Hongkongers will have to be quick off the mark to catch the best the festival has to offer, write Song Yee Paik and Bourree Lam

FILM: Azur and Asmar
Set in a fictive Middle Eastern land, the film tells the tale of two young boys who originally start off as best friends but then diverge onto separate paths, until they meet again, becoming rivals in the quest to find the mythical Fairy Djinn. Inspired by the adventurous and magical elements from Arabic folklore, the tale also touches on prevalent issues such as racism, religious tolerance and respect for women. While the animation itself may not be as sophisticated as that of Pixar or Disney, the beautifully intricate Arabesque designs, the multicoloured scenery, and the haunting Middle Eastern music are a welcome diversion from your typical Hollywood production. Sun 11, 5pm: Film Archive. Sat 17, 7.30pm: Space Museum. 2111 5999; www.urbtix.hk. $45.

DANCE: Georgian National Dance Company Sukhishvili
It’s no Riverdance, but it’s not far off. In this repertoire, Georgian folk and traditional dance merge with elements from classical ballet as dancers switch seamlessly from dancing en pointe to slamming roughly onto their knees in the tradition of the steppes of the Georgian mountain region. Dancers are outfitted in traditional costumes while live music accompaniment with traditional instruments pairs perfectly with the energetic footwork. Thu 29 & Fri 30, 8pm: Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium. Sat 31, 8pm: Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium. 2111 5999; www.urbtix.hk. $320-$100.

MUSIC: Kitaro
Kitaro’s going to sell out quick smart, so you better get tickets now if you don’t want to miss out. Japanese instrumentalist Takahashi Masanori has won Grammys and a global fan base mostly from his elegant and sentimental compositions that invoke feelings of Eastern spirituality and romanticism. The long-haired Japanese composer is also famous for his high energy performances, where he jumps from electric synths, to guitar, to banging on huge taiko drums. Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin. 2111 5999; www.urbtix.hk. Wed 13 & Thu 14, 8pm; $420-$150.

DANCE: Shen Wei Dance Arts
Did you see the opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics? Do you remember the agile and expressive dancers who painted the large scroll with their graceful and technically challenging movements? That was Shen Wei Dance Arts, led by the renowned contemporary Chinese choreographer Shen Wei, whose meteoric career has taken him to accolades including the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship. Re (– I, II, III) are inspired from his travels to Tibet, Angkor Wat, and the Silk Road – it’s the first new work since the Olympics and promises to be just as spiritually uplifting. Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium, 15 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, 2111 5999; www.urbtix.hk. Nov 6 & Nov 7, 8pm; $360-$120.

MUSIC: New and Old Myths of Tuva
In the bleak and bitter land of Tuva, located in far eastern Siberia, music has always been a way to connect with the awesome forces of nature. Ranging from deep guttural sounds to high-pitched whistles, throat singing is unique to Tuva and Mongolia. Singers are able to manipulate their throat in such a way that they transmit two or more overtones simultaneously. This performance features Sainkho Namtchylak – one of the only female throat singers around. A contrast to the deep baritone of the male singers, Namtchylak titters in a higher pitched yet calming and serene hymn. Cultural Centre Studio Theatre, 2111 5999; www.urbtix.hk. Oct 23 & Oct 24, 8pm; $240-$120.

See www.silkroadfestival.gov.hk for full festival details.