Saturday, March 22, 2025

[2025.03.23] NICK CHEUNG SETS UP A STALL ON TEMPLE STREET AND BECOMES WORLD-WEARY

Nick Cheung looks worn out, even hiding and covering up during photo opportunities and is very in character.
courtesy of singtao.com

Nick Cheung Ka Fai appeared at a Temple Street stall the night before (21st) to hold the "Choi Sun Keung Crispy Friends Nightmare Sharing Session" for the movie he directed and starred in, PEG O' MY HEART (SHOOK MUNG). The sharing session began to distribute 30 spots at 5 p.m., and already a long line was already outside the stall. The 30 spots were quickly distributed, attracted a large number of onlookers, and about 10 security guards maintained order. Cheung Ka Fai appeared as the character Choi Sun Keung in the film at about 5 and a half. As soon as he sat down he put a box of barbecue pork rice on the table, with chopsticks inserted directly into the rice. His brows were deeply locked, he held his head and listened to the fans share their nightmares and he did not smile when taking a group photo. Coupled with a world-weary look, he refused autograph requests and was very involved in the role. He made the fans laugh.

Due to the overwhelming response, the sharing session was extended to about 40 groups of fans for two hours. Each fan was given a movie ticket. In the end Ka Fai was still very in character when he left the scene, and said in Choi Sun Keung's tired tone, "I am very tired, let's go, I have to work and drive a taxi......last night I have nightmares again and ghosts chasing after me!"

[2025.03.23] LOUIS KOO ENCOURAGES COLLEAGUES TO "KEEP ROLLING" TOGETHER TO OVERCOME THE WINTER

Michelle Wai says that she has absolutely no pressure in having a baby and can work at ease

Louis Koo looks forward to even more new blood joining the film industry and motivating development

Marf Yau and boyfriend Locker Lam are both present but decline to take a photo together
courtesy of on.cc

Marf Yau protects manager Wing throughout the night
courtesy of singtao.com


The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers holds a spring banquet. Chairman Louis Koo says that the theme is "Keep Rolling", hoping that the industry would go over the fully challenging environment together.

Edward Chui admits to pursue Eileen Yiu, and their current relationship is better than friends

Eileen Yiu

Anthony Wong says that Tyson Yoshi does not need to spend all that money to make a music video

Michelle Wai hints at what she would dress to the Hong Kong Film Awards
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers 2025 Spring Dinner" dinner was held last night with 26 tables, chairman Louis Koo Tin Lok, permanent honorary chairman Ng See Yuen, commissioner and spokesperson Tin Kai Man, director Sunny Chan Wing Sun, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Louisa So Yuk Wah, Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Marf Yau Yin Tung, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, etc. attended. The theme of this year's Spring Dinner is "Keep Rolling", and the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers Chairman Koo Tin Lok hoped that Hong Kong colleagues will survive the film industry's cold winter together. In the future the Federation would continue to subsidize the industry's film productions, welcome even more young people to join Hong Kong film productions and march forward hand in hand.

The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers currently comprises 15 professional film associations, and is committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of film workers, promoting communication between the industry, the HKSAR Government and various sectors of the community, and promoting the sustainable development of the Hong Kong film industry. The theme of this year's Spring Dinner is "Keep Rolling", which means that all positions are like partners during the shoot, working hand in hand and helping each other in a challenging environment.

As the chairman of the Federation, Koo Tin Lok said that he served as the guest presenter at the dinner and presented three awards to the behind-the-scenes personnel. He presented the "Outstanding Film Worker Award 2025" to international professional technical consultant Ngai Tin Ming, firearms master Yu Man Biu and production assistant Leung Man for toiling away quietly in the film industry, their rich experience and contribution to the industry. He sentimentally said, "Some elders may have been working in this industry for a long time but have never had the opportunity to win an award. An award to them may be the recognition of the entire show business career. Some award shows only present to the on screen talent, but i personally feel the behind the scene staff also contributed a lot." This year's theme was also to tide over the cold winter of Hong Kong's film industry. Koo Tin Lok said that in addition to the government, the Federation would also subsidize the filming industry, and initially select 10 scripts. He would then conduct interviews with the producer, the director, mainly to assess the candidates' ability to adapt to unexpected situations during filming. "We received around 80 scripts, in the end we chose 10 for interviews. Because many directors are very new and have never made a movie before, at the first meeting I thought they were children who just graduated from secondary school. We had to test their ability to adapt and execute. I feel that more young people have new ideas, which would be a great stimulant for the industry and is also a good thing." He joked that was because he saw the film VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SEH JI JUI)'s two directors were rather young, but felt that having even more young people and new ideas to join the Hong Kong film industry would be beneficial to the industry. The Keep Rolling project's two movies THE REMNANTS (NGOK YUN DONG DOH) and VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH have also production.

