Seven must-read books about Hong Kong

Everyone has a different take on Hong Kong. It’s a city of dreams for some, a busting metropolis for others, for you it might be about the people, for us – about the stories, sights or sceneries. With so much diversity, the city has something for everybody. Here are nine riveting, must-read books about Hong Kong which will help you know this city a little bit better, one page at a time.

Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Chang
A classic love story set in 1940s Shanghai and Hong Kong, with the backdop of WWII to set the tone, the story follows a beautiful divorcée who finds her path crossesd with a bachelor businessman who takes an interest in her. But their love story is far from a fairy tale, through the trials and tribulations of their relationship, their love triumphs.

Published in 1943, it is one of the most successful novellas written — winning hearts across Hong Kong, China and Taiwan and is now an award-winning film and TV series. The first collection of English printed novels by celebrated novelist Eileen Chang (also known as Ailing Zhang), her engaging narrative and complex characters are beautifully delivered in her writing and use of metaphors.

The Piano Teacher by Janice YK Lee
An international bestseller, this book follows the love affair of a beautiful socialite and her English lover set in the backdrop of Hong Kong in the ’40s and ’50s. Separated by the war and the Japanese invasion. The novel, boldly written with deeply flawed — but compellingly human — characters driving the narrative, the story tale unfolds in a telling of betrayal, loss, romance and history.

Published in 2009, it is Hong Kong-born American author Janice Y.K. Lee’s debut novel which became an instant best-seller and international hit.

No City for Slow Men by Jason Y. Ng
A collection of 36 essays by Jason Y. Ng covers the many social, cultural and existential happenings facing Hong Kong. From property market to old age poverty to the varied stories of the streets of Sheung Wan and the misunderstood Mainland Chinese. It is a light-hearted literary reflection of the many quirks and quandaries of the Hong Kong experience from a fresh perspective.

Mourning a Breast by Yan Zhang (Xi Xi)
Chronicling author Yan Zhang coming of age story as a Chinese growing up in Hong Kong from the age of 12, then later being diagnosed with breast cancer in adulthood, her memoir tells the all too familiar and awkward experiences of being a young girl going through puberty as well as the grief and peace of embracing the female body.

Mourning a Breast was one of the first Chinese books to explore the experiences of breast cancer patients. It was selected as one of the Top Ten Books in the Book Review page of China Times in 1992, and was later on translated into English and is now a romantic-comedy motion picture, 2 Become 1, featuring Miriam Yeung.

The Queen of Statue Square by Marshall Moore and Xu Xi
What does it mean to be a Hongkonger? This is the question in mind of the eight writers that comprise this anthology of Hongkongers in the city. Exploring the past, present and possible future definition of ethnicity and cultural identity, this collection of short stories explore what it means to be in, from and of the multi-cultural city, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Diner: Recipes for Baos, Hotpots, Street Snacks and More… by Jeremy Pang
A vibrant tribute to the many delicious staple and emblematic dishes of Hong Kong, this cookbook is a mouth-watering ode to the varied flavours of the city that we all know and love, from Baos and buns to hotpots and fried noodles and even modern day favourites such as bubble teas.

Coming from a long lineage of cooks, and starting Europe’s only award-winning Oriental and Asian cookery school, Jeremy Pang showcases, in beautiful photography and surprisingly cutting-edge design, 70 dishes to drool over, including some of the city’s most iconic cha chaan teng highlights.

Letters Home by Jennifer Wong
Where is home? Author Jennifer Wong writes down her own experiences on homesickness, belonging, nostalgia and cultural identity as a Hong Kong-born and -raised Chinese living abroad in the west during her time as a University student in Oxford and London.

Recipient of the Hong Kong Young Artist Award (Literary Arts) and a PhD graduate, this is her third collection of poetry in which she navigates her sense of home through the art of poetry.

Top things to see and do in Hong Kong this November

Need a reason to step out of the house? This month is serving up all sorts of fun activities. From the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine, the much anticipated Spartan Race, and a slew of art festivals and exhibitions to watch out for. Check out what’s on the slate for November events.

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
1 – 30 Nov
Hong Kong gourmands rejoice! One of the city’s largest and most highly anticipated culinary events returns for a month-long gastronomic experience. This year the festival brings its events closer to you, and you closer to the city, in its first-ever “City Wine Walk”, a single tasting pass to limited-time only menus at more than 400 participating restaurants and bars across the city. Once again running congruent with its physical event, a live-streamed “Tasting On-Air” programme introduces virtual visitors to a series of expert-led rare wine tasting masterclass. So, foodies and wine lovers get ready to indulge in exclusive wines, a slew of delicious delicacies and innovative eats, and a “Chinese Omakase by Masterchefs”, featuring the city’s young and talented rising stars in the F&B industry.

For more information: discoverhongkong.com

Festive Korea
Until 28 Nov
All things Korean come to town with the 11th edition of Festive Korea, organised by the Korean Cultural Centre. With “K-Connected” as the theme of this year’s exchange of art and culture, Hongkongers can delight in a wealth of Korean experiences, from browsing through a cultural bazaar and admiring beautiful ceramics to indulging in delicious Korean food and the country’s famed pop culture. Korean classical musicians also get in on the act; a performance by world-renowned violinist Zia Shin and pianist Yoonie Han is another festival highlight.

Price: Free entry
Location: 6/F, PMQ, Hollywood Road, Central
For more information: hk.korean-culture.org

Poetic Heritage
Until 21 Nov
Curated by arts and heritage practitioner Alex Tam Hok-nang and spotlighting six contemporary artists from Hong Kong and beyond, the Poetic Heritage exhibition at Tai Kwun explores the untold stories of heritage through contemporary art. Whether through the preservation of physical objects or exploring cultural identity in the context of modern-day issues, visitors can glean how the past resonates in the present and ponder concerns raised about the homogenisation of heritage.

