The Lambert Yam and Ruby Yang Collection comprises a vast array of objects focusing on Hong Kong and mainland Chinese movies, including film posters, stills, handbills, synopses, cinema architectural drawings, and Betacam tapes. This collection originated during Lambert Yam’s tenure at the World Theatre cinema from 1985 to 1996, where a plethora of Cantonese and Mandarin films, either produced or funded in Hong Kong, were showcased. Serving as a treasure trove of shared memories for individuals from Hong Kong and beyond, the collection offers valuable insights into the historical foundations of the city. The collection has been meticulously categorised into different series based on genres. During the upcoming event, Ruby and Lambert will present their curated selections from specific genres. Participants will have the opportunity to explore rare materials alongside the two donors.

Lambert Yam, a native of Hong Kong, co-founded the Phoenix Cine Club in 1973. After relocating to San Francisco in 1974, Yam pursued a degree in Filmmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute. He delved into the film exhibition sector and took ownership of the World Theatre cinema. Additionally, Yam managed World Entertainment, which acquired the exclusive distribution and exhibition rights for certain Hong Kong films in North America. He also produced several films by his wife Ruby Yang, including the acclaimed Citizen Hong Kong (1998) and A Moment in Time (2010).

Ruby Yang, also originally from Hong Kong, relocated to San Francisco in 1977 and earned a degree from the San Francisco Art Institute with a focus on Painting and Filmmaking. Yang has been actively involved in creating documentaries and feature films, including the Oscar-winning film The Blood of Yingzhou District (2006) and A Moment in Time (2010), a documentary that explores San Francisco’s Chinatown through its theatres and movie enthusiasts. From 2015 to 2019, she spearheaded the Hong Kong Documentary Initiative at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), with the goal of nurturing the next generation of documentary filmmakers in the region. Since July 2023, she has served as the director of the Journalism and Media Studies Centre at HKU.