Wong Chau Sun along with the Federation's first season Keep Rolling project selection VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH team So Yuk Wah, P1X3L member George Au Chun Ho and others attended. He said that he has not yet watched the final cut. "I feel I performed decently, but this time the character was related to religion and I felt it was very difficult. At the beginning I didn't know how to play it. I spent a lot of time chatting with the pastor." He said that because the director was very, on the set they needed to spend some time to get into gear. He praised Au Chun Ho as very hard working and performed pretty well. When he felt that he did not perform well enough, he would take the initiative and ask for another take. He was well worth encouraging.

Wong Chau Sun earlier criticized Tyson Yoshi's new song 1994 music video as "too garbage". He explained that the first reaction was that the song was "garbage", like those "garbage songs" that were haphazardly thrown together to meet the deadline once upon a time. Actually Tyson Yoshi did very well, as it was not his "garbage" but an imitation of these "garbage songs". Thus it ended up to be "garbage". "He didn't need to spend so much money on the shoot, he did too much." If the music video was made into a movie, would he participate if he was invited? He said that he has not thought about it, feeling no role existed in the music video.

Wai Sze Nga said that she was looking forward to having dinner with industry insiders, because a group of colleague would eat lunch boxes on the set normally. She also said that she would take the opportunity to recommend herself to the Federation to sign up for a position, she would be willing even to "do chores", because recently she has been on vacation. The reporter pointed out that since she was newly married, why would she not take advantage of the time to make a baby? She joked that she has been a person for 40 years, but has had no pressure to have children so far because she and her husband have discussed it a long time ago to go with the flow. In addition both have talked adoption and their families have not given them any pressure. (Have you seriously prepared your body for pregnancy?) "No, but every night my husband gives me a lot of supplement to take." As a wife now, would she show what she would wear to the Hong Kong Film Awards next month to her husband? She quipped, "Because I have nothing to see. The same dress could be very sexy on others would become children's clothing on me! However he has offered to attend the award ceremony with me." She also said that she would go to the theater with her husband to watch the extended version of THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK), because the two have not seen it yet.

Edward Chui Woei Dong was revealed to be in love with Eileen Yiu Tsz Ling earlier. They were still getting to know each other, and he admitted that the relationship at this stage was "more than friends, but not fully lovers". He hoped for further development, appreciated her kindness, serious work attitude, very good to people and friends, and very caring for small animals. The other half he has been looking forward would be such a person. What was missing from them being a couple? "I am thinking about this myself. Everyone can give me some suggestions on how to get the girl. I am not strong in this area." Speaking of Yiu Tsz Ling's generosity in talking about the relationship between the two, he smiled and said, "I stand up bravely too!" He said that they met while working on JUSTICE SUNG BEGINS in Hengdian. Everyone had a lot of fun and the group would occasionally go out for dinner!

Marf Yau Yin Tung and her boyfriend Locker Lam Ka Hei were both present but declined to take a photo together. Marf said that it would be more meaningful to wait for the two to have a collaborative work. "Only this would be a very valuable photo together. (Would you mind working as a couple?) Of course not, I hope that our collaboration would be very challenging and I really like science fiction stuff. If someone happens to appreciate us, I would be rather glad." Referring to the fact that her manager Dai Wing was exposed to being in a relationship with Edward Ma Chi Wai. Marf joked, "Tonight my artist is doing the interview! I admire Ma Chi Wai very much, plus he plays soccer with Locker so we would see each other often. However their relationship has nothing to do with me, because they have known each other for a long time."