Price: Free entry
Location: JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Central
For more information: taikwun.hk

Hong Kong Spartan Sprint
20 – 21 Nov
Challenge yourself this month and push your limits like never before at the return of the Hong Kong Spartan Sprint. The 5k obstacle race is divided into three competitive categories: Elite, Age Group and Open. Children can also join in the strenuous fun of Kids Weekend, with races providing a podium for the young to test themselves and learn a sense of sportsmanship.

Price: From HK$900 (HK$480 for children)
Location: Kam Tin Country Club, New Territories
For more information: spartanrace.hk

New Vision Arts Festival 2021
Until 28 Nov
The annual New Vision Arts Festival is renowned for championing cutting-edge and boundary-pushing performing arts, adhering to its vision of crossover collaborations, nurturing new talents and commissioning new works. Forced to take a back seat on its fourth principle this year – overseas outreach – it nevertheless offers a smattering of virtual performances by artists who cannot make it here in person. Local audiences can choose from a series of musical, dance, film and multi-arts performances, screenings and exhibitions throughout the month.

Price and location varies:
For more information: nvaf.gov.hk

Nine Songs
26 – 28 Nov
Internationally renowned choreographer Helen Lai is joined by Oscar winners Tan Dun and Tim Yip, along with the Hong Kong Dance Company, in the revival of one of her most celebrated works, Nine Songs. Inspired by an epic poem collection in Chinese literature, dancers honour ancient legends in contemporary form, embodying the spirits of the sky, rivers, mountains and the dead, as well as the hopes of the living. This stunning performance marks the 30th anniversary of its premiere.

Price: From HK$160
Location: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon
For more information: westkowloon.hk

Mini Dough Warrior Workshop
13 Nov
As part of the annual Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2021, Xiqu Centre is staging a dough figurine sculpting workshop for anyone curious to try their hand at this traditional craft. Join veteran master craftsman Moses Law Chung-man in modelling a 10cm-high miniature warrior out of dough – with the figure inspired by the lead character in the experimental Cantonese opera production Wenguang Explores the Valley. Materials and tools are provided for this three-hour masterclass; you just need a relatively skilled eye and steady hand.

Price: HK$250 per person
Location: Studio 3, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon
For more information: westkowloon.hk

Into the Wild
Until 30 Nov
From edibles to edification, there’s more than just high tea to enjoy at the Mandarin Oriental this month. An interactive pop-up art exhibition in the East Lobby, Into the Wild, is a collaborative effort between the five-star hotel and French ethical skincare brand Chantecaille to raise awareness of endangered species and foster a better understanding of environmental conservation. In a unique and engaging experience, visitors are invited to take photographs with and of different wildlife in a safari setting via the brand’s ‘Wild Beauty’ AR app.

Price: Free entry
Location: Mandarin Oriental, Central
For more information: mandarinoriental.com

Zhang Jian-Jun: Human Traces
Until 14 Nov
K11 Art Foundation presents Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Jian-Jun’s solo show, Human Traces, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts. The culmination of the artist-in-residence programme in London, the travelling exhibition makes its final stop in Hong Kong, where a series of new works by the artist will be showcased. Each piece was made specifically for the city to reflect Zhang’s latest musings on the eternal themes of human beings, nature and time. Curated by Chinese scholar Wu Hung, the exhibition includes a guided tour.

Price: Free entry
Location: K11 HACC, L2, K11 Atelier King’s Road, Quarry Bay
For more information: k11artfoundation.org

We Are All Stars: Holiday Wonderland
6 Nov- 31 Dec
Charlotte Tilbury, the makeup artist to the stars, presents an instagrammable photo opportunity with London-chic vibes in the heart of Causeway Bay. The We Are All Stars pop-up bottles the magic of Tilbury’s luxury cosmetics, wrapped with Christmassy love, luck and treasures galore – play interactive games, win cute treats and feel like a star in this winter wonderland. Running till the end of December, get your hands on limited holiday edition collections, exclusive beauty gift packs – because what is Christmas without the spirit of gifting. Prior registration required.

Price: Free entry
Location: Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay
For more information: Charlotte Tilbury

Opening from 6th November to 31st December 2021 at Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay.

Also Read: Nine exciting events and exhibitions to visit in Hong Kong in October (igafencu.com)

Salma Hayek: Her journey to landing Marvels ‘Eternals’

Following the long-awaited releases of Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings over recent months, the next instalment of the wildly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised to enthral us. Slated to open on 18 November, Eternals depicts the travails of immortal beings who reunite after millennia of hiding on Earth to battle their archenemies, the Deviants – and it promises to be the most diverse to date.

Much has been made of the fact that its core superhero cast will feature the franchise’s first openly gay character (Phastos), that Pakistani-American actor Kumail Nanjiani’s Kingo will be its first protagonist of South Asian descent, and Don Lee – of Train to Busan fame – the first South Korean superhero. What’s more, both director (Chloé Zhao) and lead (Gemma Chan) are Chinese. Rather less noise has resonated, however, over the casting of Mexican screen-siren Salma Hayek as Ajak, the Eternals’ spiritual leader. After all, the Desperado star will become the series’ first Arab actress (Hayek actually boasts Lebanese ethnicity through her father).

