Category: Social Calendar

What to watch at the cinema this September

In the wake of August’s typhoons, the cinema certainly acted as the perfect getaway from the wet and wild weather. With more heavy showers likely to follow in the coming weeks, here are our recommendations for must-see movies of September covering the extreme ends of the realism spectrum, from powerful documentaries to escapist fiction.

It

The long-awaited film adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic 1986 novel It follows the plight of an entourage of misfit teenagers who club together to ward off a demon incarnated as a child-killing clown. Due to the story’s cultish appeal, which was also fuelled by the controversial sightings of pranksters posing as killer clowns in the US during 2016, box office trackers predict that It will attract a record-breaking US$60 million in its opening weekend. See it if you dare.

Beaufort scale: 11, violent storm
In theatres 7 September

Baby Driver

Not your typical action movie, The Guardian describes Baby Driver as a “romantic musical disguised as a car-chase thriller”. Its protagonist Baby (played by Ansel Elgort) suffers from tinnitus and orchestrates his life of joyriding, romantic pursuit and facing his nemesis (played by Kevin Spacey) against his playlist of carefully-selected soundtracks. As a result, action sequences and slower-paced character interactions alike are juxtaposed against modern music hits in perfect synergy. A must-see for music lovers and those who want to experience a more playful approach to a predictable genre.

Beaufort scale: 8, fresh gale
In theatres 14 September

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

Following Hong Kong’s T10 typhoon in August and the devastation of hurricane Harvey in Texas, the release of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power comes at an appropriate time. A decade on from the 2006 release of An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore returns with another hard-hitting documentary on climate change, capturing his efforts to persuade global leaders to invest in renewable energies, culminating in the signing of the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement. Al Gore’s sequel is compulsory viewing for diehard docu fans and for viewers who wish to stay woke on how our planet is faring.

Beaufort scale: 12, hurricane force
In theatres 14 September

The Lego Ninjago Movie

For something more light-hearted and child-friendly, a spin-off sequel to the original Lego movie promises more of the same wacky entertainment. Centred on a group of lego-fied teenagers, they cope with the pressures of high school by day, but by night, they’re ninjas, tasked with protecting their island home Ninjago from Garmadon, The Worst Guy Ever, who just so happens to be the main character’s father. Jackie Chan voices the eccentric Sensei Wu who guides the team to hopeful victory.

Beaufort scale: 2, light breeze
In theatres 28 September

Text: Martin Reid

What to see and do in Hong Kong this August

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in Hong Kong this August. This month sees the opening of two music festivals and DNCE and LANY will perform live. Not to forget Dancing Queen, the bubbly musical production that has just the right amount of summer sprinkle.

   

DNCE Live in Hong Kong

DNCE, the band behind platinum-selling single Cake by the Ocean, is coming to Hong Kong on 14 August. The dance-rock band will only be in Hong Kong for one day, so fans should try and snap up tickets as soon as possible.

Venue: Macpherson Stadium
Date: 14 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: https://www.livenation.asia/venue/849542/macpherson-stadium-tickets

LANY Live in Hong Kong

Los Angeles-based LANY is coming to Hong Kong for the first time, after performing in numerous countries including the UK, Australia and the Philippines. LANY, which is an acronym for America’s star cities – Los Angeles and New York – is best known for the electronic-dance single ILYSB from their debut EP.

Venue: Music Zone @ E-max
Date: 8 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: https://www.livenation.asia/show/983683/lany-live-in-hong-kong-2017/hong%20kong/2017-08-08/en

Hong Kong Summer Bachata & Kizomba Festival

Celebrating its third anniversary this year, the Summer Bachata and Kizomba Festival returns to Hong Kong and invites all dance lovers to watch, learn and dance in its annual celebration of Bachata and Kizomba.

The festival will feature different dance styles and genres including urban bachata, sensual bachata, tarraxinha, kizomba, semba and Brazilian zouk.

