[2025.02.18] CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD TOPS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR BOX OFFICE

NE ZHA 2 breaks 12 billion yuan RMB at the box office and successfully entering the global box office top ten
courtesy of singtao.com

NE ZHA 2 overtakes THE LION KING for the 10th place on the global box office

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD after 5 days in release made over HK$ 10 million

DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1900 made 3.1 billion yuan RMB in mainland and opened in Hong Kong Thursday. As of two days ago it made HK$ 2.5 million
courtesy of mingpao.com

This year the Hong Kong Lunar New Year film had sluggish performances. As of the day before yesterday (16th), HIT N FUN (LUM SI KUET DAU) and MY BEST BET (CHEUNG DOH BIT YANG) after 20 days in release received HK$ 12 million and 11 million respectively, and QUEEN OF MAHJONG (MA JEUK NUII WONG JUI NAM JAI) received about 3.8 million. Philip Keung Ho Man (Hak Jai) and his wife Yin Ning collaborated on HA HA HA HAPPY NEW YEAR, which opened in the second slot of the Lunar New Year and received HK$ 300,000 after 11 days in release! However, the Marvel superhero film CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD outperformed the market, collecting more than 10 million in five days in release. The mainland animated film NE ZHA 2, which is full of momentum in the mainland, has exceeded 12 billion yuan (about 12.9 billion Hong Kong dollars) at the box office yesterday, and its Hong Kong premiere would be held today.

NE ZHA 2 opened for the Spring Festival in the mainland and its box office performance was gangbusters. As of yesterday it has broken through 12 billion yuan, surpassing THE LION KING to become the 10th place in the global film history box office list. It is expected to top the global animated film box office list. The current champion INSIDE OUT 2 received 12.319 billion yuan RMB. NE ZHA 2 was also very popular in North America, with a total of US$8.2 million (about HK$64 million) so far it ranked fourth at the North American box office. It also surpassed the total overseas box office of NE ZHA. As for fellow Spring Festival release, the Chow Yun Fat (Fat Gor), Wang Baoqiang and Turbo Liu Haoran starred DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1900 collected 3.1 billion yuan. It was released in Hong Kong last Thursday and received 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars as of the day before yesterday.

In addition, NE ZHA 2 has made a total of more than 1,900 special effects shots, more than 10,000 special effects elements, because the length and some of the fight scenes were too violent, about half an hour of shot design has been deleted. A large number of NE ZHA 2 deleted scenes have been leaked on the Internet recently. Director Jiaozi said that considering the plot and rhythm, only what was needed most could be retained, and only the most essential part could be left behind. The cuts include the fight between Ne Zha and the Dragon King in the East Sea at the beginning of the movie, as well as the fight scenes of Ao Bing, Ne Zha and the other three Great Dragon Kings.

As the NE ZHA 2 whirlwind hit Hong Kong, tonight at the premiere ceremony on the first floor of the Jade Pearl Plaza in Causeway Bay, bosses of co-distributors Mandarin Motion Pictures and Emperor Motion Pictures, Raymond Wong Pak Ming and Albert Yeung Sau Sing, executive deputy director of the National Film Bureau Mao Yu, chairman of Bauhinia Culture Group Xu Zhengzhong, secretary-general of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government Wang Songmiao, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau secretary Rosanna Law Shuk Pui attended as officiating guests, as well as director of the Office of the National Film Administration Lu Lixian, director of the Art Division of the National Film Administration Zhong Minglan, director of the Import Division of the National Film Administration Jiang Xiaoling, Film and Television Director of Bauhinia Culture Group Deng Wugui, and Deputy Director of the Publicity, Culture and Sports Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government Li Shuguang, etc. NE ZHA 2 is expected to open in Hong Kong on February 27th 2025 (next Thursday); the film would be a joint distribution of the four great cinema circuits Emperor, MCL, Sil-Metropole and Cinema City.

Although this year's Lunar New Year Hong Kong films failed, The Julius Onah directed, Anthony Mackey and Harrison Ford starred CAPTAIN AMERICA 4: BRAVE NEW WORLD was a box office hit. Collecting HK$ 10.56 million in 5 days of release, the film brought an impact to the quiet film market. The film was also released in Taiwan last Wednesday (12th), and the cumulative box office exceeded NT$ 48.07 million in 5 days to become the box office champion in Taiwan. As for the opening of the film in the United States last Friday, it coincided with the Presidents' Day holiday. The 4 day box office was 100 million US dollars (about 780 million Hong Kong dollars) to become the opening champion, and it pulled significantly away second and third place PADDINGTON IN PERU and the animation DOG MAN. The two films collected 16 million and 12.5 million US dollars (about 124 million and 97.5 million Hong Kong dollars) respectively.

The Rotten Tomatoes film review website in the United States only gave "Captain America 4" a barely passing score of 51% but the audience's favorability rate reached 80%, reflecting that the audience voted for it with real money. The film was released on the same day in the United States and the mainland, collecting 78.58 million yuan in the mainland before the deadline yesterday and US$192 million (about HK$1.5 billion) globally. With the production cost of US$180 million (about HK $1.4 billion), it should bring a lot of income to the film company.

