Once Upon a Time in the Middle East Release Week
Directed by Wen Muye and starring Shen Teng, the film 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' will be released in all major Hong Kong cinemas from September 11. It tells the story of a Northeast Chinese restaurant owner who turns his establishment into a sanctuary for others amidst a war-torn environment, highlighting the resilience and kindness of ordinary people.
- When
11 Sept 2026 - 17 Sept 2026 00:00 - 23:59
- Location
- Shen Teng · Actor
- Wen Muye · Director
Program Overview
Directed by the acclaimed Wen Muye (director of 'Dying to Survive') and starring comedy superstar Shen Teng, the blockbuster film 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' is finally coming to Hong Kong. Since its mainland release, the film has achieved massive box office success, grossing over 1.6 billion in just two weeks and becoming one of the most talked-about cinematic phenomena of the year.
Highlights
- Epic Production: The crew spent months constructing a 1:1 scale Middle Eastern town and the 'Dragon Restaurant'. Shot specifically for IMAX, the visual fidelity captures both the intensity of conflict and the warmth of the setting.
- A Tale of Humanity: Set in the early 2000s, the story follows Xu Fu (Shen Teng), a Northeast Chinese restaurant owner who finds himself in the Middle East. Amidst the chaos of war, he uses his cooking wok and his talent to navigate between conflicting factions, turning his restaurant into a sanctuary and a beacon of hope.
- Exceptional Performance: Shen Teng breaks away from his traditional comedic roles, delivering a subtle, poignant performance as an ordinary man striving to maintain peace and human dignity in an extreme environment.
Cast & Crew
The film is directed by Wen Muye and stars Shen Teng. Their collaboration brings a moving and powerful story that blends humor, tension, and a profound message about the resilience of the human spirit.
Venue & Access
The film will be screening across all major cinema chains in Hong Kong from September 11 to September 17, 2026. Please check your preferred cinema's website or app for showtimes and location details.
Ticketing
Ticket prices vary depending on the cinema chain, screening time, and membership promotions. Please refer to official announcements from major cinema operators (such as Broadway Circuit, Emperor Cinemas, MCL Cinemas, etc.) for booking details.