Friday, March 21, 2025

[2025.03.22] RENCI YEUNG AVOIDS TALKING ABOUT BOYFRIEND OWEN CHEUNG'S "KISS" SCENE

Hedwig Tam and Renci Yeung attend their new film premiere
courtesy of on.cc

Renci Yeung seems shy and avoids talking about boyfriend Owen Cheung
courtesy of singtao.com

Renci Yeung avoids talking about boyfriend Owen Cheung's kiss scene, while Kaki Sham responds to the "convenience store" post

Hedwig Tam and Locker Lam promote the film SMASHING FRANK

Tiffany Lau bites Owen Cheung's lips in ANONYMOUS SIGNAL
courtesy of mingpao.com

The film SMASHING FRANK (DOH POR FAT LAN HAK) held a launch ceremony the night before, director Trevor Choi Hong Ying, actors Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Locker Lam Ka Hei, Kaki Sham and Renci Yeung Sze Wing attended. They even walked into the theater to interact with the audience and put on masks for a group photo. When the actors met and shared their experience with the audience, they said that the film was the first crowdfunded film in Hong Kong. They hoped that the audience would like it, because with audience recognition and support in the currently difficult market, they could try to find another way to make a movie.

Playing former first love in the film, Tam Sin Yin and Lam Ka Hei were also full of expectations for the movie's release after waiting for two years. This time needed some action performances, Tam Sin Yin pointed out that during the shoot she has just completed ligament surgery on her left knee. She had to hold on to Lam Ka Hei's shoulder just to take a quick sharp turn. As for Lam Ka Hei he had a dreadlocks in the film. Although his scalp was damaged, he felt that this hairstyle was very suitable and he would want it done again if the opportunity would arise. Would he shave his head for a movie? He bluntly said that he absolutely would not mind, he would not often change his hairstyle anyway. He could even consult Tam Sin Yin, who has shaved her head for a shoot. Would he ask his girlfriend Marf Yau Yin Tung to help shave his head? He laughed and said that he could, but doing it himself would be the best.

Yeung Sze Wing's boyfriend Owen Cheung Chun Long won the television Best Actor, has she celebrated with him? Sze Wing said that this was a joyous event. Ultimately being an actor in Hong Kong, whether on film or television, would be very difficult. She believed that each actor would work hard, so receiving praises or awards for it would be an honor. She also sincerely wished Best Actress nominee Tam Sin Yin to shine at the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards. She has not particularly celebrate winning the award with Chun Long. Earlier she and Cheung Chun Long were caught on a New Year flower market date. Yeung Sze Wing explained that they were only trying to get good omen for the New Year and deliberately changed the subject to say that she saw how passionate the young people were at their stalls. The reporter mentioned that she has been good luck for her boyfriend. Sze Wing changed the subject again and hoped that she could bring good performance to the movie SMASHING FRANK. Speaking of Chun Long's new drama release, she still had a list of episodes that she has not watched. Even her boyfriend's drama would have to wait. Was she afraid that her eyes would blow up when she sees Tiffany Lau Wing Suen bite her boyfriend's lip? Sze Wing immediately joked, "Our movie lacks shots like these. I will reflect that to the director later to see if we can add some back!" As for her boyfriend's comments on her social network being considered a declaration of sovereignty, she immediately brought out Tam Sin Yin for defense. "When she made WARRIORS WITHIN (DA TIN HA) I always declared sovereignty on Ah Tam's social network." Did she feel very sweet in love? Sze Wing continued to avoid the subject. "My romance with Ah Tam is very sweet, anyone who sees it is very envious!"

Kaki Sam recently posted on social platform about enjoying food or drink at the convenience store. Paying at the end before leaving should not be classified as theft or destruction of product. The comment led to controversy online, as some big time lawyer directly said that the behavior already broke the law. Kaki Sham reiterated in a post that he only wanted everyone to discuss the topic and not encouraging anyone to push the boundary of the law. After learning about the explanation from the big time lawyer, he felt like he has "learned something".