A 32-year veteran of the industry, Hayek is no stranger to breaking boundaries. She was one of the first Latina talents to make it big in Tinseltown, in no small part due to her versatility in the genres of drama, comedy, romance and action. But life hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the Frida thespian. We shine the spotlight on the soaring highs and challenging lows that she’s overcome…

Peace & Pesos
Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez was born far away from the shining lights of Hollywood in the southern Mexican port city of Coatzacoalcos on 2 September 1966. Her mother, Diana, was an opera singer, while her Lebanese-Mexican father, Sami Hayek Dominguez, worked as an oil executive in addition to owning an industrial equipment company. Her Lebanese surname reflects her paternal roots, while her first name ‘Salma’ means ‘peace’ in Arabic. She was fortunate to be raised in a wealthy home, which afforded her the opportunity to go to boarding school in the United States at age 12.

Boarding School Blues
Salma’s schooldays weren’t always easy, as she was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age. This didn’t stop her from pranking her fellow students, however. In one interview, she recalled that her roommates – American girls – would wake early to curl their hair and put on makeup, whereas she’d rather “sleep until the last minute”. One day, she decided to turn back the clocks by an hour to mess with them. She was given detention, and ultimately kicked out of the strict Catholic boarding school in Louisiana. Despite these early hiccups and a learning disability, her innate intelligence saw her graduate from high school at just 15.

Acting Initiative
Throughout her late teens and early 20s, her stunning looks prompted approaches from casting agents. So, halfway through pursuing a degree in international relations and political science at Mexico City’s Universidad Iberoamericana, she dismayed her parents by dropping out to pursue a career in acting. At just 23, she had her big break, landing the starring role in Teresa, a telenovela that would catapult her to superstar status in her native land. Not content to rest on her laurels, she decided to move to Hollywood to pursue bigger roles. “I wanted to do films, and at that time in Mexico, a film industry didn’t really exist,” she explains. “So where do you go to do movies? You go to the mecca. I was already famous in Mexico by then, and they were laughing at me, asking ‘Why is she doing that?’”

Desperado Times
At first it seemed her critics were right since Hayek struggled for four years in California, unable to land a single role. In many cases, the reason cited by studios for her rejection was that she was too Latina. It wasn’t until 1995 that she got her chance to prove her mettle in Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado alongside fellow Spanish-speaker Antonio Banderas. Then, the floodgates opened, with the actress cast in a slew of major productions before the end of the decade – From Dusk till Dawn, Wild Wild West and Dogma, to name but three of her biggest hits.

Rosy Repertoire
In 1999, having established herself as an A-list leading lady, Hayek launched her own production company. Ventanarosa, which is Spanish for ‘rose-coloured window’, produced the acclaimed TV dramedy Ugly Betty, which would eventually garner two Golden Globes. It also helped her hit Hollywood-legend heights by producing the historic biopic Frida (2002). Hayek’s seminal portrayal of the surrealist artist Frida Kahlo saw her become only the second Latina actress to receive a Best Actress nod at the Academy Awards.

Charity Begins at Home
In addition to her achievements in film, she is a dedicated philanthropist and activist. Spurred by an awareness of her own fortunate circumstances and the precarious position of those in her homeland, the Salma Hayek Foundation not only raises aid and awareness for battered women in Mexico, but has branched out to help disadvantaged street children, too. Hayek has also been involved with several Unicef initiatives, including spearheading a campaign against neonatal and maternal tetanus, and was awarded the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award by the international charitable organisation in 2018.

Covid Survivor
The Eternals star was recently worryingly close to death. Laid low by Covid-19, she spent seven weeks isolated in a room of the house she shares with her husband, French billionaire François-Henri Pinault (CEO of luxury group Kering), and their 13-year-old daughter. She became so ill that she was put on oxygen. “My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad,” she reveals, “but I said, ‘no, thank you. I’d rather die at home,’” adding that she still hasn’t regained her pre-pandemic energy levels.

“My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad, but I said, ‘no, thank you. I’d rather die at home’”

Auteur Ego
In line with her go-getting spirit, though, this hasn’t stopped her from planning ambitious projects. Apart from Eternals, Hayek also appears in Ridley Scott’s biographical crime drama The House of Gucci, which was shot earlier this year, and hopes to direct a film based on a script she wrote 17 years ago. “It’s a very personal project and this is the right time. It couldn’t have gotten made two years ago or even last year [but] I don’t give up. I’ll get it made,” she says of the passion production. While she’s remained tight-lipped about any details, if her past CV is any indication, it will be an instant hit.

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

The promise of Timothée Chalamet…

At the tender age of 22, when most of his contemporaries were just beginning their careers, US thespian Timothée Chalamet was fêted by Hollywood as the youngest actor in almost 80 years to be nominated for Best Actor at the 2018 Academy Awards. Yet, much like Cinderella when the clock struck midnight, the following day saw Chalamet hit with the realities of his everyday life in Manhattan with no credit card, no roof over his head, and barely a few dollars to his name.

Yet, his perseverance in the face of such adversity has yielded huge rewards. Subsequent performances in big-screen productions such as Beautiful Boy, filmed later that year, and Little Women (2019) went on to garner critical acclaim and cement his status as a rising star.

Despite being something of a staple at red-carpet events lately – he sported white sweatpants and sneakers to what was dubbed the biggest fashion event of the year, the Met Gala – his rather recent entry into the limelight means that for the most part, his personal life remains an enigma. As Chalamet returns to the silver screen this month in the long-awaited film adaptation of cult sci-fi novel Dune, we delve into some lesser-known facts about the Call Me by Your Name star…

French Connection
Timothée Hal Chalamet – to give the now 25-year-old his full name – was born in the Big Apple to real-estate broker Nicole Flender and Marc Chalamet, an editor for UNICEF. Given his French-American roots, young Timothée spent many summers in his father’s hometown of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and speaks fluent French.
Speaking to the duality of his upbringing, the actor explained: “Once I was there, I became the French version of myself. I was completely imbued in the culture and I even dreamed in French.” A talented linguist, Chalamet Jr also picked up a smattering of Italian prior to filming Call Me by Your Name, which was set in Lombardy.

