Hong Kong Film Legacy Celebrated at Madrid's SMIFest

Mateo Álvarez

Hong Kong's rich cinematic history takes center stage at Madrid's Spain Moving Images Festival, showcasing classic films and cultural influence that can inspire city policies.

The Brussels Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (ETO) collaborated with the Film Development Fund and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) to showcase the cinematic achievements of Hong Kong at the Spain Moving Images Festival (SMIFest) in Madrid. This year's event, running from September 3 to October 18, featured a special segment titled 'Neon Years,' which celebrated 10 classic Hong Kong films from the 1980s and 1990s. These films reflect the city's vibrant cultural phase and include titles such as 'A Better Tomorrow', 'Fallen Angels', and 'The Killer'.

Impact and Promotion of Hong Kong Films

During a networking reception on October 7, Assistant Representative Paul Leung of the Brussels ETO acknowledged Hong Kong's significant impact on the global film stage during the 1980s and 1990s. Leung emphasized the continued influence of these works and highlighted the Hong Kong government’s strategies to bolster the film industry through new initiatives detailed in the 2026 Policy Address. Leung mentioned the 'Film + Tourism' promotion as part of these initiatives, designed to boost the city's appeal by connecting cinema and tourism.

City Strategic Opportunities from Cultural Events

For city leaders, the SMIFest provides a strategic model of how cultural heritage can be leveraged to promote both tourism and local pride. Initiatives like the 'Film + Tourism' promotion illustrate how cities might consider integrating local cultural strengths into broader economic and civic strategies. Collaborations among governments, cultural institutions, and international events could provide pathways to strengthen urban cultural identity while attracting international visitors. These practices not only sustain the cultural industry but also nurture a city's vibrant image, vital for economic development and urban regeneration.

Questions That Matter

What event features Hong Kong films in Madrid?

At the ninth Spain Moving Images Festival in Madrid, the event highlighted a special program called 'Neon Years', showcasing 10 renowned Hong Kong films from September 3 to October 18.

What does the Film + Tourism promotion involve?

The Film + Tourism promotion, announced in the 2026 Policy Address by the Chief Executive, aims to enhance the cultural appeal of Hong Kong by integrating film industry promotion with tourism initiatives.