[2025.02.16] LOUIS KOO TELLS HUG SEEKING FAN TO "GO TO KWUN PROM"

Louis Koo and Mama attend the group visit together

Louis Koo wishes to reach new heights again and for the fortunate to roll in

Louis Koo's company artist Ashley Lin is the guest performer

Ashley Lin says that mommy Mimi Kung has had two failed marriages, which has not shaken her confidence in love and marriage
courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of on.cc

Louis Koo Tin Lok held a Lunar New Year group visit with fans the day before yesterday and celebrated Valentine's Day. A question and answer session took place. When a fan asked Koo Tin Lok for a hug, he responded with a trendy phrase "You go to Kwun Prom" and caused the audience to burst into laughter. Many online praised him for being trendy enough to be on top of things. When asked when he would make a romance film again, Koo Tin Lok joked if it would require action? Later he said that it was not that he had no hope for Hong Kong movies, but that Hong Kong movies must be good. Koo Tin Lok's company artist Ashley Lin (Lam Hoi Ling) was arranged to be a guest performer, and she recently talked about winning the "Rooke Gold Award" at the Commercial Radio Ultimate Awards Ceremony earlier. She received a lot of praise and criticism, and she would analyze them rationally. As for her mother Mimi Kung Chi Yan's two divorces, they have not affected her confidence in marriage and the condition for choosing a mate was being handsome first.

Koo Tin Lok (Goo Jai) held a big dinner at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on Valentine's Day the night before, hundreds of fans, as well as Goo Jai's Mama, senior media person Wang Manling, etc. attended. Ashley Lin (Lam Hoi Ling) was the guest performer. Wang Manling shared photos on social platforms, there were lucky drawings, games, group photos, the God of Wealth giving away lai see, and the atmosphere was lively.

Goo Jai even set up a 15-minute question and answer session on the stage, for mainland fans he communicated bilingually. He also reminded fans to ask quality questions. Some fans screamed, "You come down for a hug first!" The emcee Albert Au Wing Kuen joked that the question was so "polite". The fan then said, "Are you coming down for a hug, it's a question!" Goo Jai gave a holy response, "You go to Kwun Prom!" All the fans applauded and cracked up. Goo Jai said, "My answer to your question has even more quality! Does anyone know what Kwun Prom I referred to is!" Some fans uploaded the video to social platforms, and many online praised him for his response of "Kwun Prom" was trendy and fashionable. "Kwun Prom" referred to the Kwun Tong Promenade, which has recently seen more young people gathering. Some even called it the "Gen Z Lan Kwai Fong", an alternative night spot.

Goo Jai asked the fans again, "This year I have one more title called Daddy, is there any problem with Daddy meeting you on Valentine's Day?" Fans said no, and some even said, "Past life lover!" Some fans asked him when he would make a romance movie? Goo Jai joked, "Do you want action? Action comes first for us in Hong Kong, which means it would be a romantic action (adult) movie." Some suggested that he start filming an animated movie. He said that the WARRIORS OF FUTURE (MING YUT JIN GEI) animation has already started production, once completed it would be released. Someone asked him if he no longer had hope for Hong Kong movies? He said seriously, "Not hopeless, but Hong Kong movies must be good." The audience cheered him on.

[2025.02.16] PHILIP KEUNG LEARNS TO HOLD DOWN HIS TEMPER AND BE CONSIDERATE

Although Philip Keung and his wife Yin Ning have arguments on the set, their husband and wife relationship has not been affected

Playing two roles at once, Philip Keung and Jessica Hester Hsuan make laughter together
courtesy of mingpao.com

Philip Keung Ho Man and his wife Yin Ning collaborated for the first time as husband and wife on the Lunar New Year's film HA HA HA HAPPY NEW YEAR. Although the two had arguments, their relationship was not damaged. Used to being an actor, Keung Ho Man also "leveled up" to also be the producer this time. He understood that the success of a movie required the joint efforts of many people behind it, so he learned to be considerate and hold down his temper. Yin Ning admitted that she had selfish intentions as a screenwriter this time, tailor-made a script for her husband for him to play two roles by himself. He was also able to bust out his inner comedic genes, so she hoped that the audience would see her husband's breakthrough and have more aspects.

The Keung Ho Man starred and co-produced with his wife Yin Ning HA HA HA HAPPY NEW YEAR was released on the second slot of the Lunar New Year. The film was their first husband and wife collaboration and Yin Ning's first time as a screenwriter. Many people in the circle do not like to work as a husband and wife or a couple team, fearing that arguments would affect the relationship. Hak Jai felt the same way, but in the end his wife's enthusiasm moved him. "Not just husband and wife, friction from good friends working together would affect the friendship. This collaboration was my wife's idea. She said that she would write a story for me to play. At first I thought she was joking; but the more she wrote, the more serious she became. She even contacted producers in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and finally asked me if I could do it. I was really shocked."

As Hak Jai expected, arguments would happen on the set. He would say out of frustration, "Whatever you say!" Yin Ning said, "I like him like that the least; when I asked him for his opinion, he said that whatever you want, this is not the way to solve the problem." Hak Jai explained, "I gave a lot of opinions, but she said that none were useful." Yin Ning continued: "They really were useless, we couldn't connect. I wrote the script so I know best, when we couldn't connect mistakes would occur." They ultimately left the decision to the director.

