In 1956, the Zhejiang Kunqu Opera Troupe adapted the traditional play Dream of Two Bears into Fifteen Strings of Cash. The story centres on a mysterious murder case triggered by fifteen strings of copper coins, unfolding a battle of wits and intricate deductions. Departing from Kunqu’s traditional focus on young male and female leads, this production highlights the confrontation between a clever rogue and a shrewd magistrate, with chou (comic) and laosheng (old male) as key roles. Equally unmissable is the classic Kunqu comedy The Lioness Roars, which humorously depicts the marital battle of wits between the scholar Chen Jichang and his formidable wife Madam Liu. The programme will also feature five classic Kunqu excerpts, perfectly blending literary elegance with dynamic stagecraft.15/8 (Fri) 7:30pmFifteen Strings of Cash16/8 (Sat) 7:30pmThe Lioness Roars17/8 (Sun) 2:30pmTraditional Opera Excerpts The Celestial Place, Cancelling the Birthday Celebrations, Rendezvous at the Pavilion, Entrusting His Son, Fighting on the WaterMain Cast：Xiang Weidong, Hu Ping, Bao Chen, Zeng Jie, Tian Yang, Wang HengtaoExtension Activities18/5 (SUN) 2:30pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)Talks on the Art of Kunqu OperaAppreciation of Fifteen Strings of CashSpeaker: Cheung Lai-chunAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn CantoneseFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.25/5 (SUN) 2:30pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)Talks on the Art of Kunqu OperaAppreciation of Kneeling by the Pond from The Lioness Roars and Rendezvous at the Pavilion from Red Pear BlossomSpeaker: Cheung Lai-chunAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn CantoneseFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.1/6 (SUN) 2:30pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)Talks on the Art of Kunqu OperaAppreciation of Entrusting His Son from The Beauty Washing Silk by the River and Cancelling the Birthday Celebrations from The Pavilion of Chanting in the WindSpeaker: Cheung Lai-chunAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn CantoneseFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.14/8 (Thu) 2pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)The Crafting of Dan (Female) Roles in KunquMaster: Hu PingModerator: Chan Chun-miuAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn PutonghuaFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.14/8 (Thu) 4pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)The Crafting of Sheng (Male) Roles in KunquMaster: Zeng JieModerator: Chan Chun-miuAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn PutonghuaFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.14/8 (THU) 7:30pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)Meet-the-Artists: Six Generations of Kunqu Performers: The Sustaining Growth of the Zhejiang Kunqu Opera TroupeSpeakers: Gu Jiong, Bao Chen, Zeng Jie, Hu Ping, Tian YangModerator: Chan Chun-miuAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn Putonghua and CantoneseFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.18/8 (Mon) 5pmZhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)Kunqu Classics as a Living TraditionSpeakers: Wu Xinyi, Wang HengtaoModerator: Cheung Lai-chunTheatre, Block I, Jao Tsung-I AcademyIn PutonghuaCoordinator: The Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture and Jao Tsung-I AcademyFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.

Germany | 2024 | 84'Director: Sarah WinkenstetteIn German with Chinese and English subtitlesDuration: 1 hr 24 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 8 or aboveTom is 10 and different from the other children. He doesn’t like change, things that are red, and anything loud quickly becomes too much for him. His specialty is space. He loves to run around in his astronaut suit and helmet. When his mother unexpectedly has to go to China, Tom and his siblings need to move in with Grandma and Grandpa in the countryside for six weeks. A total disaster for Tom! To make sure he makes it, Tom’s mother gives him a logbook and suggests that he sees the trip as a trial Mars mission. Will Tom carry out this Mars mission successfully?#Inclusion #Family #Space

Artistic Director: Tan DunPerformers: Xiangxi Tujia Women’s Daliuzi and Hong Kong Women’s Percussion Ensemble (Karen Yu, Elise Liu, Eugene Kwong, Emma Ng), Liu Muyu (Guest Piano Soloist)

Features Cantonese IntroductionApproximate running time: 1 hr 15 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 3 or aboveProgramme 2 is more entertaining in nature, allowing audiences to have a good laugh! The Sleeping Prince is a surprising remake of the fairy tales that we are familiar with. It combines children’s imaginations into one hilarious and exciting tale. Radio Interference uses old radio parts to ensemble a robot broadcaster. The nostalgic feeling it constructs is a rarity! Attention should also be paid to the Norwegian production The Rumble-Bumble Rally, which is an interesting blend of live action and animation.

Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia | 2024 Director: Wojtek WawszczykIn English with Chinese and English subtitlesDuration: 1 hr 34 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 6 or aboveBest Full-Length Children’s Film of Outstanding Artistic Value, Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival 2024, PolandBest Animated Feature, Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival 2024, United Arab EmiratesDiplodocus is a small and curious dinosaur living in a comic book drawn by the underrated artist Ted. One day, Diplodocus discovers he can teleport from one comic planet to another. Through this ability, Diplodocus meets quirky characters such as a wizard, a scientist and a pilot. Together they embark on a grand adventure. Meanwhile, convinced by his publisher that his dinosaur comic sucks, Ted grabs an eraser to erase everything… To save their comic planets and themselves, Diplodocus and his friends must help Ted regaining confidence.#Fantasy #Thevalueofcreation #Perseverance

31/5 (SAT) 7:45pmHow Hung Ming Thrice Defeated Chow Yu (1956)Starring: Sun Ma Si-tsang, Yam Kim-fai, Ng Kwun-Lai, Choi Zhen-chuDirector: Hok Sing WongB&W / 118 minsLyrics with Chinese subtitles14/6 (SAT) 7:45pmThe Beauty of the Warring States (1959)Starring: Ho Fei-fan, Lam Dan, Leung Sing-por, Mak Bing-wingDirector: Yeung Kung-leongB&W / 102 minsLyrics with Chinese subtitles12/7 (SAT) 7:45pmLuck Sun (1957)Starring: Fong Yim-fun, Yam Kim-fai, Mak Bing-wing, Poon Yat-onDirector: Zhixiong LuoB&W / 108 minsLyrics with Chinese subtitles30/8 (SAT) 7:45pmLui Bo Captures Diu Sim (1956)Starring: Sun Ma Si-tsang, Tang Bik-wan, Lau Hark-suen, Pak Lung-chuDirector: Gongliang YangB&W / 103 minsLyrics with Traditional Chinese subtitles9/7 (WED) 7:30pmInvoking the East Wind (1957)Starring: Xiao Changhua, Ma Lianliang, Tan Fuying, Ye ShenglanDirector: Cen FanColour / 95 minsNo subtitles30/7 (WED) 7:30pmA Meeting of Heroes (1957)Starring: Ma Lianliang, Tan Fuying, Ye Shenglan, Qiu Shengrong, Yuan Shihai, Xiao ChanghuaDirector: Cen FanColour / 87 minsLyrics and dialogue with Chinese subtitles6/8 (WED) 7:30pmThe Sworn Brothers’ Reunion at the Old City (1976) (1957)Starring: Gao Shenglin, Yuan Shihai, Li ShizhangDirector: Guoquan ZhengColour / 57 minsLyrics and dialogue with Chinese subtitles27/8 (WED) 7:30pmZhuge Liang Mourns Zhou Yu (1980)Starring: He Quanzhi, Shen Xiaomei, Chen Jing, Mu BaichengDirector: Huaiai ChenColour / 104 minsLyrics and dialogue with Chinese subtitles3/9 (WED) 7:30pmThe Goddess of Luo River (1955)Starring: Mei Lanfang, Jiang MiaoxiangDirector: Wu ZuguangColour / 65 minsLyrics with Chinese subtitles10/9 (WED) 7:30pmThe Battle at Changbanpo (1976)Starring: Yuan Shihai, Li Jialin, Yu DaluColour / 87 minsLyrics with Chinese subtitlesSource and information provided by China Film Archive

Band culture has always been an integral part of Hong Kong’s pop culture. This year, renowned and award-winning producer Carl Wong is re-invited as the curator and music director, to curate two concerts at Ko Shan Theatre featuring bands from various decades, showcasing popular band hits.While Ko Shan Theatre is often associated with Chinese Opera, it was a place of pilgrimage for bands between the 80s to 90s. The semi-open stage design holds the cherished memories of generations. Apart from local bands, numerous well-known overseas bands also performed here, including Rock, Electronic Music, Punk, etc., contributing to the vibrant pop music scene. For the upcoming concerts, Carl will collaborate with bands with diverse backgrounds and styles, hoping to celebrate traditions and to encourage innovation, letting music lovers to immerse into the igniting music. With Ko Shan Theatre as a symbol, the concerts will re-introduce audiences to the history and culture of Hong Kong band music.Performers : 20/6Jason KuiThe HertzMr.21/6NiLiuInstinct of Sight Carl Wong x Jun Kung and Friends

The Netherlands, Belgium | 2024 Directors: Joost van den Bosch, Erik VerkerkIn English with Chinese and English subtitlesDuration: 1 hr 2 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 3 or aboveBased on Jet Boeke’s picture book series “Dikkie-Dik”One day, something shocking happens to Tummy Tom! His favourite cuddle toy, Bear, is missing and nowhere to be found. Luckily, Tom’s friend Cat Mouse is there to help. Many paws make light work, the two best friends set off to find Bear and soon what seems like an ordinary day becomes many exciting adventures. After a day full of unexpected encounters, will Tummy Tom ever see Bear again? Let’s clap and sing-along to help Tummy Tom search for his Bear.#Friendship #Cats #AlternativeAdventure #Sing-along