Thursday, March 20, 2025

[2025.03.21] HILLARY LAU LOOKS FORWARD TO HEART WRENCHING MOVIES WHILE ANSONZBEAN FOCUSES ON ACTION

Anjaylia Chan, Hillary Lau, Lillian Ho, ANSONBEAN and Evelyn Choi take the chance to get a photo with Louis Koo
courtesy of on.cc

The 29th Hong Kong International Film and TV Festival (FILMART) opened on the 17th of this month, and Media Asia Films held a reception at Central on the evening of the 18th. Media Asia media group boss Dr. Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Media Asia television program production (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd. managaing director Tommy Leung Ka Shu, the Federation of the Hong Kong Filmmakers president Louis Koo Tin Lok, Hong Kong Film Awards Best Film Editor Wong Hoi, New Director Award Lee Kwong Yiu, Nick Cheuk Yik Him, Lawrence Kan Kwan Chun, artists Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yee), ANSONBEAN, Hillary Lau, Evelyn Choi Wing Yan, Vian Lin Ka Wing, Anjaylia Chan Ka Bo, Lillian Ho Ka Lei, Hazel Lam Hei Tung, Maya Tsang Yui Tung, Fiona McLeish (Mak Siu Yu), Eliza Sam Lai Heung and Toby Leung Ching Ki were all present.

Hillary admitted that she has learned a lot from meeting many film directors and screenwriters at the party. She said, "The scene is too lively with too many people. Although I can't go too in depth one by one, but I am so happy to have the opportunity to introduce myself to everyone. Ultimately I don't have many works, and I am a new actor." She was a big fan of romance films and hoped to play the lead role in love stories. She said, "I am a person with a lot of emotions, but I only show it to my close friends. I really want to challenge myself to express it through movies. There are many kinds of love stories, and I hope to make a heart wrenching movie so that the audience will have a sense of understanding after watching it." The television game show that she has been a part of, BE ON GAME would move to th stage next month. Hillary revealed that there would be surprises. "I hope to interact with the audience more and make everyone happy this time. We have a lot of special performances. In short, in addition to singing and dancing, we would even add a few elements that are rarely seen on stage."

Trying hard to pursue his "dream of being an action actor", ANSONBEAN revealed that he has recently made a new discovery about himself. "Every time I complete a production project I would find myself with a new aspect, which feels very new and unpredictable. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore more possibilities every time. For example, in the recently aired drama series, because it was funny and what I was good at, I kept worrying as the shoot went on. The result was a good response and everyone liked it. It turned out to be funny, and made the audience happy. Even I thought it was funny when I watched it again, suddenly unlocking the comedy route." He hoped to focus on the "Action Movie" genre, but still make movies such as romance, comedy or suspense. In addition to practicing martial arts, ANSONBEAN also worked hard to study acting, especially learning to be "natural". Having worked with him on dramas, Hillary laughed, "Actually you are usually not natural!" ANSONBEAN admitted, "Whether I am filming on camera or talking to friends, my speech becomes unnatural because my brains are thinking about too much. I will try to improve that."

[2025.03.21] CATHERINE CHAU RUSHES TO ANSWER TO "HOUSEWIFE CHAU"?

Michelle Wai finds a good companion and wants Catherine Chau to have one too
courtesy of on.cc

Michelle Wai, Catherine Chau, Rosa Velasco, Polly Lau and Aggie C celebrate the release of THE LAST DANCE extended version with an "army" pose

(from back left) Aggie C., Michelle Wai, Polly Lau, (front left) Rosa Velasco and Catherine Chau form a human "hexagram"
courtesy of singtao.com

Catherine Chau and Michelle Wai volunteer at Food Angel
courtesy of mingpao.com

Five actors of THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) Michelle Wai Sze Nga (Michelle), Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Rosa Velasco (Wai Law Sha), Polly Lau Yeuk Bo, and Aggie C (Chow Chi Wai) yesterday as volunteers distributed meals to more than 100 elderly people. The five of them worked together to make a big and "long" star-shaped pose to celebrate the release of the extended version of THE LAST DANCE on April 4th at the cinema.