Yin Ning believed that working together as husband and wife had its good and bad. She joked that the advantages were saving on transportation money and time and facilitating communication, but the disadvantage was losing personal time. When he worked on a movie before, she was able to take time off. Now she had to complete the behind the work work and even had to go to the set to watch him in production. Hak Jai said that working with people who were too familiar with him, he could not throw tantrums and and had to "hold down" his temper. Indeed they had more friction, but he would very soon forgets it. Would they resist working together again? They said "no" in unison, Yin Ning felt that her husband has made progress after serving as a producer this time. He used to only start from the perspective of an actor, but this time he realized that behind the success of a film was a lot of people who have worked hard at the same time and learned to understand.

Yin Ning admitted that she was selfish and wrote a script for her husband to play, because he has played many roles but he has never tried to play two roles by himself. He played both the good and evil roles, which was quite challenging and allowed his acting skills to reach another level. "I watched more than 100 movies, integrating different elements into one and then adding the strange thoughts of my husband from when he was a child. All of which were written into this script now. I am satisfied with my husband's performance, and I hope the audience can see the other side of Keung Ho Man. He hasn't acted in comedy for a long time, actually he has a lot of comedic genes." Hak Jai expressed that for one person to play two roles was a little difficult, basically he had to appear in every shot and did not get to rest. He said: "I used to be very cheerful, I don't know when I started to be unable to accept my smiling face. Maybe I was too involved in acting, so much so that I couldn't even relax with my family. Now I have to learn to relax slowly."

Yin Ning revealed that if she would write a script for her husband again, he might not be the lead. She wanted him to promote newcomers with auxiliary roles, just like the music video of HA HA HA HAPPY NEW YEAR. She also arranged for him to cooperate with newcomers, "The music video cannot be described as perfect, but to give newcomers more opportunities; if I haven't tried how would I have reference and progress."

Hak Jai joked that he was addicted to being a producer, and he learned a lot of behind-the-scenes knowledge from it. He also thanked the cast and the crew for the help, and he especially admired his wife's calmness in handling matters, "My wife told me to learn to let go, because many things cannot be changed; I can only accept it." Yin Ning said, "When he encounters difficulties during filming, he would be very nervous and not know what to do. I would tell him to calm down, stop for a while, think about it, God will always open another window for you, and then you can do it." Yin Ning had zero knowledge of filmmaking, like a sponge she has been constantly learning and absorbing. She said that she still had room for improvement and must continue to learn.

[2025.02.15] PHILIP KEUNG SAYS HIS WIFE IS WORTH 190 POINTS

Philip Keung and his wife Yin Ning jointly produced a Lunar New Year to bring everyone joy
courtesy singtao.com

The Philip Keung Ho Man (Hak Jai) and his wife Yin Ning co-produced Lunar New Year movie HA HA HA HAPPY NEW YEAR is now in release. Hak Jai is also the leading actor, and his wife is in charge of writing the screenplay. This time his wife did her best for the movie, Hak Jai thanked her for her efforts and praised her for being worth 190 points.

The Keung Ho Man (Hak Jai) and his wife Yin Ning co-produced Lunar New Year movie HA HA HA HAPPY NEW YEAR is now in release. Keung Ho Man is also the leading actor, while Yin Ning is in charge of the screenwriting. They also invited Jessica Hester Hsuan (Suen Huen), Sam Lee Chan Sam, DaDa Chan Jing, Bob Lam Sing Bun and others to perform. Growing up in a children's home, Hak Jai said that the film had elements of a children's home. During childhood he often thought that the Social Supervisory Committee would catch and sell the children, even breaking the children's legs or rebuilding them. He has also shared with his wife the uneasy thoughts at that time. This time they also added these elements into the film and thought it was rather interesting to be able to share his childhood emotions with everyone.

Yin Ning revealed that her husband has always wanted to make a Lunar New Year film, and she also kept it in her mind. She even imagined whether she could give this script to him for their wedding anniversary, but she never thought that it could be made into a film at that time. "I just tried to write it, wrote what he came up with. I then talked to some producers, and said that it must have laughter and moving spots. I want the New Year's film to have a happy New Year elements, I think the fireworks and firecrackers are so happy, and the streets are full of New Year's atmosphere! Malaysia is very fond of these things, and every year during the Lunar New Year I want to return to experience these atmospheres. I hope to bring these atmospheres to Hong Kong audiences, and Hong Kong actors to Malaysian audiences. I can also put my husband's complex into it, and everyone win!"

Although Keung Ho Man played two roles in the film, he bluntly said that they did not feel too difficult. Instead he felt a little pressure because he had to take care of the production as well, and his wife was very considerate of him. "My wife handled a lot of things, dealing with my trivial problems in the production too; so I think she has it worse because she doesn't know anything about this business. She has watched countless movies in order to write the script for this film." Hak Jai laughed and said that when his wife was dealing with the production matter, he also felt that she was a little stressed and struggling. "When seeing that something was really happening in the group, I asked my wife everyday before I even brushed my teeth, 'Is there a problem today?' Speaking of his wife's dedication to the film, how many points did he think she is worth? Hak Jai laughed and said, "190 points! She's really good, beyond my imagination." As for whether the cooperation between husband and wife has enhanced the relationship, Hak Jai admitted that they would have more friction, but when friction would occur, they would be clear about each other's practices.