High-School Posse
Bitten by the acting bug at an early age, Chalamet attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, one of the most prestigious such establishments in New York City – luminaries like Jennifer Aniston and Nicki Minaj are alumni. While there, he partnered for the first time with his Little Women co-star Ansel Elgort. Not only did the two prodigies share the stage there, they were also on the same basketball team. Remembering their personalities, their former drama teacher Harry Shifman said: “They were both like rock stars, in a school full of rock stars. Everybody recognised them as being particularly gifted.”
Elgort wasn’t Chalamet’s only high-profile schoolmate, though. He also met Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon while attending LaGuardia, and after years of speculation about their relationship, the latter admitted earlier this year that the two had been an item when they were students.

Rap Game
In addition to starring in various high-school productions, Chalamet also dabbled in rap while attending LaGuardia. Under the alias “Lil’ Timmy Tim”, he created a music video in which he waxed lyrical about how much he loved his statistics teacher, Ms Lawton. Although said teacher only gave him a D+ grade for his effort, the clip went viral after he shot to stardom, with talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres even playing it during Chalamet’s guest spot on her show. Later, when he appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, he lamented: “I am never going to live this down. This is going to follow me everywhere.”

Interstellar Dropout
After graduating from high school, teen Timothée was accepted at the prestigious Columbia University, where he studied cultural anthropology. However, his enrolment coincided with the launch of his career, and he dropped out in 2014 after his freshman year, just before the release of his feature-film debut in sci-fi hit, Interstellar. Recalling the struggles of managing his acting commitments with his academic schedule, he said: “I just couldn’t figure out the balance, so I left school after a year, got an apartment in the Bronx… and have since been getting a steady stream of work.”

Young & Gifted
As mentioned, when the Call Me by Your Name breakout star was nominated for an Academy Award, he became the youngest actor to be so honoured since 1939, when then 19-year-old Mickey Rooney got the nod for his role in Babe in Arms. The event also made him the third youngest Best Actor nominee in Oscar history. While Chalamet has yet to clinch a major award, he has racked up a host of nominations for his CV, including three BAFTAs, two Golden Globes and four Screen Actors’ Guild Awards.

Gaining Respect
When #MeToo garnered global support in 2018, director Woody Allen was among the many Hollywood giants who faced backlash for his questionable past treatment of women. Chalamet was working with Allen in A Rainy Day In New York at the time, and in solidarity with the movement, the young man announced that he would donate his entire salary from the film to a list of charities aiding sexual assault victims and championing equal rights, such as Time’s Up, the LGBT Centre in New York, and RAINN. Explaining the move, he posted on Instagram: “I want to be worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with the brave artists who are fighting for all people to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

Dune Bug
Even before he was attached to the newly released Dune, Chalamet was so keen to work with its director, Denis Villeneuve, that he set up a Google alert to track the film’s production and began reading the novel on the off chance that he would be cast. “I was about halfway through the book when he asked if I could come out to meet him, so I quickly busted through the second half of the book… And then I had that meeting, and it was such a joy,” he recalls. He certainly aced the face-to-face, nabbing his dream role as protagonist Paul Atreides in what will be an epic, two-part space odyssey.

Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ is sensational: 5 reasons why it’s so popular!

Setting aside the craze of K-drama rom-coms to spotlight a Korean suspense-thriller show that has been landing headlines, and become the muse of countless memes across different social media platforms around the world. On TikTok alone, hashtag #SquidGame has been viewed more than 22.8 billion times.

Squid Game is a psychological horror that often draw similarities to survival franchises such as Hunger Games and Battle Royale. The South Korean drama, released on 17 Sep 2021, has crossed the global charts of popularity within two weeks. It’s quickly became the most-watched Netflix show in 90 different countries — a first for any Korean drama!

Expected to grow even bigger, the global streaming platform is anticipating the series to rise to the top of the global charts and become Netflix’s most popular program ever. If that’s not enough to peak your interest and have you jump in on the hype of, we give you five reasons why you should…

1. A simple but compelling storyline
Named after a ’70s Korean childhood game, Squid Game, the show, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, centers protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), an indolent father with a gambling problem, who finds himself betting against a suited man in a subway station after losing his winnings while running from loan sharks. He is recruited to participate in a game to win an extremely large sum of money.

Accepting the offer, he finds himself waking up in a room with 456 other contestants, all of whom come from different backgrounds and social class, but are gathered for the same reason — to play a series of games that will earn them a chance at winning ₩45.6 billion. But as soon as the first game begins, players quickly realise that the stakes are even higher than they were led on to believe; not only are they fighting to win the grand prize, but they are fighting to stay alive.

2. It’s binge-worthy
Not everyone has the time of day to commit to long-running shows, but with only nine episodes, the show is worthy of a quick binge before the week ends. The show is comprised of characters and plot twists that offer a mix of drama, comedy suspense, action and heart-felt moments all in nine hour-long episodes.

With a plot that takes the simple concept of playing childhood games, then pitting 456 desperate participants against each other for a chance at win a large sum of cash, the story unfolds into an elaborate reflection of human nature and modern capitalist society that elicit realistic emotions and struggles that has proven to be universally relatable.