France, Luxembourg | 2024 Directors: Alexis Ducord, Vincent ParonnaudLive Cantonese dubbing with no subtitlesDuration: 1 hr 24 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 8 or aboveOfficial Selection, Cannes Film Festival 2024, FranceBest Feature Film Nominee, Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2024, FranceWhat would you do if you were left alone in the forest? Angelo, a 10-year-old boy, chooses to brave the way and makes the unpleasant situation an exciting journey full of imagination and fantasy! When the family drives to see Angelo’s beloved but ailing grandmother, they accidentally leave Angela behind! From there, Angelo convinces himself to venture into the forest to find his family. In the titular woods, he encounters a variety of spectacular talking creatures. To get to his grandmother, Angelo must join the band of creatures to battle a villain who is plotting against the forest.#Courage #Family #Fantasy

Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia | 2024 Director: Wojtek WawszczykIn English with Chinese and English subtitlesDuration: 1 hr 34 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 6 or aboveBest Full-Length Children’s Film of Outstanding Artistic Value, Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival 2024, PolandBest Animated Feature, Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival 2024, United Arab EmiratesDiplodocus is a small and curious dinosaur living in a comic book drawn by the underrated artist Ted. One day, Diplodocus discovers he can teleport from one comic planet to another. Through this ability, Diplodocus meets quirky characters such as a wizard, a scientist and a pilot. Together they embark on a grand adventure. Meanwhile, convinced by his publisher that his dinosaur comic sucks, Ted grabs an eraser to erase everything… To save their comic planets and themselves, Diplodocus and his friends must help Ted regaining confidence.#Fantasy #Thevalueofcreation #Perseverance

USA, Australia | 2021Director: Reinaldo Marcus GreenIn English with Chinese and English subtitlesDuration: 2 hrs 24 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 12 or aboveBest Actor in a Leading Role, Academy Awards, 2022, USABest Leading Actor, BAFTA Awards, 2022, UKBest Actor (Drama), Golden Globes Awards, 2022, USAIn the 1990s, the “Williams Sisters” – Venus and Serena – rose to prominence in the tennis world. Although they had already shown their potential as teenagers, this film’s focus is not on the growth story of the sisters who have won the Grand Slams multiple times, but rather on their “helicopter dad”, Richard. Known for his strict disciplinary methods and rigorous training, he grooms his daughters vigorously. The Williams family, who did not start with a winning advantage, relied entirely on the careful planning of the helicopter parents. How do they pave the way for their daughters and motivate them to succeed? As the daughters entered their teenages, how do the careful protection of the daughters gradually shift to letting go? Will Smith, who plays the “helicopter dad”, swept multiple Best Actor awards for his role in this film.#tennis #QualityParenting

Features Cantonese IntroductionApproximate running time: 1 hr 15 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 3 or aboveProgramme 2 is more entertaining in nature, allowing audiences to have a good laugh! The Sleeping Prince is a surprising remake of the fairy tales that we are familiar with. It combines children’s imaginations into one hilarious and exciting tale. Radio Interference uses old radio parts to ensemble a robot broadcaster. The nostalgic feeling it constructs is a rarity! Attention should also be paid to the Norwegian production The Rumble-Bumble Rally, which is an interesting blend of live action and animation.

Features Cantonese IntroductionApproximate running time: 1 hr 15 minsAge Recommendation: Best for ages 3 or aboveProgramme 3 is like Programme 2, with the same fast pace and hilarious content. Topping the crazy and funny index is the Spanish production Ciao Peskao. A hungry cat living alone on an isolated island just wants to catch a fish for lunch, but it causes a riot that almost shakes half of the Pacific Ocean! Also craving the food are the bandits in Mojappi It’s mine! and the fox in Foxtale. Be advised: get your stomach full before entering the cinema!

In Yue Opera, the handsome xiaosheng (young male role) played by female actors can be akin to the well-loved male idols of popular television series. Among the veterans, Wu Fenghua, two-time winner of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award, is an exemplary figure commanding both talent and skills. The Peacock Flies Southeas, dubbed the ‘Chinese Romeo and Juliet’, offers a touching reinterpretation of love and loss. The Aloeswood Fan is a delightful take on of the classic scholar-and-beauty genre. The finale, Mu Guiying Takes Command, combines crisp martial arts moves with graceful operatic vocals to showcase the refined artistry of Yue Opera.18/7 (Fri) 7:30pmThe Peacock Flies Southeast19/7 (Sat) 7:30pmThe Aloeswood Fan20/7 (Sun) 7:30pmMu Guiying Takes CommandMain Cast: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Chen Fei, Yu WeipingExtension Activity17/7 (THU) 7:30pmXiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of ShaoxingMeet-the-Artists: Timeless Appeal: The Legacy and Evolution of Yue OperaSpeakers: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Chen Fei, Yu WeipingModerator: Chan Chun-miuAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn Putonghua and CantoneseFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.