Origin and History of the Archive

The idea of establishing a film archive had its seeds in the 1970s and 80s, as there were opinions voicing support for setting up a film library, and later, a film archive among the cultural sector. At the end of the 1980s, the government officially entrusted a group of experts to carry out a feasibility study, and by 1991, work had begun to create a local film archive. Afterwards, with the formation of the HKFA Planning Office and a series of activities pertaining to the collection, conservation, research, exhibition and screening of film-related material, the public became further acquainted with the goals and work of the Archive. This greatly facilitated the operations of the Archive after its building was constructed, and also established a firm foundation for its work for the next two decades.

1989: The Urban Services Department (USD) entrusts consultants from Canada to examine the feasibility of setting up a film archive. A photo of Canadian consultant Sam Kula (left) with Lo King-man.
1989: The Urban Services Department (USD) entrusts consultants from Canada to examine the feasibility of setting up a film archive. A photo of Canadian consultant Sam Kula (left) with Lo King-man.
1991: The Urban Services Department (USD) plans to set up the HKFA. Tony Ma, Chief Manager of the USD, goes on a research visit to film archives in North America with Urban Councillors.
1991: The Urban Services Department (USD) plans to set up the HKFA. Tony Ma, Chief Manager of the USD, goes on a research visit to film archives in North America with Urban Councillors.
1993: The HKFA Planning Office is established, and work begins right away on acquiring film-related materials, establishing research agenda, as well as planning for the Oral History Project. A photo of Tony Ma at the HKFA Planning Office, Tsim Sha Tsui.
1993: The HKFA Planning Office is established, and work begins right away on acquiring film-related materials, establishing research agenda, as well as planning for the Oral History Project. A photo of Tony Ma at the HKFA Planning Office, Tsim Sha Tsui.
1994: ‘Oral History Project' is launched. Over 500 film veterans have been interviewed so far. A photo of Yu Mo-wan, Research Coordinator from 1995 to 2001, who participated in a number of interviews.
1994: ‘Oral History Project' is launched. Over 500 film veterans have been interviewed so far. A photo of Yu Mo-wan, Research Coordinator from 1995 to 2001, who participated in a number of interviews.
1995: Chow Yun-fat takes the lead to donate all his award statuettes.
1995: Chow Yun-fat takes the lead to donate all his award statuettes.
1997: Josephine Siao Fong-fong donates her award statuettes.
1997: Josephine Siao Fong-fong donates her award statuettes.
Architectural model of the Archive's building
Architectural model of the Archive's building
Design drawing of the Archive's lobby
Design drawing of the Archive's lobby
Design drawing of the cinema's lobby
Design drawing of the cinema's lobby
Design drawing of the cinema's interior
Design drawing of the cinema's interior
15 October 1997: ‘Collection Campaign' is launched. First time to call for donations of film prints and film-related materials. The screening of The Little Girl Named Cabbage (1955) discovered in Japan kickstarts the campaign. (From left) Main actress Li Lihua with Elaine Chung, Director of USD; Qiu Ping and Barbara Fei.
15 October 1997: ‘Collection Campaign' is launched. First time to call for donations of film prints and film-related materials. The screening of The Little Girl Named Cabbage (1955) discovered in Japan kickstarts the campaign. (From left) Main actress Li Lihua with Elaine Chung, Director of USD; Qiu Ping and Barbara Fei.
The ‘Collection Campaign' reception showcases some artefacts acquired: film scripts by Chua Lam's late father, Chua Boon Hsuan.
The ‘Collection Campaign' reception showcases some artefacts acquired: film scripts by Chua Lam's late father, Chua Boon Hsuan.
The ‘Collection Campaign' reception showcases some artefacts acquired: relics of David Quan's late father, Kwan Tak-hing.
The ‘Collection Campaign' reception showcases some artefacts acquired: relics of David Quan's late father, Kwan Tak-hing.
February 1998: ‘50 Years of Stardom: A Tribute to Hung Sin Nui' is held. A photo of Hung Sin Nui (right) with Leung Ding-bong.
February 1998: ‘50 Years of Stardom: A Tribute to Hung Sin Nui' is held. A photo of Hung Sin Nui (right) with Leung Ding-bong.
April 1998: ‘Hong Kong Film Archive Treasures: An Exhibition' is held.
April 1998: ‘Hong Kong Film Archive Treasures: An Exhibition' is held.