The show serves up a well-rounded balance of hope, horror and entertainment that have will have you hooked and tapping “next episode” as soon as the credits roll.

3. The characters grow on you
What makes this dark thriller both uniquely dramatic and entertaining is the characters. Like any good show, the character development in the show add depth to the storyline that will have viewers’ perceptions of the players turning 180-degree as participants gradually shed layers of their personas — revealing their true nature.

To say the least, in the absence of heart-racing and action-packed scenes, the supporting characters such as emotionally-distant North-Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok (Jung Ho-Yeon), the intelligent and model leader Cho Sang-Woo (Park Hae-Soo), and the wise elderly Oh Il-Nam (Oh Young-Soo) convincingly portray realistic emotions that will have audiences rooting for the underdog and sympathising with the villains.

4. Cleverly layered details
Film buffs will surely keep their eyes peeled for details that symbolise a deeper meaning that foreshadow future outcomes or even mirror real life situations in metaphors, from the soundtrack to hidden meanings within objects, the many hints, musical cues and visual details make up an eerily calm and fun-loving setting that recall the innocence of childhood that drastically transitions as players are shocked back into reality in the harrowing fight for survival that unravels in horrific consequences with each failed attempt at completing the game.

Take for example the striking set designs of the Red Light, Green Light grounds of the first game, with the chilling and now iconic mechanical girl as the focal point — a character designed off of actual Korean children’s textbooks; or the vibrant Penrose stairs that serve as the interlude between resting area and playing zones which polarise the darker undertones of the games; nothing is as it seems and forever are these nostalgic symbolisms of childhood tainted as players continue to push through each stage of the competition.

Art director Chae Kyoung-sun said, “We created the places and displays trying to make the viewers think about the hidden intentions of Squid Game.”

5. A second season in the making
Holding back on the spoilers, this binge-worthy Netflix show rounds up to a jaw-dropping plot twist with plenty of holes and a cliffhanger of an ending that sill leave audiences wanting more. With a second season already in the works, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, and theories as to how the show will move forward.

But until then, the intense first season of this mega successful Korean drama series is definitely a hot and redefining Netflix series of the Korean thriller genre that will have you gritting your teeth through every episode.

October Highlights: Exciting events and exhibitions for the month!

Calling on all art aficionados! This brings in a slew of exciting exhibitions, fairs and happenings you won’t want to miss. From highly anticipated and Asia’s first of its kind, Digital Art Fair to a guided trip down memory lane with the Heritage Fiesta cum Roving Exhibition 2021. Clear up your social calendar and mark these dates down to enjoy a month-filled of refreshingly new and nostalgically delightful art and culture events.

West Kowloon Cultural District Performing Arts Season
Until 31 Mar 2022
Anew season of top-class performing arts is in session, courtesy of the West Kowloon Cultural District. From now until the spring, audiences can enjoy awe-inspiring programmes of Cantonese opera, dance, theatre and music. Look out this month for 100% Hong Kong by Rimini Protokoll – in which 100 local performers take to the stage – and ground-breaking Chinese choreographer Gu Jiani’s Transition. Musicians of different disciplines, meanwhile, sound out at Lau Bak Livehouse every weekend.

Price: Varies
Location: Xiqu Centre / Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui
For more information: westkowloon.hk

Digital Art Fair
3 – 17 Oct
The first-ever physical and virtual art fair in Hong Kong is destined to shake up the city’s art scene and excite a new generation of art collectors. Five art zones constructed within the exhibition venue will play host to 40 international and local artists, as well as those at the forefront of the NFT art movement, while also providing a platform to learn from experts in the fields of art, finance and technology. Connect with more than 200 digital artworks through interactive immersive experiences, virtual museums, blockchain NFTs, augmented reality pieces and a slew of other thrilling events.

Price: HK$205
Location: G/F, Asia Standard Tower, Central
For more information: digitalartfair.io

ReThink 2021
5-6 Oct
Now more than ever, society is prompted to live more sustainably, from embracing eco-friendly products to adopting plant-based diets and zero-waste lifestyles. If you have yet to jump on the green bandwagon, the ReThink conference co-organised by the Business Environment Council returns with more insights (and inspirations) on how to drive sustainable development in Hong Kong and approach the unique challenges facing the city. Global keynote speakers, international case studies, interviews, panels and expert workshops will enlighten over a high-impact, interactive two days.

Price: From HK$550
Location: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
For more information: rethink-event.com

Hiroaki Umeda: Indivisible Substance
6-8 Oct
Explore what it means to engage in art in a post-Covid world. Internationally acclaimed Japanese choreographer and avant-garde artist Hiroaki Umeda presents his latest work in progress. A virtual performance-art piece, Indivisible Substance draws from psychology and technological advancements such as AR and eye-tracking to challenge viewers to decide what is most relevant for their own body’s experience. The artist-audience interaction concludes with a post-performance discussion and Q&A session.

Price: HK$100
Location: Online
For more information: popticket.hk / westkowloon.hk

Circle x Raze – Health-Tech Revolution
6 – 19 Oct

Born out of a common vision of creating a safer future, Circle x Raze presents a #CombatCovid Collection in an exclusive pop-up store for only two weeks in Causeway Bay. The store highlights a combined selection of products that leverage cutting-edge technology to empower people to go about their day-to-day lives.

