What to Watch: Our Favourite Picks From HKIFF 46
Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

What to Watch: Our Favourite Picks From Hong Kong International Film Festival 2022

HKIFF Films to Watch Header

Finally popping off with an anticipated launch since its postponement from March, the 46th Hong Kong International Film Awards have begun this week, and will run screenings, in addition to filmmaker-led events, across select theatres and venues around the city until the end of the month.

Showcasing the multifaceted range of films made local and internationally, and the themes of the festival, here are our top picks for what to watch from the HKIFF line-up this year. Tickets and details on online screenings are available on the official HKIFF site.


1. ‘Where the Wind Blows’ (Dir. Philip Yung)

Part of the Gala showcase and the festival opener, this sequel to Philip Yung’s bodacious “Port of Call” is a blockbuster-style retelling of Hong Kong history. Following the story of the famed “Four Great Sergeants” of Hong Kong, the film unravels the tensions of an alliance between two detectives and the notorious 1960s triads. The first screening on Aug. 15 boasted a world premiere of the film, where festival ambassador Aaron Kwok joins Tony Leung Chiu-wai on the silver screen for the first time, with supporting act Michael Hui.

2. ‘Lamb’ (Dir. Vladimar Johansson)

Nobody toes the lines between myth and reality, folk tales and the contemporary, like Scandinavian filmmakers. Debuting with this eerie bucolic tale of a couple who adopt a lamb-human hybrid after losing their child, the film sparks a mediation on the relationship between humans and nature, and the costs of coping with loneliness. The screening is part of the Cinephile Paradise section of the Gala presentation.

3. ‘The Sparring Partner’ (Dir. Ho Cheuk-tin)

With accolades under the Firebird Awards, and the Chinese-language Young Cinema Competition, Ho’s “The Sparring Partner” is a Gala pick that’s definitely worth keeping your eyes on. A filmic adaptation from a 2013 Hong Kong court case, the tale follows the bloody fallout of a duo who help to kill one of the young men’s parents. As a directorial debut, the tense action that comes as a result of a simple not-guilty plea is handled with gusto, offering a taut narrative of doubts, debates, and drama.

4. ‘Echoes of the Rainbow’ (Dir. Alex Law)

Highlighting festival Filmmaker in Focus, Sandra Ng, in one of her most heartfelt roles, this Berlinale award winner is one of the most significant releases of Hong Kong cinema over the past decade. Set in the 1960s, circling the Sham Shui Po neighbourhood, “Echoes of the Rainbow” is a moving tapestry of the everyman Law family’s toils and triumphs over the years. Ng earned a Hong Kong Film Award (HKFA) nomination in her portrayal of the can-do Hong Kong spirit with this iconic persona.

5. ‘A Simple Life’ (Dir. Ann Hui)

A titan of the Hong Kong New Wave movement, Ann Hui is fittingly slotted into the Making Waves category with her second-most recent slice-of-life drama. A bare bones story that zeroes in on domestic helper Ah Tao, it tenderly unravels the deeply woven class relations beneath the professional field of caretaking, all whilst uplifting the connection between the two main characters. The beautiful portrayal by Deanie Ip garnered a Best Actress Award at the Venice Biennale, whilst the film earned mass commercial praise and up to five awards at the HKFA.

6. ‘The Grandmaster’ (Dir. Wong Kar Wai)

No list or mention of Hong Kong cinema would be complete without paying tribute to Wong Kar Wai. A dazzling, dreamy take on a martial arts film, “The Grandmaster” taps into the stringent code of conduct that’s deeply tethered to the form. The familiar legend of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man is told through Wong’s unique vision, earning him 12 wins at HKFA upon its initial release. This screening comes as part of the Making Waves section, in honour of influential Hong Kong filmmakers.

7. ‘Cow’ (Dir. Andrea Arnold)

Omitting narration, this documentary gets up close and personal to give an unflinching look into the overlooked cruelties of the dairy and cattle industry. From the moment of birth to the process of forced milking and cruel farm life, the camera doesn’t shy away from forcing potential viewers to confront every part of what goes on beyond the cow-derived products and ingredients that make it to our plates.

8. ‘Licorice Pizza’ (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)

A love letter to the era of his upbringing, and to the conventions of filmmaking within the period, Paul Thomas Anderson relays the tale of a budding actor-entrepreneur falling in love for the first time. Set in the bohemian San Fernando Valley of 1970s California, the worldbuilding is textured and spirited, with a sense of wistfulness that only youth can bring. The star-studded cast features a breakout performance by HAIM’s Alana Haim, and Cooper Hoffman as a cheekily flippant protagonist, alongside cameos from Sean Penn, Tom Waits, and Bradley Cooper.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

This Week's Events In Hong Kong View more

This Week's Events In Hong Kong

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Artists

Clockenflap 2024: St. Vincent "Enchanted" by Hong Kong

Heading 5 Photo by Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Indie superstar and music polymath St. Vincent is “enchanted” by Hong Kong. Making her Clockenflap debut on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 30, Dallas born musician St. Vincent (Anne Clark) told local journalists that she finds Hong Kong to be a Sci-Fi city, with "a lot of heart and soul.”

