Hong Kong Film Gala 2026: Six Must-See Films Showcased in Dubai

Dubai, 9 Nov 2026: 

Dubai welcomed the best of contemporary Hong Kong cinema as the 6th Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned for a three-day showcase from 6 to 8 November 2026. Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy in collaboration with Cinema Akil, the programme featured six films spanning action, crime, dark comedy, animation and romance.

Celebrating six consecutive years in Dubai, the event offered audiences an opportunity to experience the creativity and storytelling of Hong Kong filmmakers. This edition also introduced outdoor screenings, including a special presentation of Jackie Chan’s classic action film Police Story beneath the Dubai night sky.

The programme opened on 6 November at Cinema Akil’s 25hours Hotel Dubai venue with Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024), directed by Soi Cheang. Set in the legendary Kowloon Walled City, the action film follows a young man caught in a dangerous world of rival gangs, unexpected friendships and fierce battles. The film became one of Hong Kong’s biggest domestic box-office successes and won eight awards at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards.

On 7 November, the programme moved to Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue with Dog Day Evening (2026), the feature directorial debut of award-winning screenwriter Mak Tin Shu. Blending crime drama and dark comedy, the film follows a frustrated customer who takes employees hostage over a television subscription cancellation.

The same evening, audiences enjoyed Police Story (1985), directed by and starring Jackie Chan, at The Yard at Alserkal Avenue. Known for its daring practical stunts and high-energy action, the film remains one of the defining works of Hong Kong action cinema.

The evening concluded with Dead End (2026), Isabella Lam Lok-hin’s feature debut. The psychological mystery follows a programmer whose life changes when a teenager claiming to be his half-brother arrives, bringing painful family memories back to the surface.

The final day, 8 November, featured Another World (2026), an animated fantasy drama directed by Tommy Ng Kai Chung. The film explores themes of death, grief and reincarnation through the journey of a spirit guiding souls towards their next lives.

The festival closed with The Dating Menu (2026), directed by Amos Why and Frankie Chung. Combining romance and food, the film explores modern relationships through a private chef’s dates and specially prepared meals inspired by Hong Kong’s culinary culture.

Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil, said the partnership continues to bring audiences closer to Hong Kong cinema. She highlighted the outdoor screening of Police Story as a special addition, while noting the creativity and variety of the remaining films.

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation is a touring programme organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy to introduce Hong Kong filmmaking talent to international audiences. The 2026 Dubai edition was financially supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Film Development Fund and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai.

Tickets were priced at AED 67.20, including VAT, and screenings took place at Cinema Akil’s venues at Alserkal Avenue and 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central.