HKBU Global University Film Awards 2022 highlights more than 2,300 films by young filmmakers worldwide

Tuesday, 1 November 2022

The Academy of Film (AF) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) will present the Global University Film Awards (GUFA) 2022, popularly envisaged as the “University Oscars”, in November.

GUFA is widely recognised as the most celebrated international film event in the academic arena ever undertaken in Hong Kong. Being held this year for the third time, GUFA 2022 received more than 2,300 submissions from about 100 countries and regions, including Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Italy, Myanmar, Russia and South Korea.

From 1 to 15 November, students, scholars, film industry professionals and film lovers from around the world can join a myriad of activities at GUFA 2022, including multiple public screening events and a star-studded award presentation ceremony on 11 November.

This year, a total of 15 prizes will be awarded to the best entries under the categories of Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, Animation, and Cine VFX. The last-mentioned is a new award category, one that encourages innovative works incorporating the creative use of film technology.

Professor Ellen Seiter, Director of AF, remarked: “The young filmmakers represented in this year’s awards are survivors of COVID-19—to finish a film in these last two years is an accomplishment worth applauding in and of itself. Their films show a renewed seriousness about issues of identity, politics, climate change and the threat of war.

“I am thrilled to be a part of GUFA this year. The talent and imagination shown in more than 2,300 films which joined the competition is truly inspirational. Coming from across the globe, these films offer distinctive and cross-cultural insights to filmmakers in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Powered by advanced technology and fascinating virtual designs, this year’s award presentation ceremony will be broadcast live in a wonderfully designed magical cinematic setting on 11 November at 7pm via GUFA’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Embracing the motto “Make the light, Move the world”, the awarded young film talents and their works will be “spotlighted” on the virtual “runway” and showcased to audiences throughout the world.

The ceremony is also privileged to have celebrated professionals in the film industry as award presenters, including directors Ms Mabel Cheung, Mr Derek Tsang, Ms Jessey Tsang, Mr Ray Yeung, and actress/producer Ms Josie Ho.

Online screening of about 150 shortlisted film entries will be available for free from 1 to 15 November. To further showcase the exemplary works at GUFA 2022, public screening of the 30 finalist film entries and the winning pieces will be held from 7 to 9 November and on 15 November respectively at HKBU.

Members of the public are welcome to join the GUFA 2022 activities onsite or online. For more information on the screenings and award presentation ceremony, please refer to the GUFA website, GUFA Facebook page and GUFA YouTube channel.

GUFA recognises the excellence of film productions by university students from across the world by connecting the global film community and its audiences with the outstanding works and groundbreaking ideas presented by the participants. The event not only showcases the students’ talents but also fosters the exchange of ideas and enhances professional networks, building synergy between young regional talents and the international creative industry.

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