On the eve of Hong Kong Filmart (March 21-24), Fortissimo Films has signed a deal to represent the library of iconic Hong Kong director Yonfan.

The collection of 13 titles, spanning three decades, includes titles such as Story of Rose, starring Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung; Bishonen, with Daniel Wu, Shu Qi and Stephen Fung, and love story Last Romance, starring Cheung and Cherie Chung.

The films are currently being digitally restored with Last Romance, the first to be completed, set to screen at the upcoming Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).

Although the films enjoyed theatrical and critical success when originally introduced, their global exposure to date has been limited. Fortissimo, which represents all rights to the titles outside of Hong Kong, will commence sales at upcoming markets Filmart and MIPTV.

“Yonfan has always been one of Asia’s unique masters of beauty, visual energy and fascinating story telling. By allowing his films to be fully restored and having a new approach to their distribution, audiences both here in Asia and throughout the world will have the opportunity to see these wonderful films,” said Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner.

Yonfan added: “Each of my films represents something incredibly personal and special to me. I am very pleased that Michael and the Fortissimo team are joining with me to present these fully restored versions to new audiences around the globe.”