The genre cinema of Hong Kong, which for many decades has been synonymous with spectacular action, reached its feverish peak at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. The productions were reflecting the heightened moods and chaos of the time when the British colony was facing the inevitable deadline of the handover to Chinese rule in 1997. Competing for the attention of anxious cinema goers were proudly local, delusional remakes of Western hits and frantical pastiches of Far Eastern pop culture phenomena, ranging from domestic genre traditions or comic books and video games to tales of shamans and black magic. The festival’s midnight section will present some uniquely Hong Kong forms of action films, horror films and comedies, all of which fascinate with their aggressive style, frenetic pacing and imaginative creativity. Experience breathtaking sequences which evoke awe with their genuine physicality – be it breakneck stunts, brilliant choreography, ingeniously handcrafted special effects, or even silly gags or toilet humor.