[2025.02.15] MIZUKI LIN HOPES TO DEVELOP IN HONG KONG

Taiwan goddess Mizuki Lin hopes to have an opportunity to develop in Hong Kong
courtesy singtao.com

The goddess of Taiwan's Lotte cheerleading team, Mizuki Lin Xiang performed in the Hong Kong Lunar New Year film for the first time in QUEEN OF MAHJONG (MA JEUK NUI WONG JUI NAM JAI). She said with a smile that she felt pleasantly surprised, happy and honored when she received a call from director Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum) to invite her to perform. This time, Lin Xiang appeared as the lead actress of the "film within the film" Her character was innocent and true, which she also felt similar to herself.

Speaking of working with the lead actor of the "film within the film" Carlos Chan Ka Lok and the "intimate director" DaDa Chan Jing, Lin Xiang said with a smile that Chan Ka Lok felt very contrasting; he played a very cool role, but was very funny behind the camera. She praised DaDa as very professional, "We also rehearsed in Cantonese, and they would also translate the content to me to make it easier for me to integrate."

Lin Xiang also pointed out that Chan Ka Lok and DaDa did not teach her to speak Cantonese, but they were also very patient and kept reciting for her. Were performing Hong Kong films and speaking Cantonese difficult? Lin Xiang admitted that they were very difficult, although so, she also showed off her Cantonese on the spot, "Hello! I'm Lin Xiang." Would she work hard to learn Cantonese and develop in Hong Kong? Lin Xiang said that she would work hard. As for unforgettable scenes, Lin Xiang smiled and pointed out that she had an argument scene with Chan Ka Lok, and admired him for doing his best to act in every shot. He even acted until his voice was hoarse. Regarding Shu Qi from Taiwan, who became popular after coming to develop in Hong Kong, would she be Lin Xiang's target? Lin Xiang said that if there would be a chance, she could try and see if the role and script would be suitable.

[2024.02.15] CHOW YUN FAT'S NEW FILM OPENS ON TOP

Samantha Ko reveals that she gets something out of playing mahjong, and everyone is happy for her

The Chow Yun Fat starred DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1900 opens big in Hong Kong

Chrissie Chau and her HIT N FUN co-stars goes all over for audience appreciation events
courtesy of on.cc

Best Actor Chow Yun Fat teamed up with mainland actors Wang Baoqiang and Turbo Liu Haoran to star in the mainland Lunar New Year film DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1900, which since its release on the Lunar New Year's Day has grossed more than 3 billion yuan (about HK$3.2 billion). The film was released in Hong Kong and became the new film box office champion. Another mainland Lunar New Year film OPERATION LEVIATHAN earlier flopped at the box office. The film company repeatedly said that it absolutely would not retreat. Yesterday the film has been released for 17 days, with a cumulative box office of 378 million yuan (about 404 million Hong Kong dollars). An official statement was issued to announce the withdrawal, and then a special edition will be released at a later date. The audience has different opinions on the withdrawal, some fans expressed regret, and some people look forward to seeing a better version.

As for Hong Kong Lunar New Year films, Samantha Ko Hoi Ning and Chrissie Chau Sau Na recently continued to run the theaters for their movies. Chau Sau Na promoted and thanked the audience for HIT N FUN (LUM SI KUET DAU), and took selfies with German Cheung Man Kit and director Albert Mak Kai Kwong. During the Lunar New Year, she in order to create a festive atmosphere dressed her cat in Chinese costumes. Unfortunately the cat was not very happy and looked disgusted when taking pictures, which was quite funny.

Ko Hoi Ning invited a group of elderly friends from the senior center to enjoy her work QUEEN OF MAHJONG (MA JEUK NUI WONG JUI NAM JAI), during which she was asked if she knew how to play mahjong. She said, "This New Year, I went to (Kenneth) Ma Kwok Ming's home and played mahjong with his wife, I won a 13 Orphans hand!" The audience was happy for her right away and applauded until their palms hurt.

[2025.02.15] THE LAST DANCE RECEIVES 18 HONG KONG FILM AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Michelle Wai has a good chance to win Best Actress again

THE LAST DANCE has been a critical and commercial success, even sweeping up 18 Hong Kong Film Awards nominations

Raymond Lam

Michael Hui

Ian Chan

George Au, Yoyo Tse, Angela Yuen, Marf Yau and Derek Yee give away hearts together

While Marf Yau is announcing reading the nomination, she makes "art director" sound like "gourmet director"
courtesy of on.cc

THE LAST DANCE's Michelle Wai and Michael Hui are Best Actress and Best Actor favorites respectively

Louis Koo and Raymond Lam are nominated for the Hong Kong Film Awards with TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN
courtesy singtao.com