Clockenflap 2024 marked the Grammy Award-winning artist’s second visit to Asia, and her first performance in Hong Kong. After just 48 hours in the city, she described it as "romantic," likening the atmosphere to Blade Runner.

“There's so many people and so much going on. There's romance, opulence and sketchy things all happening at the same time,” she adds.

St. Vincent
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Widely considered the patron saint of indie and art-rock, St. Vincent was a popular choice to headline Clockenflap’s main stage, bringing her emotionally cathartic and electrifying global hits to an ecstatic audience.

St. Vincent fans were treated to broody alt-rock songs from her latest albumAll Born Screaming.” Her rich, deep vocals wooed the crowd, backed by a four-piece band that remained in flawless control throughout the night.

St. Vincent alternated between swagger and grace—gliding backwards on her tiptoes one moment and dazzling with her virtuosic guitar playing, shredding both her guitar and black tights in the process.

Performance clockenflap
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

In true St. Vincent style, her connection with the audience and her four-piece band was critical. This included her leaping into the crowd, exuding pure, primal, dominatrix energy. Nobody was left on the sidelines during her performance of her touching ballad “New York” from “Masseduction.” She locked eyes with fans atop a sea of enthusiastic people, singing her uplifting lyrics, “But for you, darling, I'd do it all again.

St Vincent's band
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Her Clockenflap appearance comes hard on the heels of her seventh album: "All Born Screaming," a funky and introspective compilation of noise rock, chamber pop, electronica, and more. Listen out for guest performances by Warpaint’s Stella Mozgawa, Cate Le Bon, and Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, as well as the track “Sweetest Fruit,” a tribute to electronic music producer SOPHIE, who passed away in 2021.

"All Born Screaming" is St. Vincent’s first self-produced album. She told The Beat Asia the creative process for the record began when she experimented with electronic improvisations.

“The making of the record started backwards in a lot of ways,” she explained. “I started having a lot of songs with modular synths and twisting knobs and finding ways that the electricity was passing through this unique circuitry.”

“Then I would come back and find moments of electronic improvisations, and think, oh, I can make a whole song around that,” St. Vincent added.

On stage
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Developing these electronic motifs into fully fledged music tracks was no easy feat as St. Vincent pointed out this method of work was more demanding than traditional songwriting techniques.

“Ultimately writing the song is the hardest thing. A song has to have an epiphany. It has to feel whole. So I started with pieces, and then eventually created my own Frankenstein construct. It was quite laborious. There’s a reason why people just sit down with one instrument and write a song.”

St. Vincent continued to share that it was also a rather solitary pursuit: “I spent a lot of hours sitting alone in a room, dreaming, trying and failing! It’s a terrible thing which I wouldn’t wish on anyone!"

On stage
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Despite this, she reflects that self-producing came quite naturally, as she had many years of experience devising bedroom recordings when she was young, learning the techniques of music production in the process.

Since I was a 14-year-old, I was recording myself in my childhood bedroom. Production, engineering, and recording has always been a part of my process.”

As an adult, she finds that being able to self-produce has become an integral part of the creative process. “This time around, I had places to go emotionally, and I knew I just had to go alone and find myself.”

Studio shot
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Staying in full control of the creative process, from the first whispers of inspiration, through the multiple stages of sound production, is how St. Vincent keeps her distinctive highly personal sound. “As a result, I am able to reproduce the sound inside my head; it’s something I’m very proud of and attached to,” she said.

Performing on stage
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Despite clearly benefiting from the experience of holing up in a studio on her own, St. Vincent is no stranger to collaboration, having worked with major stars like David Bryne, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and Dave Grohl. She mentioned she is still open to new collaborations.

“I remain constantly surprised by the people I get to work with, and if I follow my instincts of trust in the music, then it leads me to the right people.”

Among a diverse palette of influences, St. Vincent cited industrial rock and metal bands such as Ministry and Skinny Puppy and even British pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Referencing the veteran rockstars of the 70s, she claimed, “No one does it better than Bowie.” She of course, holds a special place in her heart for legendary Talking Heads vocalist and guitarist, David Byrne. “He’s a genius,” she said. “He changed the way I thought about art, performance. He changed my whole trajectory as an artist.”

All Born Screaming
Spotify/ St. Vincent

The cover of "All Born Screaming," designed by Alex Da Corte, features St. Vincent bent over with her arms outstretched and engulfed in flames, dressed in black and white. She explained to curious Hong Kong journalists she didn’t actually set herself on fire for this image, although not because she was unwilling.

“I would have happily done it for art. I've done many things for art. I've been punched in the face for art, had bruises all over my body for art, but it's too expensive and complicated to light myself on fire.”

St. Vincent also released a Spanish version of "All Born Screaming," titled "Todos Nacen Gritando" in November 2024, which features all her vocals meticulously translated into Spanish. She describes the album as a “little token” for her Spanish-speaking fans, who she had met on tour in South America and Spain.

“I had these pivotal moments where I was looking at thousands of people singing back to me in perfect English, in what was not their first, second, or maybe not even their third language. They’ve been coming to see me for so long, so it was like, why couldn’t I meet them halfway?”