Venue: Lee Tung Avenue
Date: 11 – 13 August
Enquiries: hksbkfestival@gmail.com
Website: http://hksbkfestival.simdif.com/

Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival

To celebrate reggae and all its glory, some of Asia’s finest bands –  including NST and Soul Sauce from Korea, Beat Bahnhof from Japan, and Red I and MC Rastro from the Philippines – are on their way to Hong Kong to participate in Hong Kong’s second international Reggae Ska Festival.

The festival will also feature The Groove Thief from the USA, Smiley Song from Korea and Alex Croft from the UK.

Venue: PMQ, Central
Date: 20 August
Enquiries: modsoundpromotion@gmail.com
Website: http://www.pmq.org.hk/event/endless-summer-hong-kong-international-reggae-ska-festival/

Dancing Queen

Escape to a Greek island with the musical theatre production Dancing Queen. The musical tells the story of Sophie, who attempts to find out the identity of her father before her wedding day by inviting three of her mother’s past lovers to her wedding. A light and breezy tale filled with laughter, love and friendship, Dancing Queen also features vibrant pop songs.  

Venue: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Drama Theatre
Date: August 5
Enquiries: +852 9493 8976
Website: http://www.hkticketing.com/events/WCDANCI0817

Text: Sadia Lima

Dare to dream: Aspiring photographers invited to apply for Sony World Photography Awards 2018

 

It is clear just by looking at the number of Instagram accounts with stunning photos that Hong Kong is a city bursting with aspiring photographers.

These talented photographers, along with others from all over the world, can now enter the Sony World Photography Awards, which recently launched its 2018 edition.

The annual awards is hosted by the World Photography Organisation and provides an important platform for photographers of different age groups, including students and teenagers.

Applicants can apply to one of the following competitions – Professional, Open, Youth, and Student Focus.

Next year’s competitions see the addition of two new categories – Creative and Discovery.

This year’s winner, Frederik Buyckx, says winning encouraged him to continue following his dreams and work on more projects.

“Being named Photographer of the Year has given me more exposure than I could ever have imagined,” says Buyckx. “It has opened lots of new doors but, just as importantly, the award has also encouraged me to keep on working on my personal projects.”

Winners will be granted monetary rewards and digital imaging equipment to encourage them to pursue their photographic aspirations.

Click here for more information.

Celebrity chefs work with local farmers to create organic and creative dishes

Renowned chefs Gabriel Choy, Hilda Leung and Doris Wong will grace the Tong Chong street market this summer where they will use fresh produce to create healthy dishes.

The famous chefs will also talk about the latest food trends to inspire their audience to cook and eat healthier.

The freshly-prepared meals will be both simple and affordable and will be sold exclusively at the farmers’ stalls.

Local and seasonal produce will be sold from 25 July to 29 September at 12 to 6pm.

In addition, a watermelon festival will also be taking place at Taikoo Place on 26 July where people can sample some of the best watermelons.

 

John Lennon’s psychedelic Rolls-Royce Phantom V heads back to London

 

The colourful Rolls-Royce Phantom V, previously owned by the late Lennon, will be part of The Great Eight Phantoms – a Rolls-Royce Exhibition, in London.

Currently the property of the Royal British Columbia Museum in Canada, the John Lennon Phantom V was customised by the singer to include a television, a telephone and a refrigerator, among other items.

In April 1967, Lennon decided to repaint the car in a psychedelic colour scheme days before the universal release of Sgt. Pepper’s, in what many people believed to be a nod to the overall concept of the album.

Before finding its current residence in Canada in 1977, where it was donated by billionaire Jim Pattison, the Rolls-Royce was shipped to the USA in 1970 when Lennon moved there.

The Great Eight Phantoms – a Rolls-Royce Exhibition, will take place at Bonhams international flagship saleroom and galleries in New Bond Street, London, from 29 July to the 2 August.

Artist Walter Poon’s streetscapes show a different Hong Kong

The bustling streets of Hong Kong with imposing buildings and colourful day-to-day scenes have been captured numerous times by artists and photographers. However, this didn’t deter artist Walter Poon from creating a new series of streetscapes which he layered on top of old local newspapers.