The newly married Wai Sze Nga and Chau Ka Yee were interviewed together. The media called Wai Sze Nga "Housewife Chau" but Chau Ka Yee immediately rushed out to answer. "Don't call me housewife, I'm not a housewife yet." Wai Sze Nga smiled and said, "They are calling me Housewife Chau. If you would marry someone with the last name Chau in the future, then you would be Housewife Chau too!" Ka Yee said helplessly, "It still might be impossible, perhaps I won't have a chance to get married." Wai Sze Nga once promised to introduce the "hot properties" to Ka Yee on her wedding day, but Ka Yee said that the bride was too busy that night. She had to help collect "favors" (wedding gifts) herself, which was a greater responsibility than meeting guys. However many people at the scene dragged her around to meet guys, which made her very embarrassed. Would Wai Sze Nga introduce good guys again? She laughed and said, "My husband told me not to be a matchmaker, so I will see if we would have any party for another chance to meet, but I would leave it to fate and see how her karma is." Actually Ka Yee often does good deeds in private, how could a beautiful and kind person have no suitor? Ka Yee joked that maybe she was too good and never gave out any energy to attract the opposite sex. "I haven't particularly longed to date, but I am not as resistant s before. I would keep an open mind. No one should worry too much about me, I will keep living a good life."

Speaking of the extended version of THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK)'s April 4th release, neither of them has seen the latest version but they knew that little stories behind multiple characters would be added. The ending would still be the same, and would not become a sad ending. Wai Sze Nga won the "Extraordinary Actor Award" at Chicago's Asian Pop Up Cinema Film Festival for THE LAST DANCE, bringing her her sixth individual award and her first award outside of Asia. She was very grateful and felt that the most important was for people of different places to be able to see this movie. Later she would go to Chicago again to promote the film. Winning awards repeatedly, has she receive any reward from her husband? Wai Sze Nga immediately took the opportunity to say, "No, you can write that for me; but buying a gift is so difficult, and giving cash has no sentimental value." Would she ask her husband for a home? She laughed and said that he probably would not have that much money. Referring to the completion of the second Chinese wedding last Sunday, Wai Se Nga smiled and said that she could finally breathe a sigh of relief. This time she cried just the same, but not because of her husband. Mommy's words moved her instead, because Mommy said that she was her favorite. If she was wronged, she should come home and the door would be open for her. She gave a surprise to her husband as well, inviting his idol Yanting Chau to perform. She said that after completing the wedding she could focus on promoting THE LAST DANCE extended version.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

[2025.03.20] NICK CHEUNG CONTINUES HIS DIRECTING DREAM, LOOKS FOR A RETURN TO COMEDY

Terrance Lau praises director and actor Nick Cheung as very attentive, constantly thinking of the actors

Nick Cheung and Fala Chen play a loving couple in the film

Terrance Lau plays a psychiatrist who constantly crosses the line
courtesy of mingpao.com

Best Actor Nick Cheung Ka Fai went from acting to directing. PEG O' MY HEART (SHOOK MUNG), the fourth film that he directed and starred in, recently won the "Best Director Award" at the Grimmfest Film Festival in Manchester, UK. The new film would be released in Hong Kong on March 27th. He admitted that there was no pressure, but he felt that the style of this film was difficult to classify. Although it was popular with foreign audiences, he also looked forward to the support of Hong Kong local audiences. Cheung Ka Fai admitted that his heart was full of rebellion and liked to take the alternative route. His new work was "difficult to classify", and he would continue to have no limit to his dream of directing. He joked "I 'Fa Gwut Lung' didn't get the name in vain, I hope to have the opportunity to make comedy again!"

The past three films Cheung Ka Fai directed had a "dark" style. He admitted that he was full of rebellion at heart and liked to take the alternative route. This time PEG O' THE HEART took "redemption" as the theme, which contained thrilling and criminal elements. It also had a bit of "cult film" flavor. Ka Fai said that two years after the completion of the film, it woul finally be released in Hong Kong. In the long waiting process, he has experienced the overseas promotions, visited major film festivals, understood the audience's reaction, and has even seen it countless times during editing. Thus his feeling was a little numb, not particularly nervous. However he was very happy to get a lot of good actors to perform hard during the filming process, hoping to give the audience a new experience through this theme.

Ka Fai bluntly said that current film productions would not be limited to a single horror film or dramatic film. This time PEG O' MY HEART was a bit strange, some viewers would feel the film would be difficult to classify after watching it. "Actually I have been also looking for answers too, I did not imitate any movies when making this film. I saw on some channels that movies that are difficult to classify as would be classified as 'unclassifiable movies'." He said that PEG O' MY HEART was original and could bring freshness to the audience. "I have the audience's appreciation overseas, but it does not mean that it's all about me; nor does it mean that I am sure to win. Maybe foreigners like it, but I don't know what Hong Kong audiences would think."

