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Downtown (HKLGFF 2026)

Downtown (HKLGFF 2026)

莫疫之交 (HKLGFF 2026)

Released
07 Sep 2026
Runtime
98 min
Original title
Downtown
Language
nl

Drama

The verdict

There are not yet enough audience votes to give this a reliable score. It is not currently playing in Hong Kong cinemas. 98 minutes.

What it is about

In 1988, three young gay men, Ronnie, Lennart and Bas, throw themselves into Amsterdam's nightlife scene. It’s a life full of friendship, sex and drugs. Until the mysterious AIDS virus casts a shadow over their lives and one of them disappears after becoming infected. Thirty-two years later, in the middle of the 2021 lockdown, Ronnie recognises the missing Bas in the subway. An evening unfolds that none of them had expected to see, but which had been in the air for years. The AIDS epidemic has had a major impact on all three of their lives. Where they lost each other 32 years ago, they hope to find each other again.

What to expect

Michiel van Erp's Dutch drama jumps between 1988 and 2021, following three friends whose Amsterdam party years are cut short when one of them disappears after an HIV diagnosis. The movie earns its 98-minute runtime by staying close to the men's faces rather than the period décor — the 80s scenes feel lived-in, not costumed, and the lockdown reunion is awkward and tentative in a way that rings true. Yorick van Wageningen anchors the older timeline with a weariness that never tips into sentiment. The Dutch dialogue carries English subtitles. Screens as part of HKLGFF 2026; check festival listings for venues and session times.

Cast

  • Yorick van Wageningen
  • Hans Kesting
  • Roeland Fernhout
  • Daniel Cornelissen
  • Sebastian Mrkvicka
  • Thor Braun
  • Abke Haring
  • Barry Atsma
  • Tijn Docter
  • Thomas Ryckewaert
  • Jesse Mensah
  • Coen Bril
  • Valentijn Benard
  • Marco Sleeswijk
  • Noah Valentyn

Crew

  • Director Michiel van Erp
  • Writer Frank Houtappels

Common questions

How long is the movie?
98 minutes.
What language is it in, and are there subtitles?
Dutch dialogue with English subtitles.
Is this movie suitable for children?
The movie deals with drug use, sex, and the AIDS crisis. It is not intended for young audiences.
Where can I see it?
It screens as part of the Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival 2026. Check the festival programme for venues and times — it is not on general release.

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