The book collection of Wong Ain-ling comprises over 1,900 titles recently donated by Wong’s family. These reference materials, utilised by film researcher, programmer, and writer Wong Ain-ling (1952–2018), have now become resources for scholars and the public to navigate.

Born in Hong Kong and a graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Wong initiated her film studies in Paris, focusing on Chinese films from the 1930s. Upon her return to Hong Kong, she took on the role of English editor for the 10th Hong Kong International Film Festival in 1985. Subsequently, Wong served as a film programmer at the Hong Kong Arts Centre from 1987 to 1990.  She later became the programmer for the 15th to 20th Hong Kong International Film Festivals, where she introduced numerous Asian films and directors to the city. From 2001 to 2009, Wong worked as a researcher at the Hong Kong Film Archive and remained an advisor to the Archive thereafter.

Following Wong’s passing in 2018, her family generously donated her extensive book collection to the M+ Library. This collection has become an invaluable resource for studying Wong’s thoughts, interests, and the history of film research in Hong Kong. At an upcoming event, Dr. Louie Kin Sheun and M+ Curator-at-large of Hong Kong Film and Media Li Cheuk-to will revisit Wong’s contributions to Hong Kong film research. They will share highlights from the collection and the stories behind it. Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore rare materials alongside the two speakers.

Li Cheuk-to is a film critic and M+ Curator-at-large of Hong Kong Film and Media. He was the founding president of Hong Kong Film Critics Society and the former Artistic Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society. His writings on film were published in eight volumes between 1990 and 2000. His recent works as editor include Echoes of Cinematic Dreams: The First and Last Writings of Wong Ain-ling (2020) and Planet Hong Kong: Popular Cinema and the Art of Entertainment (2000).