Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival

Overview

Celebrating the Unique Voices of the World “When it comes to rich artistic experiences, Hong Kong does, in fact, have some hidden treasures. [...] The Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival is kind of like Sundance or Cannes Film Festival, but scaled down to what is still a relatively underground event.” Thanks to #legend for the exposure and the kind words. We're blushing! Listed as one of the best Hong Kong film festivals by Honeycombers. "While the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival isn’t that old, the quality of films presented is still top-notch." Also 'Localiiz, Living in Hong Kong' named it as one of the best Hong Kong film festivals. The Beat referred to our festival as "the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival is not just a place to share films, but a safe haven for filmmakers to connect, share, and learn." At its heart, art is about celebrating the unique voice and message that we each possess. Sometimes loud, often quiet, occasionally bold and brash, and perhaps even shy, that singular voice should speak to others and by doing so, help them to better see themselves. This vision of film as a medium that inspires and challenges - and supporting the filmmakers who create these works - is the mission of the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival. Founded in 2015 as a film festival designed to support filmmakers regardless of their budgets, this underground festival celebrates the best of contemporary independent filmmaking. Its works bridge a wide variety of genres - short films, drama, experimental, comedy, horror, slow cinema, sci fi, fantasy, animation, documentary, and more. A PREMIER SETTING Now entering its 13th year, the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival has evolved to a rare underground event at a premier setting - the Emperor Cinemas. Add to this the fact that Hong Kong has rapidly become an epicenter in the art world, and it’s apparent that the prestige of the location and the potential of showing work in Asia – with all the distribution opportunities the continent offers – is appealing to a whole new class of filmmakers. That vision goes back to the heart of the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival: exploring the world in which we live and the unique voices within it that are screaming to gain attention and have an impact on both hearts and lives. Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival takes pride in its astute selection process. It is known for discovering hidden gems that later go on to successfully thrive at A-list festivals, with some films even catching the eye of the Academy Awards. All screenings will take place at Emperor Cinemas. Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival is - Named as one of the Top 50 Emerging Film Festivals worldwide by Final Cut Magazine. - A Cannes International Film Week© qualifying film festival - An IMDB qualifying film festival PROUD PARTNER OF THE BIGGER SCREEN Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival is supported by The Bigger Screen, an organization that aims to make film as an art form more accessible and more inclusive. A short overview of their projects: - SUPPORTING FILM FESTIVALS: Film festivals are not only a place to share films, but they are a safe haven for film makers to connect, share, and learn. The Bigger Screens supports and engages with over 25 respected international film festivals from mainstays like the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival to emerging events such as the Venice Film Week and The Producer’s Night Los Angeles. These events bring filmmakers and filmgoers together, providing that place to connect and engage in a comfortable setting, away from Hollywood glitz and glamour. - CONNECTING CULTURES PROGRAM: Each year, The Bigger Screen selects at least ten countries and grants filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission. Check out https://www.connectingculturesprogram.com to see if your country is included in this year’s program and submit your work for free. - LOCAL FILMMAKERS PROGRAM: To encourage rising talent, we lowered the festival submission fee to local talent and even made it for free when submitted before the Extreme Early Bird Deadline. This provides a great opportunity for local filmmakers to enter the international film scene. Think global, act local, right? - INCLUSIVE AUDIENCE PROGRAM: Our screenings are always low or even free of charge to provide opportunity for interested film goers to view up and coming, challenging, and inspiring pieces of art, encouraging students, seniors, and those in underprivileged environments to share the experience of film and cinema. We welcome film goers, regardless of income and financial status. - THE TARKOVSKI GRANT: All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $500. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length.

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Trust Signals

Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Thanks for giving my short film the award of Best Experimental Film. Great experience.

• Filmmaker

  "I sincerely thank you for screening my film. As a filmmaker, it has always been both my goal and my dream to have my work presented overseas, and thanks to you, that dream has come true. I have been deeply encouraged and will strive to return with even greater works."

• Filmmaker

  My first time showing in this part of the world and absolutely delighted to have been awarded Best Experimental Film for my short "The Journey" thank you to everyone connected with the festival

• Filmmaker

  I am very honored and grateful for the Official Selection of my film OTTILIE MOORE'S PROTÉGÉ CHARLOTTE SALOMON streaming worldwide July7th through August 6th, 2026 through the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival website. This selection provides significant exposure for the film during the festival, along with Tarkovski Grant (festival waiver worth $500 in submission fees at numerous quality festivals). The festival is professionally curated, and the organizers are focused on supporting independent filmmakers during and beyond the timeline of the festival. Thank you for all.

• Filmmaker

  Very Happy to have our Chinese premiere at the Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival! Would have loved to be there!

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