AGP Executive Report

Hong Kong Cinema: The city’s film industry made a fresh push overseas, wrapping up its Busan programme with a pavilion and networking events, while five Hong Kong films are screening at Spain’s Sitges festival. Film Icons: Tsui Hark reflected on his career as four of his films were honoured at France’s Lumière Festival. Arts Exchange: The Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo closed after spotlighting international collaboration, and a new Museum of History exhibition explores the legacy of Ta Teh Institute, which operated in Tuen Mun from 1946 to 1949. Screen Culture: Indie film Cyclone explores trauma and desire in the transgender community, while actor Angela Yuen has called for an end to misogyny in Hong Kong’s film industry. City Celebrations: Ocean Park plans new facilities and citywide events for its 50th anniversary.

Film: Hong Kong Cinema @ BUSAN wrapped up after four days, showcasing local films and connecting filmmakers with overseas industry partners. Carer Support: The government says monthly allowances for eligible carers will rise 10% to HK$3,300, with higher payments for those supporting more than one person. Fashion: Designer Kim Jones plans his first global flagship at Central Yards, a two-level, 4,000-square-foot store overlooking Victoria Harbour. Bar Culture: Central’s Bar Leone has retained its title as the World’s Best Bar for a second year. Family Outings: Ocean Park will mark its 50th anniversary with new facilities and celebrations across the city.

City Life: Hong Kong is facing serious air pollution, prompting public health cautions. Arts & Culture: HKPAX 2026 has wrapped after five days of performances and international exchange. The indie film Cyclone, which explores trauma and desire in the transgender community, is drawing attention alongside actor Angela Yuen’s call to root out misogyny in the film industry. Local Icons: Anita Mui’s family says the late Cantopop star’s ashes have been missing for three months. Family Fun: Ocean Park will mark its 50th anniversary in 2027 with a marine mammal conservation centre, a new panda pavilion and city-wide celebrations. On the Water: Tickets are going on sale for Hong Kong’s inaugural SailGP, bringing high-speed racing to Victoria Harbour on January 23–24.

Air Quality: Hong Kong’s air pollution reached “Serious” levels at some monitoring stations on October 13. Authorities advised children, older people and those with heart or respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity. Film & Gender: Hong Kong indie Cyclone explores trauma and desire in the transgender community, drawing on co-writer Annabelle Lee’s lived experience. Actor Angela Yuen has also called for misogyny in the film industry to be rooted out. Art: A new Hong Kong exhibition traces Lucio Fontana’s pierced canvases, slashed paintings and sculptural experiments. Cantopop: Anita Mui’s ashes have been missing from a Hong Kong monastery for three months; police are investigating, with no arrests reported. Style: A checked GU jacket has gone viral for its resemblance to public-hospital patient gowns, earning the nickname “Hospital Chic.” Coming Up: The Repulse Bay hosts a classic-car garden party on November 7, while the inaugural Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix is set for January 23–24.

Schools & Technology: Hong Kong police have launched an AI platform that lets pupils create personalised stories to teach national security, bringing the subject further into classrooms. Fashion: Designer Kim Jones will relaunch his namesake label in 2027, with a Hong Kong store planned for Central Yards in October. Hong Kong on Screen: A Rotterdam cinema is showing 15 classic Hong Kong films, from Chungking Express to A Simple Life, in a programme running through January 8. Books & Publishing: Hong Kong’s pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair drew more than 90,000 visitors, showcasing over 1,000 works from more than 70 publishers and printers. Music & Heritage: Hong Kong’s Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble made its Canadian debut, bringing the region’s ancient musical heritage to audiences abroad.

