Film, TV, literature taking center stage at book fair

Yu Wing Chan

This year's Hong Kong Book Fair will be themed around the intersection of film, television and literature. The event will be held from July 17 to 23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The fair's tagline, Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen, reflects its focus on the intertwined nature of these creative mediums.

Over 600 cultural events, both on-site and off, are planned to facilitate a deep exploration of the relationship between film, literature, and Hong Kong's vibrant creative landscape.

According to the council's deputy executive director, Sophia Chong Suk-fan, the goal is to leverage this popular theme to encourage locals and tourists alike to discover the joys of reading and appreciate the charm of Hong Kong's literary, film and television works.

Chong said: "The fair's role in shaping Hong Kong as an 'East-meets-West' hub for international cultural exchange."

To encourage interest in literature while spotlighting Hong Kong's robust film and television industry, the Art Gallery-themed area will exhibit the works, awards, and film memorabilia of featured writers.

This will be complemented by exhibitions showcasing the creations of acclaimed directors, such as Wong Kar-wai, Cheuk-tin and Ann Hui as well as original novels and special items from film adaptations of works by authors like Yi Shu, Jin Yong, and Eileen Chang.

Recognizing the growing influence of international film and television on literature, the fair's World of Art & Culture area will feature exhibits from various countries, including Argentina, the Czech Republic, Korea and the Philippines.

Despite ongoing debates about the role of artificial intelligence in artistic and creative spheres, the fair has incorporated AI, allowing visitors to reimagine themselves as the lead role in movie posters, which can then be printed out.

The fair will also host its first IP Roundtable on the second day, discussing the implications and benefits of incorporating AI into the publishing and copywriting industries.

As the Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited's director, Edmund Chan Ka-yeung, said: "This topic raises important questions about the future of jobs in the publishing industry."

Concurrent with the book fair, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo will showcase interactive mobile rope nets, and the World of Snacks will feature over 1,200 different snacks.

Health innovations, such as the Tai Chi Pushing Hand Robot designed to assist seniors in improving their balance and physical health, will also be on display.

With two nearby MTR stations and improved accessibility from the mainland, the organizers are optimistic about attracting visitors from the Greater Bay Area, having planned press events in Guangzhou and Shenzhen on July 3 and 4 to promote the event.