‘Hong Kong Film Archive Treasures: An Exhibition': (From left) Miu Kam-fung; David Quan; Wei Wei; Raymond Chow; Pao Ping-wing, Vice-Chairman of the Culture Select Committee, Provisional Urban Council; Chin Tsi-ang; Chen Dieyi and Yao Lee officiating at the opening ceremony.
‘Hong Kong Film Archive Treasures: An Exhibition': (From left) Miu Kam-fung; David Quan; Wei Wei; Raymond Chow; Pao Ping-wing, Vice-Chairman of the Culture Select Committee, Provisional Urban Council; Chin Tsi-ang; Chen Dieyi and Yao Lee officiating at the opening ceremony.
26 April 1998: Accepted as Full Member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). The HKFA sends staff members regularly to participate in its annual conferences and seminars.
26 April 1998: Accepted as Full Member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). The HKFA sends staff members regularly to participate in its annual conferences and seminars.
February 1999: ‘The Princess of Movie Fans: Chan Po-chu Retrospective' is held.
February 1999: ‘The Princess of Movie Fans: Chan Po-chu Retrospective' is held.
March 1999: ‘The Making of Martial Arts Films: As Told by Filmmakers and Stars' is held. (From left) Tung Wai, Cheng Pei-pei, Lau Kar-leung, Pao Ping-wing, Elaine Chung, Tsui Hark and Wu Pang officiating at the event.
March 1999: ‘The Making of Martial Arts Films: As Told by Filmmakers and Stars' is held. (From left) Tung Wai, Cheng Pei-pei, Lau Kar-leung, Pao Ping-wing, Elaine Chung, Tsui Hark and Wu Pang officiating at the event.
Kung fu masters get together on the occasion of ‘The Making of Martial Arts Films: As Told by Filmmakers and Stars'. (From left) Lam Kau, Tsui Chung-hok, Mars, Lau Kar-leung.
Kung fu masters get together on the occasion of ‘The Making of Martial Arts Films: As Told by Filmmakers and Stars'. (From left) Lam Kau, Tsui Chung-hok, Mars, Lau Kar-leung.
September 1999: ‘The Movie World of Tong Tik-sang' is held. (From 2nd left) Pak Suet-sin, her apprentices Mui Suet-si and Chan Po-chu.
September 1999: ‘The Movie World of Tong Tik-sang' is held. (From 2nd left) Pak Suet-sin, her apprentices Mui Suet-si and Chan Po-chu.
‘The Movie World of Tong Tik-sang': Leslie Cheung (left) also shows his support.
‘The Movie World of Tong Tik-sang': Leslie Cheung (left) also shows his support.
26 October 1999: Unveiling of the ‘Topping Out Memorial Plaque'.
26 October 1999: Unveiling of the ‘Topping Out Memorial Plaque'.
22 September 2000: Fundraising premiere of In the Mood for Love for the Archive. (From left) Maggie Cheung; Tony Leung; Tung Chee-hwa, HKSAR Chief Executive; Wong Kar-wai.
22 September 2000: Fundraising premiere of In the Mood for Love for the Archive. (From left) Maggie Cheung; Tony Leung; Tung Chee-hwa, HKSAR Chief Executive; Wong Kar-wai.
‘The Immortal Bruce Lee: From the Kid to Kung Fu Dragon' is held. The retrospective showcases director Fung Fung's The Kid (1950) in a newly restored print. The director's children, Fung Bo-bo (2nd left) and Kendrick Fung (2nd right); Paul Leung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (1st left), and Ted Wong, Chairman of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation preside at the opening ceremony.
‘The Immortal Bruce Lee: From the Kid to Kung Fu Dragon' is held. The retrospective showcases director Fung Fung's The Kid (1950) in a newly restored print. The director's children, Fung Bo-bo (2nd left) and Kendrick Fung (2nd right); Paul Leung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (1st left), and Ted Wong, Chairman of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation (1st right) preside at the opening ceremony.
3 January 2001: The Sai Wan Ho building opens. (From left) Paul Leung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services; Christina Ting, Chairman of Eastern District Council; Chow Yun-fat; Donald Tsang, Financial Secretary; Lam Woon-kwong, Secretary for Home Affairs; Patrick Ho, Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council; Pau Shiu-hung, Director of Architectural Services officiating at the opening ceremony.
3 January 2001: The Sai Wan Ho building opens. (From left) Paul Leung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services; Christina Ting, Chairman of Eastern District Council; Chow Yun-fat; Donald Tsang, Financial Secretary; Lam Woon-kwong, Secretary for Home Affairs; Patrick Ho, Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council; Pau Shiu-hung, Director of Architectural Services officiating at the opening ceremony.