Price: Free Entry
Location: G/F, Kai Chiu Road, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay

Fine Art Fair
8 – 11 Oct

Fine Art Asia 2021, one of Asia’s leading international art fairs, returns to its usual Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre venue from 8 October to 11 October 2021. In a huge boost for the Hong Kong art scene, a flurry of art fairs have marked the summer despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fine Art Asia 2021 will deliver a vibrant, bubbling fair with a focus on homegrown talent. Several renowned names will be vying for your attention — prominent among them is Tanya Baxter Contemporary (booth A8) — based in both London and Hong Kong, the leading art consultancy and gallery comes with decades of artistic experience working in the Post-Modern, Modern British and Contemporary art markets and is celebrated for supporting emerging as well as mid-career artists.

Price: HK$120 via HK Ticketing
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more information: fineartasia.com

Outdoor Theatre, Robotics Workshop and more…
Until 31 Oct
The newly revitalised Central Market creates a ‘Playground for all’, hosting a series of screenings in its open courtyard, Oasis, as well as a slew of STEAM workshops for the kids, and more. From three thought-provoking features such as The Art of Forgery, a biopic of notorious German art forger Wolfgang Beltracchi, to robotics-building workshops, there’s really plenty to see and do at this newly opened venue.

Price: Free entry
Location: Central Market
For more information: centralmarket.hk

Heritage Fiesta cum Roving Exhibition 2021
Until 31 Oct
Take a stroll down memory lane and through the many historic landmarks of Hong Kong. The Heritage Fiesta covers 11 revitalised government-owned Grade I to III listed buildings, each of which will provide guided tours to visitors interested in rediscovering the city’s past architectural glories. From the Tai O Heritage Hotel and PMQ to Stone Houses, Haw Par Mansion and the former Fanling Magistracy, hours of fascinating exploring await history buffs. Exhibitions staged at the venues will run until the end of the year.

Price: Free entry
Location: Varies
For more information: heritage.gov.hk

Hong Kong Tramways World Record Celebration
Until 4 Nov
Art, leisure and shopping come together in one venue to honour Hong Kong Tramways’ Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest double-decker tram fleet in service’. Stationed at the Leica shop in Causeway Bay, the RecordDing Our Moments exhibcaptures the joy of riding on the beloved ‘Ding Ding’ through 15 works by local photographers. Join in to celebrate this iconic emblem of Hong Kong and its place in the city’s history. Arrival by tram is recommended…

Price: Free entry
Location: Leica Store, 12 Pak Sha Rd, Causeway Bay
For more information: leegardens.com.hk

Encounters Across Culture
Until 14 Nov
Through The House Collective, formed by a group of art- and design-conscious hotels located across China, comes Encounters Across Culture. Voyaging across four cities including Hong Kong, this biennial series showcases the diverse facets of each through an interactive performance of dance and design. Currently, The Upper House in Hong Kong and Chengdu’s The Temple House combine to give the stage to ballerina Hennes Yuen and hip-hop dancer Wan Siming from their respective cities.

Price: Free entry
Location: The Upper House
For more information: thehousecollective.com

When Form Matters
Until 10 Apr 2022
The pioneer of the New Ink Art Movement in Hong Kong, Lui Shou-kwan, comes under the spotlight in an exhibition tracking his artistic journey to Zen painting. The Hong Kong Museum of Art displays 41 paintings from its archives and 11 works loaned from the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Works by Lui’s peers and students are also presented in this long-running showcase, which pays tribute to the father of modern ink art in Hong Kong and his contribution to art education.

Price: Free entry
Location: Hong Kong Museum of Art
For more information: hk.art.museum

How well do you know ‘The Suicide Squad’ actress Margot Robbie?

There’s no denying that Australia churns out more than its fair share of A-list actresses. From the chameleonic charm of Cate Blanchett to the ephemeral elegance of Nicole Kidman, screen sirens from Down Under have found wider fame in Hollywood. Headlining among a new generation of Australian talent to make their mark on the red carpet of Tinseltown is Queensland-born Margot Robbie.

Having her start in showbiz with a three-year stint as Donna Freedman in the long-running Aussie soap, Neighbours – a show that catapulted other eventual stars like Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth to Hollywood – Robbie hit the big leagues with such blockbusters as The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Suicide Squad (2016) and I, Tonya (2017), for which she picked up an Oscar nomination. On her welcome return to the silver screen in a familiar role as DC Extended Universe supervillain Harley Quinn, we delve into some lesser-known facts about this talented thespian.

Father from her Mind
Until roughly five years ago, all that was known about Margot Robbie’s father publicly was that he was a ‘former farm-owner’. It wasn’t until 2016 that Aussie magazine New Idea revealed his true identity: sugarcane tycoon Doug Robbie. Perhaps this oversight was deliberate on the actress’s part; after all, he abandoned her and three siblings when she was still a toddler. The two remain estranged to this day – it was her mother who walked her down the aisle when she wed British film producer Tom Ackerley – and when asked in an interview about the qualities she’d inherited from her dad, she fired back, “None. Nothing. I’m not like him at all.”

Margot the Maggot
Despite her status as a gorgeous Hollywood star today, Margot Robbie’s childhood classmates notoriously christened her “Maggot”, a nickname that stuck for years. Recalling this uncomfortable moniker, she has lamented, “‘Maggot’ started when I was five, in Grade One, and I detested it. By the time I was eight, I realised it wasn’t going anywhere so I embraced it, but when I moved to Melbourne [to begin acting], people started calling me it and I hadn’t even told them it was my nickname!”

Slap in the Face
Playing the character of Naomi Lapaglia, wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort, in The Wolf of Wall Street is undeniably the role that got Robbie noticed. But her method of landing the part was unusual, to say the least. It was her unscripted slapping of the Titanic leading man in an argument scene while auditioning that wowed director Martin Scorsese and landed her the role. Recalling her momentous decision, she said: “In my head I was like, ‘You have literally 30 seconds left in this room and if you don’t do something impressive nothing will ever come of it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, just take it.’”