Making a non commercial film this time, Ka Fai believed that film was a creative industry. The market must have a variety of films to give the most sincere feedback to the audience. Hence multi-genre films such as "ET the Extra-Terrestrial", kung fu films and comedy films appeared. However, he was more paranoid. Since he has found a group of good actors, he wanted to take the alternative route, special and difficult to classify direction; especially if the audience felt that watching movies was dull now. They might as well come to watch his film. As a director, Ka Fai has always been in a dark style that has also become his trademark. He joked that someone has already evaluated him as such, he considered himself rebellious and deliberately adhered to this style. However his inner world was very unrestrained. PEG O' MY HEART had many thrilling scenes. Ka Fai said that the initial starting point was not to scare people, because the audience's definition of fright may be very low. Some viewers would be afraid when they saw the characters being a little more vicious, so he did not to challenge scaring people to death. The film had two main tragic plots, most of the scare spots were conceived on the spot on the set.

For his first international director award, would this be his most satisfying work? Ka Fai said that he did not dare to assert that. If he had the opportunity to make another film similar to hypnosis or dreams, he believed that he could make an even better film. After all, he still had a lot he wanted to say but not enough space to do it. Directing and starring were not easy, so this time Lau Chun Him was the real lead actor. Ka Fai hoped to concentrate on filming him well.

Regarding the movie release, Lau Chun Him said that he was nervous. The psychiatrist he played in the film was also mentally distressed. Actually in real life, Ah Him often had nightmares when he was a child. He dreamed of people or monsters chasing him. "Maybe when I was little I didn't know how to express yourself, or perhaps I was only like that because I felt lonely." Playing this role, Ah Him said that the most difficult thing was not acting, but restraining the performance. "I couldn't resist acting during filming, I was guided by a story and I communicated closely with the director." He felt that Ka Fai was by no means a villain director. He remembered a scene in the water the most. That night was very cold, the staff took a while to try the position. He proposed to try it himself, but Ka Fai refused his request and protected him. In addition Ah Him had a shower scene, which was a bold performance on screen for him. "That scene was a dream, I dreamed that I was naked after taking a shower at home. I didn't look at it with bias, so I agreed to perform it right away." Actually if the script required it, and he could accept it full rear nudity.

In addition to directing and acting, Ka Fai also sings the theme song of the movie. He joked that finding someone else to sing would cost money. "Earlier a reporter asked me how to withdraw from the role, actually I withdrew as soon as the cameras stopped rolling. I found that a lot of money had to be spent, and the whole person woke up. Do you have any financial company to recommend?" When asked about his expectations for the box office, Ka Fai said that the film has indeed been appreciated overseas; but now for film productions in Hong Kong, nothing seemed right in the eyes of the audience. "However if you do it right, everyone will honestly tell you that you are right; of course you have to work hard on getting it right. It takes the perfect combination of creativity, screenwriting, cinematography and lighting. If you ask me what acting is? I'm not an academic myself, but I personally think it's like a door, being convincing on one hand and exciting on the other. As soon as the door is opened, inside needs a lot of things to help before the performance would be recognize. This requires everyone's cooperation."

Ka Fai will continue his directing dream, but he is not sure whether he will stick to the "dark" style. Because he has never limited what he wants to shoot, he has left everything up to fate and Heaven would make the arrangements. The audience has always been missed him in comedies. Everyone to this day is still talking about the role of "Fa Gwut Lung", Ka Fai joked that sometimes when he saw how much fun Tommy Chu Pak Hong, Louis Cheung Kai Chung and Terrance Lau Chun Him were having, he wanted to join in and go crazy. "I 'Fat Gwut Lung' didn't get the name in vain, I hope to have the opportunity to make comedy again!" As a senior he watched a group of young people's rise. Their path was just like the one he walked when he was younger, full of enthusiasm. So he wanted to work with them to bring a new atmosphere to the film industry. As for Lau Chun Him, he also has been creating stories. Would he want to direct and act himself like Ka Fai? He expressed his interest in becoming a director, but if he would direct he would not participate in the performance; because he has seen how hard it was for Ka Fai to take care of both sides of the cameras.

