This Year’s Lineup Showcases Over 30 Filmmakers, with “Vampires in Space” Taking Center Stage

Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 is set to captivate audiences not only through its vibrant art displays but also with a diverse and thought-provoking film program. This year’s selection brings together over 30 visionary filmmakers from around the globe, offering a dynamic blend of documentary realism, imaginative fiction, and speculative fantasy.

The crown jewel of this year’s film program is “Vampires in Space,” a genre-bending narrative that weaves together elements of science fiction and social commentary. Directed by acclaimed Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the film explores themes of isolation, power, and the search for identity through a futuristic lens.

🎥 A Sci-Fi Masterpiece with a Deeper Message

“Vampires in Space” transports viewers to a distant future where Earth’s dwindling resources have forced humanity to colonize other planets. But among the human settlers are ancient beings—vampires—who have adapted to life in space, surviving by feeding off human emotions rather than blood. The film delves into moral ambiguity as the vampires strike uneasy alliances with humans, raising questions about exploitation, survival, and what it means to be truly alive.

Apichatpong’s signature dreamlike aesthetic permeates the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Critics have described the film as “a haunting meditation on otherness and belonging in a fractured world.”

🎞️ Diverse Voices, Bold Perspectives

In addition to “Vampires in Space,” Art Basel Hong Kong’s film program will feature a wide array of works that challenge conventional storytelling. Highlights include:

• “Echoes of Memory” – A documentary by Chinese filmmaker Chloe Zhao, exploring the lives of marginalized communities navigating rapid urbanization in modern China.
• “Fractured Reflections” – An experimental short by Filipino artist Kidlat Tahimik, blending indigenous mythology with cutting-edge digital animation.
• “The Dream Machine” – A surreal odyssey by Japanese director Takashi Murakami, where dreams and technology merge to create alternate realities.

🎬 Spotlight on New Filmmakers

Art Basel Hong Kong is also giving a platform to emerging voices with its “New Visions” segment, showcasing innovative works from up-and-coming directors. Among the rising stars is Rina Yeung, whose debut short film “Parallel Pulses” examines identity in a metaverse where memories can be traded like currency.

🌌 Blurring Boundaries Between Fact and Fantasy

This year’s lineup reflects Art Basel Hong Kong’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and inviting viewers to explore narratives that oscillate between fact and fantasy. “Film has the unique power to transport us beyond the limits of the present and reimagine possible futures,” says Li Wei, curator of the film program. “Our selection highlights voices that are challenging the status quo while offering glimpses of worlds both real and imagined.”

📅 When and Where to Watch

The Art Basel Hong Kong film screenings will be held from March 27 to March 31, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Special panels and Q&A sessions with featured directors will accompany the screenings, offering audiences a deeper dive into the creative processes behind these remarkable works.

🎟️ Tickets for the film screenings are included with general admission to the fair.