No More Nudity
For that same role, Robbie – who until this point had maintained a sweet, girl-next-door image – performed a sex scene atop a pile of money that required full-frontal nudity. But appearing in the buff was so uncomfortable for her that she even lied to her parents about the graphic scenes. In order to avoid any awkward embarrassment, she convinced them that CGI had been used to fit her head to another actor’s body. It’s no surprise, then, that when Hugh Hefner reached out to her to appear nude on Playboy for a substantial amount of money, she turned him down. Interestingly, the scene led to ‘a million paper cuts’, with the star quipping afterwards: “If anyone is ever planning to have sex on top of a pile of cash: don’t.”

Trapeze Act
Whereas many young girls enjoy learning to dance, sing or play a musical instrument, fearless young Margot bucked the trend with a rather unusual passion – trapezing. At the age of just eight, she was enrolled by her mother in a circus school where she received a ‘trapeze certificate’. However, her love of acrobatics was soon replaced with an inclination towards acting. Years later, she began to have recurring dreams of flying through the air under the Big Top. “I couldn’t stop thinking about that stupid dream,” she recalled. “I feel like I missed my calling.” It was this sense of incompleteness that would eventually push Robbie to return to trapeze classes.

Drunk Tattooing
In addition to being a bona-fide trapeze artist, Robbie has also dabbled in tattooing. In fact, she even inked her Suicide Squad co-star Cara Delevingne and writer-director David Ayer. However, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she revealed that she’d given up the hobby after drunkenly tattooing a friend during a bachelorette party. “She walked down the aisle as one of the maids of honour in a backless dress and had this red, raw, scabbing tattoo and her mum was filthy with me … she was so angry and I thought, I really shouldn’t do this anymore,” laughed Robbie.

Suicide Stunts
In a serendipitous coincidence, the actress’s circus skills would come in handy when she landed her now-iconic role as Harley Quinn. Always a competitive spirit, though, she took things even further by performing many of her own stunts when filming Suicide Squad, including an intense fight scene which required her to hold her breath for minutes on end. Ultimately, her record was a staggering five minutes, though only one minute’s worth was actually used in the final cut. Recalling the intense physical acting by one of his leads, Ayer commented: “She has ridiculous depth, and she’s never been coddled, so she’s very physically courageous. The things she was doing herself as stunts, you wouldn’t believe. There’s only a handful of actors who do that sort of work themselves.”

Quinn-tessential Mismatch
Interestingly, despite the role having cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s major players, Robbie was not enamoured with the character of Harley Quinn, particularly her psychopathic personality. “I thought, I have nothing in common with her. I hate her,” she later said. “It was a really tricky one to get my head around.” Thankfully, she bit the bullet and accepted the part. Not only did this lead to Suicide Squad raking in nearly US$750 million at the box office, it spawned a 2020 spin-off, Birds of Prey, focusing solely on Quinn. Building on this commercial success, she’s reprised the role for a third time in yet another standalone sequel – rather unimaginatively titled The Suicide Squad – which premiered last month. Clearly, regardless of whether she’s overcome her Harley ambivalence or not, Margot Robbie knows which side her bread is buttered on…

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

Art Next Expo 2021: A close focus on over 70 Hong Kong artists

If there is anything the last two trying years have proved, it is that art plays an ever more crucial role in times of change and adversity, and that the global pandemic had not dampened the determination and motivation of artistic talents in Hong Kong, Asia’s rising capital of art. Rather, it has demonstrated the pursuit for the arts and the focus and heightened interests in local artists are more prevalent than ever.

Following a series of art months, the 2021 Art Next Expo arrives without hesitation to deliver its 4th Edition of Art next Expo and Art Next Artist Awards, an exciting 3-day affair that will provide a platform for artists, galleries, institutions and collectors to connect and be inspired.

“Although the pandemic has impacted global economy, the international art market continues to show strong signs of recovery, and we are particularly excited to see that more and more Hong Kong collectors are interested in the works of local artists”, said Ms. Judy Inn, Director of Art Next, “We believe art lovers will value the opportunity to meet the artists in person at the Expo.”

Set to open its doors on 8 October until 10 October at the Lanson Place, Causeway Bay, visitors can expect to delight in an immersive and interactive three-day art fair that will showcase over 70 artists in three series:

Art Next Artists Series:
Providing young and emerging talents of diverse styles, mediums and backgrounds an opportunity to compete for the Art Next Artist Awards, the winner of the competition will be granted a 3-month sponsored residence programme by Taipei Artist Village.

The winner will be selected by a panel of artists and art scholars, such Professor Tang Hoi Chiu, Professor TANG Hoi Chiu, Adjunct Professor of Academy of Visual Arts at The Baptist University of Hong Kong;; art collector and artist Mrs. Celcilia Cheung; renowned Chinese ink painter Mr. He Baili; renowned artist and curator Dr. Tang Ying Chi among many others.

Diversity Series:
Presenting the latest works by six embroidery artists that integrate diverse and contemporary motifs and themes into this traditional medium, exploring the limit of embroidery art as a form of art expression and fostering its appreciation by the public. This engaging exhibition is organized by Jun Enterprise, an organization dedicated to promoting embroidery art. Besides embroidery art, the Diversity Series also features contemporary ink works, geometric paintings, leather painting and artworks related to cheongsam (traditional Chinese costume).

Special Project Series – Next+ :
Next Mart is a fun thematic exhibition co-curated by artists Angel Hui Hoi Kiu and KC Wong to showcase 80+ pieces of pop art and trendy art toys, including paintings, sculptures, and lifestyle goods, from 11 artists, and installations of immersive innovative multimedia works by graduates of prestigious universities.