On stage
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

Asked about her first impressions of Hong Kong and whether they could inspire her next industrial rock album, St. Vincent shared she is affected by the scale of the city’s architecture.

“What's interesting to me about the city, looking at it from above, is that there's so much going on, there's so many buildings and so many people, but it's not a grid. It has a circularity and flow to it. It should be total chaos, but it somehow works.”

Always attuned to her surroundings, St. Vincent believes her time in Asia will undoubtedly inspire new sounds. “I’ll get to discover bands in Hong Kong that I’ve never heard of before, so it will work its way into a song somehow,” she says.

St. Vincent and Guitarist
Courtesy of Clockenflap 2024

With her new album fresh off the ground and Asian tour ongoing (see dates in Chiba, Seoul and Manila scheduled for January, 2025) fans will be eagerly anticipating St. Vincent's next move. She certainly made her mark at Clockenflap 2024– leaving both veteran fans and newcomers satisfied yet craving more.

Given the extent of her experience and her endless curiosity for new influences, St. Vincent will surely continue to deliver new exciting sounds, keeping her work fresh and alive. She explains that there is no marketing plan. Instead, she goes where the music takes her.

“It's just a process of following music…What's going to be hot in two years, like who cares? I have no idea. Just believe in music. Music is stronger than we are.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Happenings

A Recap of Clockenflap 2024 Hong Kong’s Epic Comeback

Untitled design 2024 12 02 T162136 221 Photo by Website/Clockenflap

Clockenflap, Asia’s premier outdoor music and arts festival, made a bold and triumphant return, treating Hong Kong to a weekend of unforgettable performances against the city’s iconic skyline.

Air
Courtesy of Clockenflap

Friday night set the tone with legendary French electronic duo Air headlining the Harbourflap Stage. Performing their groundbreaking debut album “Moon Safari” in full, they mesmerized the crowd as the city lights twinkled behind them. Sharing the main stage that evening were Cantopop star Carl Wong, The Hats On Band featuring Jer Lau, and Atlanta’s celebrated DJ/producer Porter Robinson, who lit up the night with a high-energy set, complete with a giant inflatable pink cat and a dazzling, illuminated drum display.

Porter Robinson
Courtesy of Clockenflap

The festival’s diverse stages showcased an exciting blend of genres and talent. The Park Stage by Martell was graced by South Korean shoegaze darlings The Black Skirts, while the Hang Seng Stage spotlighted a genre-hopping lineup, including Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts and Canadian alt-rockers Mother Mother. Chengdu post-punks Hiperson and LA dream-pop duo Bubble Tea and Cigarettes also made waves, while Canadian DJ/producer A-Trak electrified the Electriq Stage with his headline set.

central cee
Courtesy of Clockenflap

The weekend kept building with star-studded performances. Saturday saw UK Brit-Pop legends Suede deliver a spectacular 90-minute set, London rapper Central Cee, indie darling St. Vincent, and alternative pop artist Banks, while Australian indie rockers Last Dinosaurs and ghetto house provocateur Partiboi69 captured the day’s vibrant energy.

Banks
Website/Clockenflap

British psychedelic-pop icons Glass Animals brought the festival to a euphoric close on Sunday night. Other highlights included South Korea’s enigmatic J-pop vocalist yama, and US indie pop duo Bubble Tea and Cigarettes, alongside Hong Kong’s own An Id Signal.

In addition to musical performances, The Robot Stage offered a variety of engaging, family-friendly activities throughout the day. Futurescope captivated visitors with its dynamic and ever-evolving visual displays. The Electriq Stage provided wellness and relaxation-focused activities during the day, while The Origin, a mobile art installation and DJ booth, created spontaneous parties on the move.

Clockenflap 2024 wrapped up on a high note, promising an even more thrilling edition next year from Dec. 5 to 7, 2024. “Blind bird” tickets are already on sale via Ticketflap — don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!

For more information, visit Clockenflap on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Happenings

Visionairs: Hong Kong’s First Permanent ArtTech Venue Opening at WestK

Untitled design 2024 11 25 T124747 482 Photo by Courtesy of Visionairs

Visionairs, the French pioneers of ArtTech, are set to unveil their first permanent exhibition space in Asia at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) this December 2024.

Renowned for their innovative fusion of art, culture, history, and cutting-edge technology, Visionairs promises an immersive digital adventure, unlike anything Hong Kong has seen before.

Using state-of-the-art tools like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), Visionairs will transform traditional storytelling into an interactive journey. Their upcoming exhibitions offer a high-definition exploration of reconstructed historical scenes, transporting visitors to different times and places with stunning accuracy.

Visionairs’ first showcase at WestK, Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition, will run from Dec. 8, 2024 to March 7, 2025, coinciding with the historic cathedral’s grand reopening in Paris.

Created by Histovery in collaboration with Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris and L’Oréal Groupe, the exhibition uses AR technology to bring the cathedral’s rich history to life, and has toured worldwide from Paris to Dubai, and Berlin to Shanghai before its arrival in Hong Kong.