Cross-Border Life: The rebuilt Huanggang Port opened on October 12 with 24-hour service and joint clearance, making Hong Kong–Shenzhen crossings simpler for travellers. Cantopop: Anita Mui’s family says the singer’s ashes have been missing from Po Lin Monastery for nearly three months and is appealing for information. Hong Kong Cinema: Tsui Hark paid an emotional tribute to longtime creative partner Nansun Shi at the Lumière Film Festival, recalling their work together and discussing new projects. Arts & Culture: Hong Kong’s Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble brought music inspired by the Mogao Caves to Toronto for its North American debut; meanwhile, CityU’s 10AFEST explored Asian art, technology and cultural innovation. Fashion: Designer Kim Jones plans to launch his own label in 2027, with a first store set to open at Central Yards in Hong Kong.

Cross-Border Travel: The rebuilt Huanggang Port has opened with 24-hour clearance and joint Shenzhen-Hong Kong immigration checks, making regional trips smoother. Performing Arts: HKPAX 2026 has opened, celebrating Hong Kong as a global performing-arts hub. Hong Kong Cinema: Ann Hui reflected on the women who supported her career and the next generation of local filmmakers at Busan; new Hong Kong films Bird of Paradise and Good Trip are also getting local premieres. Food & Music: Bar Leone has retained its title as the world’s best bar, while Clockenflap’s 2026 lineup includes Hayley Williams, Keshi and Slowdive. Rights & Activism: Two human-rights groups are urging the release of Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung and two Thai activists, calling their detentions a sign of a wider crisis for democracy in Asia.

Hong Kong Cinema: At Busan, Ann Hui reflected on the women who backed her early career as she received the festival’s Camellia Award; Hong Kong also brought filmmakers and industry representatives together at a reception attended by more than 750 guests. Arts & Nightlife: Sheung Wan’s Bar Leone retained its place as the world’s best bar for a second year, while Clockenflap’s 2026 lineup includes Hayley Williams, Keshi and Slowdive. Rights: Two human-rights groups called for the release of Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung and two detained Thai laureates, warning of a wider crisis for democracy in Asia. Getting Around: The redeveloped Huanggang Port is set to open on October 12, adding a new cross-border link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Press Freedom: Donald Trump says he raised Jimmy Lai’s release with Xi Jinping, renewing hopes for the jailed former Apple Daily publisher; Lai’s daughter welcomed the intervention. Nightlife: Hong Kong’s Bar Leone retained the No. 1 spot in the World’s 50 Best Bars list for a second year, with 14 bars from Asia making the rankings. Film: Hong Kong filmmakers and creative-industry representatives brought their work to Busan, where a “Hong Kong Night” drew more than 750 guests and helped local talent connect with international peers. What’s On: Clockenflap’s 2026 lineup includes Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age, while Hong Kong Halloween Month is bringing a cosplay street party and free sightseeing rides to the city.

Inclusive Living: The Jockey Club is investing more than HK$237 million to modernise nine vocational rehabilitation centres and expand health support for people with disabilities, who face age-related challenges. Hong Kong on Screen: The city’s film and creative industries are at the Busan International Film Festival and Asian Contents & Film Market, where a Hong Kong Night brought together more than 750 international industry guests. A Global Stage for Local Music: The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble made its Canadian debut with concerts and lectures in Toronto and Ottawa, drawing more than 1,000 guests. Bar Scene: Sheung Wan’s Bar Leone has held onto the World’s Best Bar title for a second year. Coming Up: Clockenflap’s 2026 lineup includes Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age, while Hong Kong’s first Halloween Month promises a cosplay street party.

Performing Arts: HKPAX 2026 has opened, celebrating Hong Kong’s role as a global arts hub. Film: Local premieres of Bird of Paradise and Good Trip spotlight emerging Hong Kong filmmakers. Live Events: Clockenflap has announced a 2026 lineup featuring Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age; this Sunday’s Cyclothon offers 32km and 56km rides through the city. Food & Drink: Hong Kong’s Bar Leone retains its title as the world’s best bar, with 14 Asia venues making the list. The city is also gearing up for its Wine & Dine Festival and inaugural Halloween Month. Visual Arts: M+’s new exhibition explores two centuries of Asian fantasy and mythology, while Tang Contemporary Gallery’s closure amid a debt dispute highlights pressures facing the local art scene. Rights & Society: An exiled Hong Kong activist says national security laws have driven self-censorship and made contact with people abroad feel risky.

