after dark
You get the tickets. We've got the plan.
From political parties to after parties, there's always something interesting going on in Hong Kong. Here's a taste of what's happening around town this week. Protesting times This summer, amid outcry over issues related to the controversial Article 23, Hong Kong revealed a previously unseen side, as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in a show of discontent and concern.
The Hong Kong Arts Centre is screening July, which documents the unprecedented protests and demonstrations. Made by independent filmmaker Tammy Cheung, it shows individual and crowd reactions to the proposed national security legislation. It captures many of the speeches, songs and chants that took place during the course of the protests.
Cheung also tries to convey the atmosphere of the protests, and to give a sense of what transpired during a remarkable period.
Cheung is no stranger to social documentary. Her other works include Secondary School, Rice Distribution and Moving, all of which focus on local issues and everyday life in Hong Kong.
Put together with the work of eight cinematographers, July focuses on matters that the media, scholars and election candidates have been discussing ever since the protests took place, offering important insight into the quickly evolving contemporary political situation in Hong Kong.
July, December 22-31 (except December 24, 27, 28). Screening times vary. In Cantonese with English subtitles. Tickets: $30/$50 HK Ticketing. Tel: 3128 8288
An ale and arty time Central's hippest new music bar, Yumla (79 Wyndham St, Central), will be transformed into a multi-media exhibition space tonight for Art Mart 2003's White Cube party. There will be art on the walls, performance artists roving through the crowds and a smattering of Hong Kong's most artistic DJs basking in the spotlights on the turntables.
Art Mart 2003: Made In Hong Kong For Hong Kong is a major fund-raising campaign that has been running since December 10, and has featured a cutting-edge festival of parties and exhibitions showing more than 100 works by 50 local artists, with the aim of raising funds for Para/Site Art Space, one of the city's most significant non-profit arts bodies.
As the closing party, White Cube promises to be an all-night celebration of locally based creativity. Playing everything from dub and dance to acid jazz and electro punk will be some of Hong Kong's leading DJs who also work as artists.
Promoter and portrait artist Simon Birch will be joined by installation artist Steve Yau and experimental filmmaker Sean 'The Prawn' Fitzpatrick.
Yumla will be donating 25 per cent of bar takings to Para/Site Art Space, so partygoers can drink copiously in the name of art. Entrance is free, 7pm until late.