Visitors can glimpse into 20 time portals, exploring the grandeur of Notre-Dame throughout the centuries. From walking its halls to standing atop its iconic roof, attendees will experience stories told by its original builders and uncover the secrets of the legendary cathedral.

Egyptian Tale

In March 2025, Visionairs will debut another groundbreaking exhibition, Revealing Tutankhamun – An Egyptian Tale. Using VR technology and authentic photography of Ancient Egyptian artwork, this exhibition offers a unique and rare look at the life of ancient Egyptians, their gods, and the story of King Tutankhamun.

General Admission tickets for Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition are priced at HK$298, while Concession tickets cost HK$198. Secure an Early Bird ticket for HK$248, available until Dec. 7, 2024. You can book it here. Stay tuned for more ticketing info about the Revealing Tutankhamun exhibition, to be announced in December.

For more information, visit Visionairs on their website, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

Location: Art Park, 22 Museum Drive, West Kowloon

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Nightlife

The Ultimate Guide to Clockenflap 2024: Music, Art, Food & More

Clockenflap header

Clockenflap 2024 is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, as Hong Kong’s premier international outdoor music and arts festival returns to the Central Harbourfront from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2024. With a newly unveiled map, stage lineup, and schedule, this year’s edition promises an unparalleled fusion of music, art, and entertainment.

Featuring six dynamic stages, over 24 diverse food and beverage outlets, captivating art installations, and a host of family-friendly attractions, the festival continues to be the ultimate celebration of creativity and culture, bringing together world-class performances and immersive experiences for fans of all ages.

Check our guide below to know what to expect, where to buy tickets, how to get to the venue, and more!

Music Stages and Artist Lineup

Clockenflap 2024 boasts an extraordinary lineup of international, regional, and local artists spread across its six dynamic stages. The Harbourflap Stage, the festival’s main stage, will feature iconic headliners like Jack White, Central Cee, and Air, alongside performances from St. Vincent, Glass Animals, and Sakurazaka46. The Hang Seng Stage showcases a diverse mix, including Suede, Jamie xx, and Creepy Nuts, alongside regional stars like Taiwanese indie-rockers deca joins and Japanese post-rock legends toe.

Harbourflap Stage Clockenflap
Photo by Clockenflap

The Park Stage by Martell highlights emerging talent, featuring acts like Korean shoegazers The Black Skirts, Filipino-Japanese pop queen ena mori, and Japanese-Australian indie outfit Last Dinosaurs. Electronic music enthusiasts can flock to Electriq, the dedicated dance stage, for pulsating sets by A-Trak, Partiboi69, and Yung Singh, as well as top Hong Kong DJs like Romain FX.

The Robot Stage transitions from family-friendly daytime programming to lively DJ performances at night, including a set from Taiwanese collective Golden English Party and a special anniversary set by festival co-founders. Finally, the Topper Stage keeps the energy high between Harbourflap performances, with a lineup of edgy global electronic acts like DJ Kulu and Neeno.

For the complete lineup and schedule, visit Clockenflap's website: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can also check the festival map below to know where to go.

Clockenflap festival map
Photo by Clockenflap

Arts and Family-friendly Activities

Apart from an amazing music lineup, Clockenflap will also serve exciting experiences for all ages with its vibrant arts and family programme.

This year’s art highlights include Futurescope, an immersive installation by UK-based Esthetika that showcases unique visuals by artists such as Brandon Li, Derry Ainsworth, and Max Hattler. Another standout is The Origin, a mobile DJ booth and art installation by Screw Up Studio and Matt Hui Yip Long, featuring electrifying live sets by DJ Diamond.

The interactive Hello Hong Kong Balloon Chain will also grace the skies, reaching over half a mile (800m), and be visible across the festival grounds both day and night with the help of custom LED lights.

Clockenflap balloon chain
Photo by Clockenflap

Adding to the immersive experience are breathtaking canopies by Alchemy Décor and the curated collection of abstract and psychedelic films, Relentless Melt No.36, by animation professor Max Hattler and Clockenflap artistic director Jay Hofmann-Forster.

Clockenflap alchemy decor
Photo by Clockenflap

For families, attractions and interactive activities like immersive soundscapes with Communal Frequencies, creative arts and crafts workshops by the Children’s Discovery Museum, and performances like Treasure Chest Theatre’s “The Butterfly Ball” will keep everyone entertained.

Families can also enjoy yoga and Animal Flow sessions, groove at the Drum Jam, dance with DJ Junk, and join the lively Team Beyond Party & Parade. On top of these, relaxation and healing options like sound baths and meditation add to the well-rounded experience. Check the schedules here to not miss out!

Keeping Festivalgoers Full While Doing the Right Thing

This year’s Clockenflap promises a feast for the senses while doing good, as it offers over 24 food outlets serving global cuisines and sustainable initiatives to reduce waste.

Festivalgoers can indulge in Festival Favorites like Little Bao, Bengal Brothers, NOSH, and El Taquero or savor premium burgers at Smoke & Barrel, Honbo, and Beef & Liberty. For an Asian twist, the Asian All-Stars section offers delights from Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant, Chubby Bento, and Morikawa. Quick bites from Pizza Hut, Egg Slut, and Cinnabon are also available, while local treasures like Chrisly Café and Explicit Spices represent the Hong Kong Heroes lineup.

