Spring in Hong Kong is bringing some fresh ideas, including the city’s first-ever international independent film festival. Third Culture Film Festival is taking place at Loft 22 in the California Tower from April 15-17, 2016, and The Loop is a proud media partner.

Organized by the guys behind online lifestyle hub Third Culture — TCFF is setting out to buoy the Hong Kong film industry and celebrate regional talent. The team has waded through 1,800 entries over the course of nine months to bring movie lovers a curated three-day event that celebrates creativity, quality and diversity.

Featuring experimental films, imaginative animations, non-English language films, abstract shorts, action flicks, and student creations and more, TCFF has shortlisted the best of the best in each category across six themed “blocks.” Nearly all of the films — 60 of the 69 — on the docket will be making Hong Kong premiers, and there will be 18 awards across the weekend to recognize everything from “Best Actor” and “Best Sound Design” to “Spirit of Hong Kong Award” and “Social Impact Award.”

In addition to screenings of the films themselves — and a killer afterparty at CÉ LA VI — TC has also organized a series of workshops and lectures for budding film enthusiasts.

April 15–17, 2016. 22/F, Loft 22, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central. Tickets from $180 (per block) $360 (one day) and $1,080 (VIP three days). Available online at Pelago events: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3. Includes access to awards ceremony and after-party at CÉ LA VI.