[2025.03.20] THE LEE SINJIE PRODUCE DEAD TIDE WINS INDUSTRY PROJECT MARKET AWARDS

Lee Sinje is happy that BLACK TIDES, the film she produces, has received an award

Yoyo Tse and Jacky Cai practice dancing for their new film roles
courtesy of mingpao.com

A total of 24 cash and non-cash awards worth about HK$1,950,000 (about US$250,000) were presented to a number of promising film projects yesterday at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Industry Project Market award ceremony took place yesterday, in recognition of outstanding film projects from around the world and the birth of outstanding new filmmakers. A total of 48 projects were showcased in this year's Project Market, including 25 projects under development (IDP), 15 projects in production (WIP), 6 animation projects, and 2 projects from Jakarta Film Week in Indonesia, all of which were selected from among the best submissions from around the world.

Directed by Chan Si Ieong, WAVES UNDER THE SEA won the Hong Kong Development Project (IDP) Award, and Liu Xing's first feature film SAY MY NAME won the Hong Kong Project in Production (WIP) Award and the White Light Post-Production Award (WIP). Gong Yiwen's HER FIRST TASTE (mainland) won the WIP Award and was also selected for the HAF Goes To Cannes programme. Penu Aree and Kong Rithdee won the WIP Award for DRIVE SOUTH PRAY WEST (Thailand); Zheng Lu Xinyuan's A STRANGER AT MY DOOR (Hong Kong, mainland) won the HAF x CNC Award and the Aputure Award; Li Jing's NAME AND HAIR (mainland), Iskandar Usmonov's BESIK. HOMECOMING (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan) won the Red Sea Fund Award (WIP).

This year's Industry Film Market also marked the expansion of the Animation Section, which showcased a series of projects that reflected the growing influence of animated storytelling. They included Hong Kong-based director Toe Yuen Kin Toe's A MIGHTY ADVENTURE, which won the Sky Animation Award. The all new Indonesian Film Project also focuses on emerging Indonesian filmmakers, providing a platform for them to exchange ideas with international industry professionals.

The Lee Sinjie and Jin Ong produced film DEAD TIDE received the LA FONTE AWARD, and was selected for one of the 5 films of the "HAF GOES TO CANNES PROGRAM". Lee Sinjie was happy that the movie DEAD TIDE was able to win the award, of which the HK$ 100,000 cash prize could help make up for the initial funds. Now many investors are interested in the movie, she could start filming with a budget of about HK$ 8 million. She intended to ask Jack Tan to play the lead. Why not ask her good partner Wu Kangren to perform? Lee Sinjie's team joked that Wu Kangren was not suitable for the age of the role. Lee Sinjie could not do two things at the same time either, acting while producing. Thus the female lead candidate was still being searched. Lee Sinjie said, "Because the actor who understands Malaysian and Hokkien dialect is preferred, it is best to find Malaysian actor Jack Tan."

Cai Jie made a special trip to the award ceremony to support the performance of SAY MY NAME, but she did not expect to get a good result. She said, "Tse Wing Yan is the lead of the movie, I just play a supporting role. As long as the role is attractive, I don't mind." Cai Jie said that she wanted to practice her dance for the movie, and Tse Wing Yan said that the movie was filmed half a year ago and is now doing post-production work. Has Cai Jie reduced her salary for the performance? She joked, "We don't need to talk about the money, the movie shows that the director has put a lot of thought into it. Everyone participates as much as possible under the small budget. In addition the director is my senior, and the screenwriter is even my teacher."

On a rare trip to Hong Kong to receive the award, Lee Sinjie said that she would leave in two days and would go to the mainland and Taiwan to promote another new film. However she would also seize the time to meet her mentor Sylvia Chang for dinner. Has she made any appointment to meet the sisters? Lee Sinjie joked, "I have had dinner with (Gigi) Leung Wing Kei, and we have even talked all night. Seeing all our sisters together would be more difficult. I have to work and fly around a lot, and (Charlie) Yeung Choi Nei has been in Singapore."