion, blending satire on greed and filial piety with heartfelt moments. The film brims with humour and nostalgia, featuring parodies of iconic Hong Kong films. In addition to its main cast, the film includes cameos from Hong Kong’s biggest stars of the era, and should not be missed.

This dynamic showcase, blending entertainment with cultural artistry, promises to offer audiences a fresh and inspiring perspective on the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s pop culture.

Join us at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre to kick off this vibrant celebration of cinematic joy and musical resonance.