For drinks, cognac house Martell is unveiling a fresh new side with its “Swift Label” at the Martell Bar, featuring an exclusive cocktail crafted with Martell Noblige. Looking to clink bottles with friends? Belgian-style lager Stella Artois will also be available at bars across the venue for those looking for that distinctive malty richness and crisp finish.

Clockenflap sustainability
Photo by Clockenflap

As a commitment to sustainability, Green Stations with clearly marked bins for recycling, compost, and other waste will be introduced, as well as Green Ambassadors who will serve as a guide for sorting waste. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable water canisters and refill them at water stations for free. Complimentary rPET (recycled PET) water bottles are available while stocks last.

How to Get Tickets and Ticket Guidelines

Clockenflap 2024 tickets are available via Ticketflap. General admission prices are HK$1,990 for a 3-day weekend ticket and HK$1,280 for single-day tickets (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). For attendees under 18, U18 tickets are priced at HK$1,590 for the 3-day weekend pass and HK$880 for single days. Children under 3 years old can enter for free.

Clockenflap Harbourflap stage
Photo by Clockenflap

Ticketflap is the only authorized ticketing platform for Clockenflap. Tickets are non-transferable after being scanned at the festival entrance, and the name on the ticket must match the attendee’s photo ID (no photocopies!) upon entry. Name changes can be made any time before scanning by logging into your Ticketflap account and using the “Send Ticket” function. A successful name change should reflect in the recipient’s Ticketflap account for it to be valid.

How to Get to the Venue

Clockenflap 2024 will take place at the Central Harbourfront Event Space near the Hong Kong Observation Wheel (HKOW). The venue is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, so visitors (especially non-locals) don’t have to worry about getting lost.

By bus, you can alight in Central, Admiralty, or at the outlying ferry piers and take a short walk to the site. For those traveling by MTR, the venue is about a 10-minute walk from either Central Station (Exit A) or Hong Kong Station (Exit A2). Ferry passengers can take the Star Ferry to Central and reach the site within a one-minute walk by heading left after disembarking. For taxi riders, alight at the Star Ferry taxi drop-off point and walk straight for up to four minutes until you reach the venue.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Happenings

Art of Dying by Secret Theatre Delivers Dramatic Immersive Experience

Untitled design 2024 11 08 T163218 161 Photo by The Beat Asia

If you think you’ve seen it all – think again. Art of Dying, presented by Secret Theatre at the Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai, blurred the lines between immersive theatre, escape room, and high-octane thriller, had guests questioning reality, and whether they’d survive the night.

James Bond
The Beat Asia

Directed by acclaimed Artistic Director at Secret Theatre, Richard Crawford, this world premiere took guests on a wild, interactive journey across three floors and four distinct activation areas—ranging from a luxurious penthouse suite to a gritty, dungeon-like basement that felt straight out of a spy movie.

Upon purchasing tickets, attendees received sneak peeks via WhatsApp, detailing character roles, dress codes, and what to expect from the show. Then, once inside the secret venue, the real fun began.

Riddler
Courtesy of Secret Theatre

Thrust into the heart of action, you either joined a gang of darkly charming villains or stepping into the shoes of elite MI6 agents tasked with preventing a global catastrophe. The experience had the tension of Mission Impossible mixed with the twisted fun of The Joker, creating a high-stakes atmosphere where espionage and danger loomed at every turn.

harley quinn
Courtesy of Secret Theatre

The evening also featured a creative cocktail menu inspired by the characters themselves. VIP guests enjoyed four free-flowing specialty drinks, including The Riddler (a basil gin cocktail), Harley Quinn (an earl grey-infused espresso martini), The Joker (a Campari and vermouth mix), and Sixxx (a fizzy herbal concoction with ginger beer). Alongside these, guests indulged in gourmet bites like the Joker’s Caviar Surprise and Mini Wagyu Beef Sliders—perfectly paired with the evening’s high drama.

And the drama didn’t disappoint. One moment, you’re taking part in a candle-lit ceremony where James Bond communicates with his mother via Ouija board, and the next, you’re searching for clues scrawled in blood on a dungeon wall while trying to avoid the deranged antics of a masked villain in a trench coat.

The Grand Hyatt's prestigious location and elusive speakeasy Lips Cocktails & Theatre offered the perfect setting for Joker's Club and a high stakes mission.

Art of Dying cast
Courtesy of Secret Theatre

Whether you attended solo, on a date, or with a large group, Art of Dying was an unforgettable thrill ride that challenged your problem-solving skills, morality, and maybe even your costume choices.

For updates on future events, visit Secret Theatre on their website, or give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Artists

In Tune with Xiaolin: Crossover Musician Explores Eclectic Musical Styles

DJ Xiaolin2

In the daytime, Asia embraces a true hustle culture; by night, we let our hair down and erupt in a magnificent energy to good crowds and good music. In Tune With meets the electric DJs and music makers of Hong Kong and Asia to feel their pulse and uncover why they entered the frenetic nightlife industry.

