Odyssey 2024, the UK’s largest film festival in conversation with Greater China and Chinese communities worldwide, is set to take place from 16 September to 16 October. This year’s theme, “Food and Travel,” promises a rich exploration of how these two elements connect people across cultures, much like cinema itself.
The festival will showcase over 60 curated films, ranging from fresh voices in cinema to classic works by established auteurs. Notably, the festival will open with the 30th Anniversary 4K restoration of Wong Kar Wai’s iconic film, Chungking Express (1994). This Hong Kong classic, renowned for its vibrant depiction of love, loneliness, and canned pineapple, will kick off the month-long celebration of cinema.
Curated with a focus on cross-cultural understanding, Odyssey 2024 will feature a diverse lineup of films that delve into the universal themes of food and travel. Films like Between Brothers and Secret of Forking Paths from Taiwan offer a nostalgic look at how food ties us to our past, while Fresh Off Markham highlights the immigrant experience in Canada. The festival also touches on more sombre themes, with films like Eggs and Asubha exploring the struggles of displaced communities.
A film festival with a purpose
Odyssey 2024 isn’t just about screening films; it’s about fostering dialogue. The festival includes cutting-edge discussion panels and exclusive Q&A sessions, providing a platform for audiences to engage with filmmakers and delve deeper into the stories being told.
As the festival continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of celebrating cinema’s power to connect people and create shared experiences. Whether through the taste of familiar food in a foreign land or the journey of characters searching for a better life, Odyssey 2024 invites audiences to explore the rich tapestry of stories that bind us together.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the festival’s online platform at www.odysseychinesecinema.uk
Also Read: Odyssey 2023 Launched at the Battersea Power Station with Hong Kong’s “Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice”
