Hong Kong Filmmaker Ann Hui to be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK
Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). This recognition adds to her illustrious career accolades, including the career Golden Lion from the Venice Film Festival.
The award, which includes a cash prize of INR1 million ($12,000), a sculpture, and a citation, will be presented to Hui by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the festival’s opening ceremony on Dec. 13 at Thiruvananthapuram’s Nishagandhi Auditorium.
At 77, Hui is a pivotal figure in Asian cinema, known for her contributions to the Hong Kong New Wave movement. Throughout her five-decade career, she has focused on social issues, particularly women’s experiences in Hong Kong society, exploring themes like gender discrimination and the cultural shifts during Hong Kong’s transition from British colonial rule to Chinese sovereignty.
Born in Anshan, China in 1947, Hui moved to Hong Kong in 1952. After obtaining a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Hong Kong and completing studies at the London Film School in 1975, she began her directorial journey at Television Broadcasts Limited. Her debut feature “The Secret” in 1979 marked the beginning of a prolific career spanning 26 feature films, two documentaries, and numerous short films.
Hui’s films have been showcased at major international festivals, with titles like “Boat People” (1982) and “Song of the Exile” (1990) screening at Cannes, and “Summer Snow” (1995) and “Ordinary Heroes” (1999) premiering at Berlin. Recent works such as “A Simple Life” (2011) and “The Golden Era” (2014) debuted at Venice, making her the only filmmaker to win the Hong Kong Film Awards’ Best Director prize six times.
During the IFFK, five of Hui’s films will be screened from Dec. 13-20: “July Rhapsody,” “Boat People,” “Eighteen Springs,” “A Simple Life,” and “The Postmodern Life of My Aunt.”
Past recipients of the IFFK Lifetime Achievement Award include renowned filmmakers like Mrinal Sen, Werner Herzog, and Jean-Luc Godard, highlighting the esteemed company Hui now joins.
Hui’s career has been adorned with honors, including the 2020 Venice Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, the 1997 Berlinale Camera Award, the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award at the 2014 Busan Film Festival, and the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York Asian Film Festival.
FAQs
1. Who is Ann Hui?
Ann Hui is a celebrated Hong Kong filmmaker known for her contributions to the Hong Kong New Wave movement and her focus on social issues in her films.
2. What is the Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK?
The Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK is a prestigious recognition given to filmmakers for their outstanding contributions to cinema.
3. What are some of Ann Hui’s notable works?
Some of Ann Hui’s notable works include “Boat People,” “A Simple Life,” and “The Golden Era,” which have been showcased at major international film festivals.
4. How many films has Ann Hui directed?
Ann Hui has directed 26 feature films, two documentaries, and numerous short films throughout her career.
5. When will Ann Hui receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK?
Ann Hui will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala on Dec. 13.
6. What sets Ann Hui apart as a filmmaker?
Ann Hui’s focus on social issues, particularly women’s experiences in Hong Kong society, and her consistent exploration of relevant themes make her a standout filmmaker in the industry.
7. What are some of the international accolades Ann Hui has received?
Ann Hui has been honored with awards like the Venice Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award at the Busan Film Festival.
8. Which films of Ann Hui will be screened at IFFK?
Five of Ann Hui’s films, including “July Rhapsody” and “A Simple Life,” will be screened during the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala.
9. Who are some previous recipients of the IFFK Lifetime Achievement Award?
Previous recipients of the IFFK Lifetime Achievement Award include filmmakers like Werner Herzog, Jean-Luc Godard, and Mrinal Sen.
10. What is the significance of Ann Hui receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK?
Ann Hui’s receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK further solidifies her status as a pioneering filmmaker in Asian cinema and recognizes her impactful contributions to the industry.
Tags:
Film, Ann Hui, IFFK, Lifetime Achievement Award, Hong Kong, Asian Cinema