Best Actress nominees: Natalie Hsu (LAST SONG FOR YOU), Chung Suet Ying (THE WAY WE TALK), Michelle Wai (THE LAST DANCE), Patra Au (ALL SHALL BE WELL), and Hedwig Tam (MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD)

Best Actor nominees: Neo Yau (THE WAY WE TALK), Raymond Lam (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN), Michael Hui (THE LAST DANCE), Sean Lau (PAPA), Aaron Kwok (ROB N ROLL)

George Au, Yoyo Tse, Angela Yuen, Marf Yau and Derek Yee attend the Hong Kong Film Awards nomination announcement press conference

Manfred Wong
courtesy mingpao.com

The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards held a press conference yesterday to announce its nominees, and the award ceremony will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on April 27th. Yesterday the event invited 4 new representatives of the film industry Angela Yuen Lai Lam, last year's Best New Performer Yoyo Tse Wing Yan, COLLAR member Marf Yau Yin Tung and P1X3L member George Au Chun Ho as special guests to announce the nominees for this year's 19 categories. Yet during the announcements they had plenty of flaws, especially Marf who kept tripping over her own tongue and turned "art director" into "gourment director". George also made THE STUNTMAN (MO TAI DOH)'s Chinese title sound like "didn't see it". Tse Wing Yan did not even know how to read Marf's Chinese name and needed help from George. All three said later that they made mistakes because they were too nervous. Marf said that when the names reached her hands she was so nervous that she did not even converse. George admitted that he needed to improve his pronunciation, and Tse Wing Yan pointed out that at the time she could not think of Marf's Chinese name in her mind.

THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) received 18 nominations, making it the big winner of this year's nominations, followed by TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) and PAPA with 14 and 11 nominations respectively. With a box office of HK$160 million in Hong Kong and Macau and 18 nominations, THE LAST DANCE has a better chance of winning the "Best Film" category.

The most fierce competition at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards should be the race for the "Best Actor". The first Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor Michael Hui Koon Man with his excellent acting in the Chinese language film Hong Kong box office record breaking THE LAST DANCE has become the favorite; three-time Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor Sean Lau Ching Wan interpreted the abyss of human nature in PAPA; another Best Actor, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing played a robber in ROB N ROLL (LUM SI GIP ON). Quite an unusual performance, he really would have to say "thank you" if he would win the award; the Raymond Lam Fung starred movie TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN received praises, and he even had the assist from Louis Koo Tin Lok's yielding "Best Actor" category application and was successfully nominated at first shot; and Neo Yau Hawk Sau was also nominated for the first time with THE WAY WE TALK.

In terms of "Best Actress", Michelle Wai Sze Nga has already won four Best Actress awards with THE LAST DANCE and became the favorite for this year's Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress; however she would also have strong competitions from the stage Best Actress Patra Au Ga Man, who was also praised for ALL SHALL BE WELL (CHUNG GUM YI HAU); Chung Suet Ying and Hedwig Tam Sin Yin have also won the "Best Actress" award at different awards ceremonies for THE WAY WE TALK and MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT) respectively, which cannot be ignored. New actor Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi) in LAST SONG FOR YOU (GAU BIT CHUNG FUNG) made her mark.

As for the two movies with over HK$ 10 million box office, THE LAST DANCE and TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN were seen as the favorites and had the best chance of winning Best Film. THE LAST DANCE gave the audience an opportunity to let go and untie the knots in their hearts; TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN took Hong Kong action movies to a new level that was pleasing to the eye. THE LAST DANCE received 18 nominations, and Emperor Motion Pictures took the opportunity to announce that the extended version of the film will be released on April 4th for the Ching Ming Festival. Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, Anselm Chan Mou Yin said, "We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the industry for their recognition of THE LAST DANCE and to continue the vitality and appeal of this work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the global audience for their encouragement and support, so the team would be able to go even further." Nominated for Best Actor, Michael Hui Koon Man said, "I am very happy to receive the Hong Kong Film Awards nomination, and I am especially happy that THE LAST DANCE has received 18 nominations. From the beginning of the production to the release, this journey of THE LAST DANCE has gained far more than imagined. Thank you to the Hong Kong Film Awards voters and the audience for the recognition and support!"

Nominated for Best Actress, Michelle Wai Sze Nga also said happily, "I am very honored to be nominated and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the director, screenwriter, production team and every actor partner. I hope that there will be more opportunities to perform different roles in the future, thank you to the voters and the audience for their love and support. I will definitely continue to work hard!" Tommy Chu Pak Hong with a "Best Supporting Actor" nomination said, "Thank God for all the arrangements, and thank you to the audience who liked THE LAST DANCE and the role of Kwok Chi Bun. I am very grateful and very touched, I hope to have the opportunity on the stage to receive this award on behalf of those who always have been supporting me at that time." Nominated for Best Supporting Actress with co-star Rachel Leung Yung Ting, Rosa Velasco (Wai Law Sha) said, "I'm so excited, so happy, because THE LAST DANCE has been nominated for multiple nominations. I cried silently when I heard my name; I was so happy to be nominated with my friends in this film, which is more important than getting the affirmation myself. This film is full of love and passion, thank you to all the friends who voted." Talented musician Terence Lam Ka Him also with the LAST theme song THE LAST DANCE received his first Best Original Film Song nomination. "Thank you to the film team for achieving this good work together. I hope every unit of the team would have good performance!"

