INK Asia 2016
The second iteration of the only expo devoted to contemporary ink art returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this month. A grand total of more than 50 art galleries and organisations – including the very finest examples from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and Singapore – will showcase some 1,000 works of modern and contemporary ink art at this year’s show – INK Asia 2016.
The event represents a unique collaboration of scholars, curators and galleries from across Asia, all united in presented a number of specially themed exhibitions, including Chinese Contemporary Calligraphy, Taiwan Pavilion and Ink+, with the latter featuring art works from across a variety of media, including painting, calligraphy, photography, prints, Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Date: 16-18 December (private preview and vernissage on 15 Dec)
Enquiries: 3107 0681
Website: www.inkasiahk.com
Wicked
This musical retelling of The Wizard of Oz, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, is set to Defy Gravity on a Hong Kong stage.
Venue: Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Date: 8 December – 8 January
Enquiries: 2584 8500
Website: www.hkapa.edu
Hong Kong French Film Festival
Ah, the French. Nobody makes films quite like them. The absurdity, the farce, the sex, the high drama – and more plot twists than your average US Election. All in all, they certainly have a well-earned reputation for making rather engaging movies, something that is perfectly exemplified by this year’s superb selection of cinematic gems being presented as part of the Hong Kong French Film Festival.
A true highlight of this year’s event is Planetarium, a French-Belgium drama starring Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Zoolander) and Lily-Rose Depp – daughter of Johnny Depp – as a pair of psychic sisters in pre-WWII France. Directed by Rebecca Ziotowski, this sensual tale of intrigue debuted at the Venice Film Festival to rave reviews.
All-in-all, there’s 48 films to choose from at the three-week long festival. So, whether you just have a passing interest in foreign films or are an avid Francophile cinephile, there’s something here apt to tickle your fancy.
Venue: Selected Hong Kong cinemas
Date: Until 14 December
Tickets: Hong Kong City Hall and Hong Kong Film Archive
Website: www.hkfrenchfilmfestival.com/
DJ Snake
The French DJ behind top club hits like “Turn Down For What” and “Lean On” (in collaboration with Major Lazer and MØ) comes to Macau.
Venue: Club Civic, Level 2, The Shops at The Boulevard, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau
Date: 7 December, 10 pm
Enquiries: +853 6638 4999
Website: www.cubic-cod.com
Hong Kong Story Corner
This is the first exhibition by Hong Kong illustrator Don Mak. It comprises a series of six illustrations, each depicts one particular post-1960’s period, with images of street corners and intersections representing time’s turning points in Hong Kong. Although the landscape, people and buildings change, each piece maintains similar themes, capturing the unique Hong Kong character and identity that has passed through generations.
The works for this exhibition were all illustrated in watercolour with digital modification, ultimately then rendered as etchings.
Venue: G/F, 14 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai
Date: 29 November – 15 December
Time: Tue to Sat 12:00-19:30; Sun & Public Holidays 12:00-19:00
Enquiries: 2529 3955
Website: www.oddoneout.hk
The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice
A magical performance on ice showcasing a full lineup of Disney characters, both classic and new, including Mickey and Goofy, Dory and Nemo, Anna and Elsa, and many more.
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai
Date: 8-11 December
Enquiries: 2525 7406
Website: www.hkticketing.com/events/WCTHEWO1216P
The Great European Carnival
A whirlwind of thrilling rides, carnival games, live local and international musical acts, comedy performers, an enormous outdoor ice rink and food from around the world.
Venue: Central Waterfront Event Space
Date: 16 December – 12 February
Enquiries: 2524 6433
Website: www.tgec.asia
Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker
Featuring Russian composer Tchaikovsky’s magical score, The Nutcracker is the perfect festive family treat, complete with a cast of colourful characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and the Rat King.
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre
Date: 16-25 December
Enquiries: Online submission
Website: www.hkballet.com
Longines International Jockeys’ Championship
This annual event is back again with a four-race opener, showcasing the best jockeys the city has to offer.
Venue: Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley
Date: 7 December
Enquiries: Online submission
Website: www.hkjc.com
A Master Class with Nina Gold
Presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in partnership with the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, this is a rare opportunity to spend an evening with Nina Gold, an award-winning British casting director. Over the course of her illustrious career, Nina has cast a variety of critically acclaimed television series and movies, including The King’s Speech, The Imitation Game and – most popular of all – Game of Thrones. This year, she was honoured with a BAFTA special award for her outstanding contribution to casting more than 100 television and film productions. Learn the intriguing secrets of casting for the big screen from a true master of the craft, as she candidly shares her insights for one night only.
Venue: Drama Theatre, HK Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai
Date: 15 December, 6:30 pm
Enquiries: RSVP to events@bafta.org