Exploring the work of Tsui Hark – a masterclass, a podcast and the official opening of the retrospective
The retrospective of Tsui Hark’s films at the 20th edition of Five Flavours is the first comprehensive insight into the work of this outstanding and hugely influential Hong Kong filmmaker in Poland. We had the opportunity to speak to the master and ask him about his love of cinema and the behind-the-scenes stories of his most important films. We invite you to listen to the conversation, which took place during this year’s Festival Lumière in Lyon.
The Tsui Hark retrospective features eight films spanning the years 1979 to 1995.
Today in Warsaw, the retrospective officially opens with a screening of A Chinese Ghost Story at Kino Muranów! This Thursday at Five Flavours is all about Hong Kong cinema – its unbridled imagination, breakneck pace, spectacular action and extraordinary energy. Ahead of us lies the retrospective’s opening gala, followed by a banquet worthy of The Chinese Feast, marking the beginning of a cinematic journey through the work of one of the most important directors in the history of Hong Kong cinema.
Masterclass with Tsui Hark
Cinema has always been a part of Tsui Hark’s life. His fascination with moving images led him to take his first photographs and shoot amateur films with a Super 8 camera as a teenager. He began his directing career in Hong Kong’s rapidly developing television industry before quickly making the move to cinema. His early films’ lack of box-office success did not discourage him; after three films, he found his rhythm and managed to establish a connection with the audience.
His greatest successes as a director and producer came during the years now referred to as the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. But was it really an easy time for filmmakers? What led Tsui to decide to open his own production company in 1984? What unexpected event resulted in the creation of the ladder fight sequences in Once Upon a Time in China, and why did the cinematographer of The Blade feel that Tsui was ruining his career by insisting that he shoots the action sequences in a specific way?
Watch the masterclass to find out the answers to these questions!
Masterclass in the festival programme
Azja Kręci – Five Flavours podcast, festival episode 4: The Tsui Hark Universe
We also encourage you to listen to our new podcast, in which we discuss Tsui Hark’s work. Our guest on this episode is Mateusz R. Orzech, an expert on Hong Kong and Taiwanese cinema, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s.
The conversation places Tsui Hark’s work in a broader context, exploring the model of filmmaking he challenged as a member of the Hong Kong New Wave, the cinematic traditions he drew on during his most successful years, and his contribution to the language of world cinema.
The Grand Opening of the Tsui Hark Retrospective
Today at 6:00 pm, we invite you to Kino Muranów for a screening of A Chinese Ghost Story – a hit film produced by Tsui Hark, which uniquely blends a traditional Chinese tale with comedy, martial arts cinema and special effects. Before the screening, join us for a special opening gala, symbolically launching the retrospective dedicated to this Hong Kong visionary. After watching the film, stay with us and enjoy refreshments prepared by Linh Nguyen and a glass of Choya wine.
Buy a ticket for the opening of the retrospective
The retrospective in cinemas and online
Tsui Hark’s films are screened in Warsaw cinemas until 17 November. Seven of them – all except The Blade – are also available online across Poland until 6 December.
Tsui Hark retrospective – programme and tickets
The presentation of Hong Kong films and the production of interviews with filmmakers are made possible through our collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin, Create HK and the HK Film Development Fund.
Five Flavours Festival replicas kick off in Łódź and Wrocław!
The local editions of the festival kick off today in Łódź (National Centre for Film Culture) and Wrocław (Kino Nowe Horyzonty). Over the next four days, both cities will host screenings of selected films from this year's festival programme.