Recently a big hit in Japan, TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) received 14 Hong Kong Film Awards nominations. Nominated for the Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor for the first time, Raymond Lam Fung responded, "First of all I would like to thank Director Cheang Pou Soi and Mr. (Louis) Koo Tin Lok for giving me the opportunity to play such a good role as 'Chan Lok Kwan', and I am also very grateful to the whole team of TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS for their help. I am really happy to have the opportunity to be a part of TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS! Thank you to every voter who voted for me, thank you! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!" Koo Tin Lok was only nominated for "Best Supporting Actor", but he was happy for the team. "I am very happy that the entire TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS team has received a number of nominations, which recognizes everyone's hard work. Thank you all for enjoying TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS, and I hope we can continue to get good results!" Also nominated for "Best Supporting Actor", Philip Ng Wan Lung said, "I am so surprised and happy. Seeing so many good actors who are also nominated, I will enjoy the process normally." The "Best Director" winner last year, Cheang Pou Soi was nominated again and had the opportunity to repeat. "I'm so glad that many colleagues have been nominated, and I hope everyone will reap the harvest in the end!" Commenting on the support of TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS from the industry, producer John Chong Ching said, "Thank you to director Cheang Pou Soi, Mr. Chan Law Chiu and every on and off screen members of the dream team! I hope that Hong Kong filmmakers will make persistent efforts to forge ahead bravely in the face of difficulties and create a better tomorrow!"

In addition, TWILIGHT since its release in Japan has exceeded 150 million yen at the box office and over 100,000 viewers have attended as the "Walled City Fever" arose there. On the 23rd this month, Cheang Pou Soi, Koo Tin Lok, Lam Fung and others would head to Tokyo to meet with almost 1,000 viewers there.

The film PAPA received 11 Hong Kong Film Awards nominations, and three-time Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor Sean Lau Ching Wan would also compete for the prize again. "Three of the four PAPA family members were nominated, which is simply overjoyed." Playing Lau Ching Wan's wife, Jo Koo (Kok Cho Lam) was nominated for the "Best Supporting Actress" and said excitedly, "I suddenly receive the news that I have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress and I feel very happy. This is the most beautiful Valentine's Day gift for me and Kam Yin (her film character); there are so many people I want to thank, I hope to have the opportunity to personally tell you on stage: Thank you!" Co-starring with Lau Ching Wan as son and father in his first film, Dylan So Man To was nominated for the "Best New Actor" award. When he received the news, he was in class. He said excitedly, "I am very excited and grateful to be nominated for the 'Best New Actor'! It is already a great honor to be able to compete with so many excellent actors. This affirmation is not only for me personally, but also for the efforts of the entire team and my performance director. I am very grateful to those who voted for PAPA, and I will continue to work hard!"

In addition, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing was nominated for the Hong Kong Film Awards "Best Actor" with ROB N ROLL (LUM SI GIP ONG). "As an actor I try my best to play each role well. To being nominated for the Hong Kong Film Awards is certainly a happy thing, because it is absolutely an affirmation! I hope to share the happiness of this nomination with the ROB N ROLL team, thank you for your efforts to create 'Mui Lam Tin' together; and I really want to say: Thank you!"

It is worth mentioning that actress Ann Bridgewater (On Pak Nei)'s daughter Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi) was nominated for "Best Actress". She admitted that she never thought she would be nominated, "Thank you very much everyone for liking this character, this story. This is already my greatest reward. I will continue to work hard. I hope everyone will continue to support Hong Kong films!" Chung Suet Ying and Tam Sin Yin could not hide their excitement when interviewed. Tam Sin Yin even stated that the news was too "heavyweight" that she wanted to properly digest it.

Stephy Tang Lai Yan was nominated for "Best Supporting Actress" with LOVE LIES (NGOR TAM DIK NAM CHEUNG LUEN OI) and said happily, "This is my first supporting actress nomination, and being nominated feels so special. LOVE LIES is a First Feature Film Initiative film. With the government supporting the Hong Kong film industry, it s a very encouraging thing for the industry. The entire production process is so happy and a lot of fun! Now that Hong Kong films are facing difficulties, I hope everyone would continue to support Hong Kong films. Everyone and I will continue to work hard and will definitely survive!"

MIRROR member Ian Chan Cheuk Yin with the film LAST SONG FOR YOU was nominated for Best New Performer. His film theme song duet with Dior Cheng Yi Kin was also nominated for Best Original Film Song. Also competing for the New Performer award would be Lau Wai Ming, Marco Ng Tsz Ho, Dylan So Man To and Marf Yau Yin Tung.

Nominated with the film THE WAY WE TALK, Ng Tsz Ho thanked the event and voters for the recognition. HE admitted that he was already very pleased with the nominated. "A very sincere thank you to everyone on and off screen for their contribution. Thank you Hong Kong Film Awards for the love, I have already received my Valentine's Day gift. Ultimately I can answer to myself and the director!"

