The first Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Saudi Arabia made its debut in Riyadh from June 12 to 14, introducing contemporary Hong Kong cinema to local audiences and marking a new chapter in cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai and creative industry partners, the three-day event showcased four recent Hong Kong productions spanning action, suspense and human drama.

Nearly 200 guests attended the opening reception, where filmmakers Njo Kui-ying and Chou Man-yu met audiences and shared insights into their creative work. Opening film “Road to Vendetta” received its Middle East premiere to a full house, while additional screenings included “Behind the Shadows”, “Ciao UFO” and “Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert”.

Post-screening discussions offered audiences a closer look at Hong Kong’s filmmaking landscape, highlighting growing opportunities for collaboration and deeper connections between the region’s film industries.