Performing Arts: Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026 opened on Oct 9, bringing international arts groups to the city. The Asia+ Festival’s “Canvas of Sound” pairs Middle Eastern music with live calligraphy on Oct 23 and 24. Hong Kong Film: Two Film Development Fund-backed films, Bird of Paradise and Good Trip, are set for local premieres on Oct 10 and 13, spotlighting emerging filmmakers. Dance: Hong Kong Ballet’s new season opens with Dunhuang: In Search of Light, inspired by the Mogao Caves, at the Cultural Centre from Oct 16 to 18. Food & Drink: Central’s new Destination CENTRAL programme connects district dining, cultural stops and seasonal events; meanwhile, homegrown Bar Leone retained its title as the world’s best bar. Live Music: Clockenflap has announced its 2026 lineup, including Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age.

Hong Kong Bar Scene: Bar Leone has retained its title as the world’s best bar for 2026. Hong Kong also placed Argo, Montana and Gokan on the top 50 list. Live Music: Clockenflap’s 2026 lineup includes Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age. Seasonal Fun: Hong Kong Halloween Month brings a cosplay street party, with free sightseeing bus and tram rides for locals and visitors. Art & Film: M+ is exploring two centuries of Asian fantasy and pre-modern mythology, while the Chinese Mainland Film Panorama has opened at City Hall with animated feature Nobody.

Bar Scene: Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has been named the world’s best bar for 2026, with four local bars making the top 50 and 14 Asian venues featured overall. Food & Wine: The Wine & Dine Festival returns to Central Harbourfront from October 29 to November 1, followed by Hong Kong Gourmet Month throughout November. Tourism: Mainland China’s Golden Week brought around 1.6 million visitors to Hong Kong, including more than 1.41 million from the mainland, with activity boosting businesses across the city. Film: A Madrid festival is screening 10 Hong Kong classics from 1980–99, including In the Mood for Love? Wait, “Comrades: Almost a Love Story,” Fallen Angels and The Killer, through October 18. Live Music: Clockenflap’s 2026 lineup includes Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age. Arts & Heritage: Tang Contemporary has closed its Wong Chuk Hang gallery amid reported unpaid debts, while its Central branch remains open; M+ is exploring two centuries of Asian fantasy and mythology in a new exhibition.

Football: World Cup and Manchester City great David Silva, 40, is ending a three-year retirement to join Hong Kong Premier League side Supreme Sha Tin. He plans to train before making his debut. Live Music: Clockenflap has unveiled its first 2026 acts, including Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age; tickets go on sale October 10. Halloween: Hong Kong’s first Halloween Month brings cosplay street parties and performances to Central, Kai Tak, Lan Kwai Fong, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui from October 17. Arts & Heritage: M+ is exploring two centuries of Asian fantasy and mythology, while the historic Hung Shing Temple and Stanley Mosque have been declared monuments. City Life: Central’s century-old Sincere Department Store is set to close in December, marking the end of a landmark retail chapter.

Live Music: Clockenflap has unveiled its 2026 lineup, led by Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age. Ticket sales open October 10. Art & Well-being: Hong Kong photographer Chan One’s “Fleeting Moments,” exploring urban stress and mental health, runs at the Cultural Centre from October 7 to November 22. Arts Leadership: Philip Tinari has been appointed director of Tai Kwun Arts. On Screen: The Chinese Mainland Film Panorama opens at Hong Kong City Hall with the animation “Nobody.” City Heritage: Sincere Department Store will close its century-old Central location in December, marking the end of a historic retail chapter. At M+: A new exhibition explores 200 years of Asian fantasy and pre-modern mythology. Halloween: Free sightseeing bus and party tram rides are among the festive experiences planned across the city.