In addition, Marf with the film BLOSSOM UNDER SOMEWHERE (GEI LIU YUT JING GOR CHUN TIN) was nominated for Best New Performer and with the film's theme song LAK1 KAK1 (LUT CUT) was nominated for "Best Original Film Song". She said that she was already very happy just to be nominated, and could not really react in time. She looked forward to walking the red carpet. Which award she would like to win more? She admitted that if she had to choose she would choose the song award, because she really liked this song. She believed that if it would win the behind the scene team would cry harder than she would.

The Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Awards Association Derek Yee Tung Sing said at the press conference, "Starting from the term of office of the current board of directors (2024-2026), the Hong Kong Film Awards Association is pleased to be joined by the Hong Kong Film Assistant Directors' Association, the Hong Kong Association for Pictures and Sound Production and the Hong Kong Visual Effects Association. The number of the Hong Kong Film Awards family of film professional member association has increased from 14 to 17, and the number of eligible first round voters of this year's Awards has increased to 2,050. It will not be lower than the Oscars, which will further enhance the professionalism, comprehensiveness and fairness of the awards, and at the same time mark the unity and development of the Hong Kong film industry, and further enhance the representativeness of the Hong Kong awards."

Yee Tung Sing also announced the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards first round voting results. After verification by accountants, the number of valid votes was 1,313 with a turnout rate of 64.84%; the highest since the 40th edition in 2022. He urged "voters" to continue their enthusiastic support in the second round voting.

Yee Tung Sing continued, "A total of 46 Hong Kong-made films are eligible to compete for the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards in 2024, which is slightly lower than the 50 films in 2023. The variety in film genres and the wide range of subjects, with the flood of on and off screen new talents in the domestic film industry in recent years, have injected even more vitality and topicality into Hong Kong films. It is gratifying to note that last year's two talked about films, TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED in (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) and THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) both exceeded HK$100 million at the box office. THE LAST DANCE even broke the all-time highest box office record set by last year's Hong Kong Film Awards Best Film A GUILTY CONSCIENCE (DUK SIT DAI JONG), and also set a new high of admission rate. This film has already become the most attended Hong Kong film in Hong Kong. In order to encourage more new directors to actively create and launch their works, the event also opened up the eligibility for the 'New Director' award to new co-directors to increase their chances of being nominated and competing." Yee Tung Sing stated that he of course would like the industry to have even more movies, the most ideal would be above 40. Even if the film production rate were to decline, the Hong Kong Film Awards would not disappear; its scale would only be smaller.

The Hong Kong Film Critics Society announced it awards winners earlier. The HK$160 million box office record breaking THE LAST DANCE did not win an award and was only selected as one of the 10 recommended films. Man Jun attended a press conference yesterday and talked about the Hong Kong Film Awards nominations, and THE LAST DANCE received 18 nominations to become the most nominated film. "It's not a slap to the results of the Film Critics Society in the face, I myself am a founding member of the Film Critics Society. Only that everyone's election mechanism is different, the Hong Kong Film Awards is one vote per person, and the Film Critics Society is more than 20 people; after in-depth discussions, nominees are eliminated one by one. I talked about why THE LAST DANCE got the cold shoulder, which wasn't to fight for any awards for THE LAST DANCE. When a movie has such a box office, and so many national discussions have reached the phenomenal level, why is the movies not taken seriously when more than 20 people in the Critics Society discuss it? It doesn't matter if the movie doesn't win the award after speaking, I spoke from the bottom of my heart because it is a good movie that is hard to come by." Man Jun also pointed out that THE LAST DANCE should thank the Hong Kong Film Awards voters, with 18 nominations their hard work was not in vain. Man Jun said, "Most of the people in the Critics Society also know that these turmoil will pass, and I hope that those who have adhered to the principles will continue to adhere to it. Everyone will have a piece of heaven over their heads; the Film Critics Society would do what the Film Critics Society would do, and the Hong Kong Film Awards would do what the Hong Kong Film Awards would do. Only then would the film industry be healthy, this is my opinion."

THE 43RD HONG KONG FILM AWARDS NOMINATIONS
http://hkfaa.com/winnerlist.html

BEST FILM
• TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN
• PAPA
• THE WAY WE TALK
• THE LAST DANCE
• ALL SHALL BE WELL

BEST DIRECTOR
• Soi Cheang (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Philip Yung, Au Cheuk Man (PAPA)
• Adam Wong (THE WAY WE TALK)
• Chan Mou Yin Anselm (THE LAST DANCE)
• Ray Yeung (ALL SHALL BE WELL)

BEST SCREENPLAY
• Ho Miu Ki, Chan Hing Kai (LOVE LIES)
• Philip Yung (PAPA)
• Chan Mou Yin Anselm, Cheng Wai Kei (THE LAST DANCE)
• Ray Yeung (ALL SHALL BE WELL)
• Chan Wai Bun, Albert Mak Kai Kwong, Man Uen Ching (ROB N ROLL)

BEST ACTOR
• Raymond Lam (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Sean Lau (PAPA)
• Neo Yau Hawk Sau (THE WAY WE TALK)
• Michael Hui (THE LAST DANCE)
• Aaron Kwok (ROB N ROLL)