Xiaolin is anything but your typical DJ. The Hong Kong-born DJ, producer, vinyl enthusiast, and multi-instrumentalist, is also a storyteller, whose sonic exploration knows no bounds.

Born Olivia Dawn Mok, Xiaolin honed her craft at The Juilliard School in New York and the Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, where she studied a wide range of genres from classical violin to jazz, world music, and electronic composition.

Xiaolin
Courtesy of Xiaolin

Inspired by the underground electronic cultures of the US and UK between the mid 80's to early 00's, Xiaolin's analog synth-heavy sound reflects her diverse influences, from her roots as a former professional concert violinist to her love of anime, video games, and Cantonese culture.

A resident DJ at Club and Founder of HEX/HEXSCAPES, Xiaolin is known for her sets that navigate the space between minimalist progressive house and glimmering techno, taking listeners on a journey of early trance beats with tribal rhythms and raw acid electro vibes. She also draws from her experiences playing agogos in a Batucada band to produce her uniquely ethereal sound.

Xiaolin’s musicality and curiosity has left a significant mark on the gritty electronic music scene in Asia. Hosting a bimonthly show on Baihui Radio China and making a splash with her recent Boiler Room debut in Singapore, she’s rapidly rising on the international stage.

Ahead of this weekend’s Shi Fu Miz festival, The Beat Asia caught up with Xiaolin to hear exclusive insights into her musical inspirations, classical roots, and passion for electronic music.

How would you describe your sound?

Xiaolin
Courtesy of Xiaolin

My sound has an organic 90’s touch, with ethereal harmonies, and a sense of journeying through a full spectrum of emotions.

I play quite a few different styles, but my sets are generally separated into sunshine and moonlight energy. Live house sets are usually on the sunshine side, with acid house and a lot of percussion and melodies, while live ambient sets are moonlight energy, with spacey and psychedelic textures.

Daytime DJ sets veer on the funkier less-serious side of electro and house while nighttime sets are more hypnotic, with heavier bassy electro & techno-leaning grooves and progressive energy.

What inspired you to start making music and pursue DJing as a career?

Xiaolin
Courtesy of Xiaolin

While I was at Berklee Valencia, I was about to take a job at Propellerhead Software in Stockholm, but my professors intervened and convinced me to stay an extra year to work on music.

Meeting Dave Smith and Roger Linn and experiencing the sound of the 303 for the first time inspired me to create music inspired by the 80’s-90’s. Seeing all these possibilities in how they translated on a larger dance floor really moved me.

I began producing first. It wasn’t until after collecting records for a few years that I started to build a bit of confidence to DJ. It was only when I joined that I fully began to embrace and accept myself as an electronic artist.

How has your formal classical music education impacted the music you produce?

Xiaolin in Studio
Courtesy of Xiaolin

Berklee taught me how to break the rules learned, but the discipline has come in handy too. I picked up my first record at Berklee Valencia and was introduced to Ableton [a music software], while learning jazz and world music.

There we were exposed to valuable mentors and had access to some crazy gear. I still go back to my mentor from school now for guidance whenever I pass by Europe. My time there was deeply life changing, and it’s still been applicable to what I do now.

You incorporate jazz and analog equipment, among other acoustic elements in your music. How do you fuse these elements with contemporary tools and genres?

Xiaolin playing violin
Instagram/ Xiaolin

The beauty of electronic music is the ability to combine music from different worlds while paying respect to the pioneers of each style. It’s like blending different cuisines together, without taking away from the original flavors.

I use plugins and analog gear to create warmth in the sound, allowing electronic elements to blend in more organically with live samples and recordings. On the flipside, coloring recorded sounds with effects and pedals help acoustic elements sit well in the mix.

Can you tell us more about your residency at 宀? How did you first get involved and what do you love to bring to the electronic music venue?

holds a special place in my heart. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be who I am now. I have been going there since moving back to Hong Kong at the beginning of the pandemic.

I got involved when JF (宀 music director) came up to me and snapped at me from the bar: “Why aren’t you asking to play here?” I told him, “I’m just here to learn, it doesn’t feel right to impose.” He replied saying, “Most people are eager to play, here I am waiting for you to ask!”

Since we met, he has been a great friend and constant source of support. The HEX parties are seeing more regulars coming and becoming increasingly open-minded. Watching people release their worries on the floor motivates me to give more and connect with them. Dance is an incredible form of therapy.

What do you make of the music scene in Hong Kong?

Xiaolin DJing
Instagram/ Xiaolin

The Hong Kong scene is getting more and more exciting. Ever since COVID, new producers are emerging with interesting material.

I regularly attend HK Philharmonic Concerts, as well as jazz shows at the Carlyle. There is so much more in Hong Kong aside from electronic music. The underground jazz scene – like the Fountain de Chopin – is really fun and overlaps with some experimental electronic and 90’s hip-hop elements.

What trending music genres or styles have caught your interest lately?

Xiaolin on beach photoshoot
Courtesy of Xiaolin

90’s Detroit electro & 00’s electro house is making a bit of a comeback right now alongside 90’s more minimal/progressive house and techno records. There has also been a bit of an 80’s Asian disco/balaeric thing going on, and now we’re seeing more of the 00’s. I’m happy to see the dancefloor tempos going back down slightly (to a more normal speed)!