Under the Stroke of Water Poon – Hong Kong・Singapore features familiar subject matters — the Star Ferry, the trams and the Merlion of Singapore — but by using old newspapers with cultural values embedded in them, Poon hopes to make people look at the paintings in a different way.

The exhibition runs until 24 October, and forms part of UOB Art Academy’s art programmes. Some of the proceeds from the sales of the artworks and the collectible catalogue designed by Poon will go to Caring for Children Foundation and Evangel Children’s Home for children.

Date: Until 24 October

Time: 11:00am – 8:00pm daily (except Wednesdays)

Venue: UOB Art Space uniquely @ REGAL, 2/F., Regal Airport Hotel, 9 Cheong Tat Road, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong

Tai Po Waterfront Park to host Nautique Hong Kong Wakefest

Fans of water sports should head to Tai Po Waterfront Park this weekend to catch wakesurfers and wakeboarders from around the Asia-Pacific region competing at the Nautique Hong Kong Wakefest 2017.

The event, which is also sponsored by Asia Yachting, the exclusive dealer for Nautique boats in Hong Kong, starts with a practice day on 6 July, followed by competition days on 7-9 July.

In wakesurfing and wakeboarding the rider uses the waves made by the boat, but that’s where the similarities end. A wakesurfer rides the wave behind the boat without holding onto a tow line, but a wakeboarder holds the tow line at all times to stay behind the boat and pull off tricks.

The Wakefest will use the Super Air Nautique G23, the official tow boat for the WWA Wakeboard World Championships, as the designated practice boat and tow boat.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Venue: Tai Po Waterfront Park

Date: 6-9 July

Click here for more information about the Nautique Hong Kong Wakefest 2017.

What to see and do in Hong Kong this July

img_6sx2r_eD4J0318_effThe Simon and Garfunkel Story

The Simon and Garfunkel Story is a musical about how two young boys from Queens, New York, became one of the world’s most successful music duos.
The story starts when Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel formed a rock ‘n’ roll duo in the ‘50s called Tom and Jerry. The musical takes audiences through all their classic songs and reenacts the juicier details of their lives, including the group’s dramatic split and their individual solo careers. It ends with a stunning recreation of their legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert.
Through the use of a projector, the production displays photos and film footage from the 1960s, accompanied by a band performing all of Simon and Garfunkel’s hits.

Venue: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre
Date: 29 July – 1 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.hkticketing.com.hk/events/WCSIMON0717

BeerFest 28 Jul Press Conf

Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest

Lan Kwai Fong and beer seem to go hand-in-hand, which is why it’s no surprise that the party hub is hosting the LKF Beer and Music Fest.
The event will showcase different beer brands from around the world, and more than 70 booths will offer delicious foods, beverages and interactive games. There will also be stages featuring various musical performances.

Venue: Lan Kwai Fong
Date: 15-16 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.eventbrite.hk

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Hong Kong Book Fair

Hong Kong is truly abuzz with bookworms if the 2016 edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair is anything to go by. The event last year attracted more than a million visitors over the fair’s seven days.
This year, the 28th edition of the fair invites booksellers and publishers to promote reading and features a number of cultural events.

Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Date: 19-25 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com

Yoga For Dog Lovers - 17 June_path

Yoga for Dog Lovers
Love yoga? Love dogs? Then you’d better head on over to Pure Yoga for their dog-friendly – if the canines are kept on a leash – outdoor class. Instructor Angela Lohse will lead the class, which is being held to support Hong Kong Dog Rescue.

Venue: West Kowloon Cultural District
Date: 8 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.facebook.com/pg/PureYogaOfficial

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Pizzazz!
The China National Acrobatic Troupe, the country’s only national-level group of its kind, will woo crowds in Hong Kong with their daring displays and high-flying moves. The skilled troupe will incorporate dance, music, theatrics and wushu (kung fu) into their show to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Founded 60 years ago, the troupe is renowned for merging contemporary with traditional arts. The show is the opening programme for this year’s International Arts Carnival.

Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Date: 6-9 July
Enquiries: 3761 6661
Website: www.hkiac.gov.hk/2017/en/opening.html

W Hotel pool party
The W Hotel is hosting its summer series of pool parties. The glamourous event will be held at the highest outdoor pool in Hong Kong at the W Hotel, with the after party taking place at the hotel’s Woobar.

Venue: W Hong Kong, Austin Road West, Kowloon
Date: 15 July
Enquiries: 3717 2783
Website: www.ticketflap.com/wpool-2017

Painting with Sound
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will close its 2016/17 season with two world-class harp virtuosos by Isabelle Moretti and Xavier de Maistre.
The skilled musicians will perform music by Debussy and Ravel as well as an enchanting harp and orchestra arrangement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 19. The event will also include free pre-concert talks by music lecturers from Hong Kong and Dublin.

Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Date: 7-8 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.hkphil.org

Photo Caption 1 - Hong Kong Masters 2017 PC

Hong Kong Masters 2017
The Hong Kong Masters will feature nine of the world’s best snooker players together with local favourite Marco Fu in the Main Tournament, and On-Yee Ng in the Exhibition Games. The tournament is also part of celebratory events to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Well-known names like world champion Mark Selby, John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and more will be in Hong Kong for the eagerly anticipated competition.

Venue: Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Date: 20-23 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: N/A

Dunkirk
Based on the true story of the Battle of Dunkirk in France during World War II between the Allies and Nazis, the latest movie by Christopher Nolan is expected to be a huge summer hit. Dunkirk details the pivotal moment in 1940 when retreating allies were surrounded by the advancing German armies and managed to evacuate from the beach using naval and civilian ships. Most of the film’s pre-release hype has centred around the fact that it’s singer Harry Styles’ first foray into the movie world. But with a stellar cast including Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Kenneth Branagh, there is clearly more to Dunkirk than a former boy band member.

Venue: Cinemas HK-wide
Date: 21 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.dunkirkmovie.com

Text: Andrew Scott

Astronauts help Omega celebrate anniversary of Speedmaster

Astronauts have descended on Hong Kong to help Omega celebrate the 60th anniversary of its Speedmaster watch.

The timepiece, which was launched in 1957, was officially tested and qualified by NASA for all manned space missions and became the first watch ever worn on the moon in 1969, which earned its nickname: the “Moonwatch”.

To celebrate the watch’s anniversary, Omega is hosting the Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Exhibition at IFC Mall.

To help advertise the brand’s celebrations, the Omega astronauts have visited various sights in Hong Kong. They have taken part in Tai Chi in Tsim Sha Tsui, sampled some dim sum, explored the city by taxi and tram and visited Man Mo Temple.

OMEGA Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Exhibition

Date: Until 3 July

Opening Hours: 10am-9pm

Venue: Oval Atrium, Podium Level 1, ifc Mall, Central, Hong Kong

Click here to watch the video

K11 Art Foundation presents Cheng Ting Ting’s solo exhibition

K11 Art Foundation (KAF) is currently hosting a solo art exhibition by Hong Kong artist Cheng Ting Ting, titled Enfante. Using paint and oil on canvas, Cheng’s paintings explore the theme of children’s freedom of expression.

Cheng, who is also an art instructor, identifies and celebrates each of her pupil’s unique traits through her paintings. At first glance, the paintings look like a child’s doodles, but they are actually an in-depth commentary on each child’s uniqueness.

For instance, her painting 9 pieces of Jagged Grasses shows grass growing in different directions and it could easily symbolise her pupils, each expressing their individuality in their own way.

Besides the works on display, Cheng will also be painting at the venue.

Exhibition dates: Until 4 August

Opening hours: 10am to 7pm daily

Venue: chi art space, 8/F, New World Tower 2, 18, Queen’s Road Central, Central