BEST ACTRESS
• Natalie Hsu (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
• Hedwig Tam (MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD)
• Chung Suet Ying (THE WAY WE TALK)
• Michelle Wai (THE LAST DANCE)
• Patra Au Ga Man (ALL SHALL BE WELL)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
• Louis Koo (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Philip Ng (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Lo Chun Yip (MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD)
• Tommy Chu (THE LAST DANCE)
• Paul Chun Pui (THE LAST DANCE)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
• Stephy Tang (LOVE LIES)
• Jo Koo (PAPA)
• Rachel Leung (THE LAST DANCE)
• Rosa Maria Velasco (THE LAST DANCE)
• Maggie Li Lin Lin (ALL SHALL BE WELL)

BEST NEW PERFORMER
• Lau Wai Ming (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Ian Chan (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
• Dylan So (PAPA)
• Ng Tsz Ho Marco (THE WAY WE TALK)
• Marf Yau (BLOSSOMS UNDER SOMEWHERE)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
• Cheng Siu Keung (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Lau Oliver Kuan Lok (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
• Chin Ting Chang, Leung Yau Cheong (PAPA)
• Anthony Pun (THE LAST DANCE)
• Anthony Pun (CESIUM FALLOUT)

BEST FILM EDITING
• Cheung Ka Fai (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Jojo Shek (PAPA)
• Robin Lee (FOUR TRAILS)
• William Chang Suk Ping, Curran Pang (THE LAST DANCE)
• Li Ka Wing (THE PROSECUTOR)

BEST ART DIRECTION
• Mak Kwok Keung, Chau Sai Hung Ambrose (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Lee Kin Wai (CESIUM FALLOUT)
• Twiggy Tang (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
• Mak Tsz Kwan Ida (PAPA)
• Yiu Hon Man (THE LAST DANCE)

BEST COSTUME AND MAKE UP DESIGN
• Bruce Yu, Karen Yip (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Dora Ng, ShaSha Law (LOVE LIES)
• Dora Ng, Kayden Chan (PAPA)
• Lee Pik Kwan (THE LAST DANCE)
• Man Lim Chung, Kwok In Wai (ROB N ROLL)

BEST ACTION CHOREOGRAPHY
• Tanigaki Kenji (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Kong Tao Hai, Tommy Leung (STUNTMAN)
• Jack Wong Wai Leung (THE LAST DANCE)
• Jack Wong Wai Leung (CESIUM FALLOUT)
• Takahito Ouchi (THE PROSECUTOR)

BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE
• Kenji Kawai (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Chan Kwong Wing, Kay Chan (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
• Day Tai (LOVE LIES)
• Ding Ke (PAPA)
• Wan Pin Chu (THE LAST DANCE)

BEST ORIGINAL FILM SONG
• LAST SONG FOR YOU (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
  Composer：Chan Kwong Wing
  Lyricist：Oscar
  Vocal Artist： Ekin Cheng, Ian Chan
• PEN PALS (LOVE LIES)
  Composer：Day Tai
  Lyricist： Leung Pak Kin, Ho Miu Ki
  Vocal Artist：MC Cheung Tin Fu
• WHAT IF (THE WAY WE TALK)
  Composer：Day Tai
  Lyricist：ChungSaid
  Vocal Artist：Panther Chan
• THE LAST DANCE (THE LAST DANCE)
  Composer, Lyricist, Vocal Artist：Terence Lam
• LAK1 KAK1 (BLOSSOMS UNDER SOMEWHERE)
  Composer：Sara Fung
  Lyricist：Wong Lok Yee Yvette, Chow Yiu Fai
  Vocal Artist：Marf Yau

BEST SOUND DESIGN
• Yiu Chun Hin, Cheung Man Hoi, To Burnard Davy (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Cyrus Tang, Mandy Kwan (THE WAY WE TALK)
• Yiu Chun Hin (THE LAST DANCE)
• Tu Duu Chih, Chiang Yi Chen (CESIUM FALLOUT)
• Lee Yiu Keung George (THE PROSECUTOR)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
• Lin Chun Yue Jules, Ma Siu Fu, Garrett K Lam, Yee Kwok Leung (TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS：WALLED IN)
• Wong Sum Yin, Lin Chun Yue Jules, Loki Ho, Yee Kwok Leung (CUSTOMS FRONTLINE)
• Chan Tik Hoi Water (THE LAST DANCE)
• Dennis Yeung, Adrian Chan, Dennis Yeung (CESIUM FALLOUT)
• Ng Ka Lung, Yeung Hey Chiu, Wave Cheung Yiu Ho (THE MOON THIEVES)

BEST NEW DIRECTOR
• Jill Lai Yin Leung (LAST SONG FOR YOU)
• Ho Miu Ki (LOVE LIES)
• Albert Leung, Herbert Leung (STUNTMAN)
• Robin Lee (FOUR TRAILS)
• Thomas Lee, Daniel Ho (AN ABANDONED TEAM)

BEST ASIAN CHINESE LANGUAGE FILM
• OLD FOX
• BLACK DOG
• DEAD TALENTS SOCIETY
• ARTICLE 20
• YOLO