To top it off, Art Next has specially curated the works of a group of celebrated local artists working in a variety of mediums, such as Chui Pui Chee, Aries Wu Chun Yin, Chan Sai Lok, Victor Chu Chi Kuen and Chung Wai Lun, who will showcase their latest works to visitors of the Expo.

For more information, please visit www.artnextexpo.com

Five hot reads to pick up for International Literacy Day

The International Literacy Day which falls on September 8th, is a global occasion to celebrate and encourage the development of a more literate society. In the spirit of this novel-friendly UNESCO- marked occasion, Gafencu has shortlisted five riveting and thought-provoking bestsellers worth a read. From a dystopian, sci-fi novel that will change the way you see the world of artificial intelligence to an eye-opening exploration into the multinational conglomerate Amazon, let our list dictate the must-reads of the season.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Acclaimed Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro puts out another compelling fiction that takes readers on a journey through a futuristic dystopian sci-fi story of love, loneliness and how artificial intelligence weaves into the future of human beings. Following humanoid Klara, an artificial friend to 14-year-old Josie, Ishiguro’s novel touches on themes of life with AI, obsolescence and more — changing the way readers view the tech-driven world they live in today.

Educated by Tara Westover
A riveting no.1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Boston Globe Bestseller that recounts the harrowing memoir of the author Tara Westover’s upbringing in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, United States. Here, it is where Westover takes her readers through the extremities of her childhood, from working in her father’s junkyard from a young age to never having entered a classroom until the age of 17 to her eventually breaking away from the teachings and ideals of her father to pursue a formal education and PhD. Yet throughout the book, her voice reveals emotions deeply rooted in loyalty, guilt, shame and love.

Also Read: Ten hottest books to pick up this season

Poet Warrior: A Memoir by Joy Harjo
An inspiring journey through adversity, abuse and loss, Poet Warriors is a memoir presented in the form of a vivid lyrical body of poetry and prose that recounts Joy Harjo’s, the 3-term Native American Poet Laurete, life with her Creek Nation family; the hardships that shaped her literary path and the triumphant recognition of her “poet-warrior” journey as she, throughout the retelling of her trailblazing life, calls for love and justice for all.

Everything and Less: The Novel in the Age of Amazon by Mark McGurl
Amazon has transformed the way people consume the world. The online store that has virtually everything you need also dictates everything you read, as literary critic and author Mark McGurl explains. In this provocative literary history, McGurl delineates just how Amazon’s distribution model and algorithm has dissolution the boundaries of the fiction genre, dictating what and why we read fiction.

Palmares by Gayl Jones
Stirring your sights onto alternative narrations of western culture, ne of the most anticipated American literature this fall is a compelling novel that follows Almeyda, a slave girl, set in 17th-century colonial Brazil as she braves through slavery and liberation to find her husband. This heroic mythology and magical rendering of a black slave girl marks the first (out of 5 book) new works by a major voice in American literature in over 20 years, Gayl Jones, who has been described as one of the greatest literary writers of the 20th century.

Also Read: New Netflix shows to binge in 2021

Central market gets a HK$500 million makeover — here’s what to expect

After three years of construction, rehabilitation, conservation and HK$500 million, the Central-set heritage building has finally reopened its doors to the public as a 21st Century Marketplace. Putting a close focus on local businesses and community building, it completes a “Heritage Triangle” between the redeveloped Police Married Quarters (PMQ) and the heritage-arts compound, Tai Kwun Centre.

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A brief history
The Grade III Heritage Building was Hong Kong’s first modern wet market. Opened in 1842, the building was fully functional for more than six decades before the local government handed over the landmark site to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) with the aim of revitalising the property under the new “Conserving Central” initiative. The 82-year old market, transformed in to a vibrant community hotspot, reopened its doors to the public on 23 August 2021 and is now jointly managed by the URA and Chinachem Group.

Million-dollar makeover
Pulling back the curtain on this million-dollar makeover – or rather HK$500 million – 13 out of the than 200 original market stalls and the colonial flair in the architecture has been retained, albeit with a fresh face.

255 market stalls have been reconstructed into a “boundary-less spatial concept” with open storefronts, a semi-open courtyard and two levels of shopping, artisanal dining and events space for community building exercises. The venue breathes life into the area as it reflects the city’s spirit of innovation, vibrant energy and eclectic drive for new experiences.

Also Read: The most iconic buildings designed by international designers in Hong Kong

Shopping & Dining
Putting a close focus on showcasing homegrown talents and small businesses in retail and the food and beverage industry, visitors can expect to find local startup brands like zero-waste grocery Slowood and Mak’s Beer, Artisan coffees such as Chart Coffee and aisle-after-aisle of small businesses, like jewellery brand M Jade, as well as high-end grocery store Chef’s Market.

A playground for all
Chinachem Group stated that, along with the URA, it hoped to turn the Central Market into a “playground for all” as seen with its various event spaces. The ground-level courtyard is decorated with lush greenery with a small garden of flowers on each end, the space replete with motion sensor system, LED projection wall and wireless network coverage has been redefined for community performances. The first level also features a 2,500 sq.ft multi-functional event space for open forums, exhibitions, and cultural performances for every age group.

A stroll through the past
Lining the walls of the first level, of what used to be the Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade, visitors can walk through the history of the building and experience its heritage through old photographs, information panels and QR codes that explain the various areas and features of the building.

Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
For more information: centralmarket.hk

Photos courtesy of Chinachem Group

Also Read: Hong Kong’s heritage restaurants