Ontario kung-fu film festival returns to theatres with stacked line-up

If you're in the camp that believes a movie is always better with a little bit of kung fu action, then there's a (free) film festival coming up you won't want to miss.

Touching down for its second year, Kung Fu Film Festival Canada is returning to Richmond Hill and Scarborough from May 30 to 31, and it's bringing seven iconic martial arts films to the big screen. 

Following a popular inaugural year that drew more than 2,000 attendees, the festival is back with an even bigger lineup of beloved films, an online contest, and a top-secret special guest appearance.

Over the course of two days, expect free screenings, kung fu movie magic, interactive activities, Q&As, filmmaking insights, and art installations — all coming together for a vibrant celebration of intercultural exchange.

A blueprint for modern global action films

It all kicks off at the Richmond Hill SilverCity Cineplex on May 30, where the first film will be shown. The remaining six, including the final film, will be shown in the Scarborough Cineplex on May 30 and May 31.

Titles include contemporary and iconic hits like the 1972 favourite The Way of the Dragon, Martial Arts of Shaolin (with Jet Li!), Ip Man, and Once Upon a Time in Shanghai, among others.

To celebrate the festival, blogTO readers have the opportunity to participate in an online social media contest. 

First up, one (1) lucky winner could score the ultimate Shanghai getaway for two (2), including two return tickets from Toronto to Shanghai and a luxurious eight-day tour package from Jacco Tours. 

Next, win one (1) of five (5) VIP passes for reserved seats the Kung Fu Film Festival (valued at $1,000 each) or one (1) of four (4), souvenir packages from Hong Kong. Find all of the details in the Instagram post below:

Acting as a bridge between Eastern and Western audiences, the festival fosters dialogue between Canada and Hong Kong and touches on the genre's profound influence on contemporary global movie production. 

Kung-fu movie magic 

As the first-ever kung-fu film festival in Canada, this is truly a groundbreaking event and presents unique opportunities for connection and community building. 

In anticipation of the event, the festival is looking for corporate sponsorships to partner with. Proceeds from sponsorships will be donated to support the Starlight Chinese Opera Performing Arts Centre. For more information, sponsors can contact  info@madegoodimpact.com or call 647-528-6995.

Cue the jumping kicks, flying twirls, and strikes! Check out the Kung Fu Film Festival on May 30 at the Cineplex Cinemas Richmond Hill SilverCity and on May 30 and May 31 at Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough.

Kung Fu Film Festival Canada

When: Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, May 31
Where: Richmond Hill SilverCity Cineplex and Scarborough Cinemas Cineplex
Cost: Free