An annual cultural highlight, the Hong Kong Book Fair will run July 20-26 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

    In its 27th edition, the fair has more than 600 exhibitors from some 30 countries and regions expected to take part, including newcomers from Chile, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Portugal and Russia. More than 380 cultural activities are arranged during the weeklong event including seminars, readings, parades, storytelling sessions and performances with the aim of cultivating the public’s cultural awareness and interest in reading.

    This year, the Hong Kong Book Fair adopts the theme of Chinese martial arts literature. “Hong Kong has produced many renowned martial arts novelists over the years who have created timeless classics,” said HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau. “Many of these works have been translated into different languages and adapted into movies, TV series, computer games and comics that are popular not only in China but also around the world. The martial arts world portrayed in these novels embodies the essence of Chinese culture and is an important conduit for sharing and promoting Chinese culture.”

    A Chinese Martial Arts Literature exhibition will be set up at the art gallery, introducing readers to eight esteemed Hong Kong martial arts novelists from different eras. The zone will also display other precious exhibits, such as early serialized comic clippings, first editions, adapted screenplays and comic books.

    The book fair will also feature well-known overseas authors and works in different languages. Respected entrepreneur and arts enthusiast David Tang has invited three leading writers to take part in the Open Public Forum (July 22). They include writer, philanthropist and documentary director Hannah Rothschild, author and journalist Simon Winchester and best-selling historical fiction author Wilbur Smith.

    The British Council is bringing award-winning Hong Kong-born British poet Sarah Howe to take part in the book fair for the first time. The Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macao has arranged for children’s and young adult book author Elisabeth Brami, journalist and author Florence de Changy and Christine Cappio, a French national living in Hong Kong, to introduce their works. With the support from the Consulates General of Mexico, Peru and the Argentine Republic, Rodrigo Cacho, an expert in Renaissance and Baroque cultures, will join the fair to speak about Spanish-American colonial literature.

    In addition to French and Mexican writers, the World of Knowledge Seminar Series will also feature a number of local celebrities such as artisan jeweler Wallace Chan, renowned author and host Chua Lam and Cantonese opera master Franco Yuen.

    This year marks the 400th anniversary of the death of several master playwrights, including Tang Xianzu, a Chinese playwright from the Ming Dynasty; peerless English playwright and poet William Shakespeare; and Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the creator of “Don Quixote.” A number of related talks will be held to commemorate these great playwrights.

    Open: July 20, 21, 24, 25 (10 a.m.-10 p.m.), July 22, 23 (10 a.m.-midnight), July 26 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

    Admission: HK$10-25

    Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong

    MTR: Wanchai Station

    (SD News)