Who has left a lasting mark on your journey as an Artist?

Xiaolin
Courtesy of Xiaolin

My synthesis teacher at Berklee Valencia, Nacho Marco, who introduced me to acid house music. He [also introduced] me to Sonar Barcelona where I experienced Laurent Garniers 7-hour DJ set at SonarCar. He also showed me Ron Trent, Larry Heard, and Kraftwerk. I remember thinking, “What is this crazy music? I need to learn how to make it!”

There are fellow crew members including Mr. Ho and Sunsiare, who always give valuable feedback and advice.

More recently, meeting Jane (Fitz) in Hong Kong felt like a turning point. She is so inspirational having also begun her DJ journey in Hong Kong. I truly appreciate her energy and ethos not just in music, but also in life.

Other people who inspire me as both artists and humans include Polygonia, who also comes from a classical violin background, and Gonno, with whom I did my first proper Japan gig - they are among the calming sources of comfort and trust within this scene.

What can we expect from the upcoming seventh edition of Shi Fu Miz this year?

I will be doing a house-oriented set this time, on the Sunset Stage from 7 PM to 9 PM.

What’s next for Xiaolin?

This year has been the most exciting one so far. I will be stopping by Klymax in Bali, The Observatory in Saigon for a live night with Alex Kassian and Peter Van Hoesen. I’ll be playing at on December 6, Pawnshop Taipei the same weekend, and will finish up the year with Wonderfruit for the 428 crew and Enfold Stage.

There are some exciting projects for next year musically, but I can’t reveal them just yet. I can't wait to get back in the studio again!

You can keep up with Xiaolin on her Instagram @oliviaxiaolin.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous In Tune With profiles here.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Vibe/ Artists

In Tune with DJ Chucheewa: Thailand’s Multi-Talented DJ and Music Maven

In Tune with DJ Chucheewa 2 Photo by The Beat Asia

In the daytime, Asia embraces a true hustle culture; by night, we let our hair down and erupt in a magnificent energy to good crowds and good music. In Tune With meets the electric DJs and music makers of Hong Kong and Asia to feel their pulse and uncover why they entered the frenetic nightlife industry.

Meet Chucheewa, the dynamic Thai DJ, singer, and instrumentalist from Bangkok, who has become a fixture of the dance and festival scene in Asia. Guided by her credo: “Music for music, music for people,” she aims to unite and uplift people through her groovy and unique sound.

From her early days singing in church to fronting psychedelic indie bands "Fwends" and "Cloud Behind," Chucheewa has seamlessly transitioned into the vibrant local house music scene.

Chucheewa made her Boiler Room debut in Bali as half of the duo "Acid Sister," a collaboration with DJ Takky and in 2022, she co-founded and curated Summer Sound, which has since grown into a monthly show on Headstream Bali and Bangkok Community Radio, aimed at connecting artists around the globe.

Chucheewa
Courtesy of Chucheewa

As a DJ, Chucheewa’s sound spans an eclectic mix of house, electro, acid, slow jazz, and more. Her vocal tracks are injected with a distinct local flavor, like "The Photo Sticker Machine," "Cyndi Seui," and "Casinotone," which are co-produced with iconic Thai artists.

Chucheewa’s influence extends far beyond the DJ booth, showing her passion for uniting music-loving, sweat-soaked partygoers, and cultivating creative spaces. She is the Co-founder of music label Soundkoh Collective, and a curator for Summer Sound Festival.

She is also a key promoter for Conflakes which has hosted a range of local and international acts in Bangkok, including prominent bands such as Men I Trust, Cuco, Khruangbin, Cosmo Pyke, and many more.

The Beat Asia caught up with Chucheewa ahead of this weekend’s Shi Fu Miz festival, to explore her musical background, genre-defying style and the folks who have helped shape her career.

How would you describe your sound?

chucheewa
Courtesy of Chucheewa

My music spans across genres from house, electro, deep Detroit house, disco dub, acid, and proggy house. I like adding emotional vocal tracks, breaks, trippy psychedelic jazz dance tracks, whatever my emotions and the crowds guide me to. I was an indie pop/rock musician before I started to DJ, so that influences my DJ sets a lot.

I also love to play slow ambient chill sets with a playlist I collected called “Slow Groovy Spacey Ambient Funk Sh*t.” I always try to incorporate tracks from Thai artists and friends from all around the world’s music, to honor my roots and friendships.

Why did you start Soundkoh Collective?

Chucheewa
Courtesy of Chucheewa

In 2022, Korn (Kova O’ Sarin), Fook (Human Spectrum) and I began thinking about creating a music and art collective label that could combine the real world and the virtual world. We hosted one event for "Gadhouse," where we created avatars of musicians, DJs, and illustrators in "The Sandbox Game" through the special EP of Sidehouse Sunshine and pressed limited records just for this event.

Now, I want to focus on releasing our music with the intention of combining electronic music and live musicians in the same compilation. In one EP, you can have at least one listening track alongside other dance tracks suitable for clubs or festivals.

