The Phoenix Cine Club played a crucial role in nurturing film appreciation, film criticism, and filmmaking in Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s. Established in 1973 by film critic Kam Ping Hing along with dedicated cinephiles like Freddie Wong, George Chan, Chan Pak Sang, and others, the Club emerged as a key influencer within the local film community. In 2019, the Club donated its extensive collection, known as the Phoenix Cine Club Archive, comprising of administrative and operational records, to M+. To commemorate this gesture, founding member Jimmy Choi and prominent member Neco Lo Che Ying will host this event, utilising these archives to reflect on the Club’s significant impact and contributions to the film culture of the city. Participants will have the opportunity to explore rare materials alongside the two former members of the Club.

Jimmy Choi is recognised as a film activist, documentary expert, and accomplished curator of art events. In 1989, he initiated and co-founded Videopower to produce socially relevant documentaries in collaboration with marginalised communities. During his tenure as the Director of the Film and Video Department at the Hong Kong Arts Centre from 1990 to 2001, he curated 25–30 films monthly under diverse themes and played a pivotal role in building the infrastructure to promote local independent productions. His initiatives included the establishment of the Zeman Media Centre, the Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards (IFVA), and the co-founding of the first Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).  

Neco Lo Che Ying is considered one of Hong Kong’s pioneering self-taught independent animators. With a career spanning back to 1977, Neco Lo has garnered extensive experience as an animation producer and director. He notably served as an animation designer at Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) from 1978 to 1993, contributing to various educational animations and opening titles. Additionally, he actively participated in the activities of the Phoenix Cine Club. Since the 1980s, he has been a prolific writer on animation history and has imparted his knowledge of animation principles at several universities and colleges.