We aim to launch our first compilation, “Galactic Love” EP 01, in early 2025, featuring work and remixes from artists like Chalo (TH), Mogwaa (KR), Retromigration (DE), The Photo Sticker Machine (TH), Kova O’ Sarin (TH), Chucheewa (TH), and more.

What inspired you to start making music and pursue DJing as a career?

Chucheewa boiler room
Courtesy of Chucheewa

Since I can remember, my life has been music related. I was singing in a church band at the age of 8. When I was 17, I was in a psychedelic dream pop band called "Cloud Behind," and in 2014, I formed an indie pop band called "Fwends," where I began writing all the songs with my bandmates, including Korn (Kova O’ Sarin), who played bass in the band.

It was Korn who introduced me to the underground rave scene in Bangkok around 2015. We frequented places like Dark Bar, Dickinson’s Culture Café. Korn, Krit Morton, and Purich were running a party called MELA. I helped them with social media while also being a bit of a party pooper, always urging people to go home at 2 AM to get some rest. Obviously, I didn’t understand anything back then!

I’m now part of a Thai band called “The Photo Sticker Machine,” which was my favorite band when I was twelve!

It’s so inspiring to listen to their work and now play it in clubs and festivals like Boiler Room, Europe tour, Wonderfruit and more.

What drives your motto “Music for music, music for people?"

collective
Courtesy of Chucheewa

I heard this motto from Vichaya Vatanasapt, the main artist from "The Photo Sticker Machine" band. He’s my mentor and brother, and I feel grateful that the universe sent him and his music into [my] existence.

Sometimes I feel lost in my musical journey, especially in the scene or on a social level, because you realize you’re a part of the game, and that’s how it rolls.

I’ve met so many kind-hearted artists whom I admire and have become friends with because of who they really are, and not just because of their fame.

The motto is there to help us realize how lucky we are to feel safe, to listen to our favorite songs, dance, heal through music, and share good vibes in this strange time and world.

What music genres or styles have caught your interest lately?

playing guitar
Courtesy of Chucheewa

I’ve really been into acid jazz, slow groove, space funk, and eclectic sounds—from Ethiopian jazz to the psychedelic ambient electronic vibes of Susumu Yokota and Marc Moulin, which I always try to mix into my sets.

I’ve also fallen back in love with deep house music, and I’m listening to almost every album I can find from St Germain, which has completely blown my mind!

I’m also a huge fan of the soundtracks from Studio Ghibli, especially the one from Nausicaa. It’s so trippy and beautiful.

Is there anyone who has left a lasting mark on your journey as an Artist?

chucheewa DJing
Courtesy of Chucheewa

I have so many mentors, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of them. Korn is my best friend, bandmate, and the person who introduced me to dance music culture and taught me how to DJ.

Vichaya Vatanasapt is my spiritual mentor in life and music. His purity, humility, and centeredness always inspires me at different points in my life. Cas (Logisticman), my husband, always inspires me with his Belgian music culture and always supports me in everything I do.

Other mentions include Baldo, for his hard work, honesty, and rare kindness. I admire how he keeps it real and maintains a balance between his professional life and the party scene. Chalo, a mentor and a good friend, who's currently teaching me full music production. With his talent and discipline, I sometimes think he’s not human but rather an AI in human form with a kind heart—maybe that sounds funny, but it’s true!

Adis is another person who has inspired and helped me a lot simply by being himself. I had the best set of my life with the most incredible crowd at his Santsat Festival. By the end of my set, I was so moved that I cried, finishing with a track from Sault called "Free."

Besides these names, I draw inspiration from the sounds of artists like Mogwaa, Alex Kassian, Tornado Wallace, Dean Chew, Vell, DJ Garth, Lipelis, DJ Gonno, and so many more!

What can we expect from the upcoming seventh edition of Shi Fu Miz this year?

I’m super excited (and a bit nervous) because I’ll be doing my first live singing and some sound effects in my set on Sunday from 2-4 PM on the Main Stage!

I was so happy when they booked me, especially seeing the lineup of all my regional friends like Dean Chew, Xiaolin, Mr. Ho, Dita & Gero and artists I truly admire, like Chaos in the CBD, Tama Sumo, La Mamie’s and Nicola Cruz—it’s just mind-blowing!

I’ve been a secret fan of Nicola Cruz since my time in Koh Phangan, digging through his music at home. It’s incredibly inspiring to see the variety of styles he creates, and sharing the stage with these artists is a huge honor. I’m nervous, but I’ll definitely do my best!

I can’t wait to experience Shi Fu Miz, and a huge thanks to Florian and the team for having me!

What’s next in store for Chucheewa and where can we hear you playing next?

Chucheewa
Courtesy of Chucheewa

I’m planning to finish my new EP and hopefully release it by early 2025, with at least one single out before the end of 2024!

You can catch Chucheewa on her upcoming Asian tour, with stops in Bangkok, Saigon, Kuala Lumpur, and a special appearance at the Wonderfruit Festival in Pattaya, among other exciting destinations.

Keep up with Chucheewa on her Instagram @chucheewa.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous In Tune With profiles here.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.