[2024.11.05] LOVE LIES, SIMON YAM HONORED AT LONDON EAST ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Sandra Ng raises the trophy high and screams, "We won!"
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Sandra Ng and her family of three take a photo with Simon Yam and his family of three
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Ho Miu Ki directed, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, MC Cheung Tin Fu starred online romance fraud movie LOVE LIES (NGOR TAM DIK NA CHEUNG LUEN OI) recently broke out of Hong Kong and was once again recognized at an International Film Festival. The film was selected for the 9th London East Asia Film Festival, competing for awards with films from Japan, South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan, and other places. Finally it won the Best Film award among the ten finalists. Yam Tat Wa received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and his movie LITTLE RED SWEET (HUNG DAU) was also the closing film of the festival.

Dressed in black, Ng Kwan Yu attended the closing ceremony and award ceremony of the film festival on November 3rd with her partner Peter Chan Ho Sun and their daughter Jillian Chan Si Ji. After the jury announced that LOVE LIES won the best film, Kwan Yu immediately accepted the award on behalf of the film's cast and crew.

Unable to hide her excitement, Kwan Yu first expressed her in English that she was so nervous that her heart was beating fast and she was sweating, and then she read in Cantonese the speechs of producer Chan Hing Kar and director Ho Miu Ki, "We believe that laughter, emotion and the pursuit of human kindness are universal, and we also believe love and dreams are real. We would like to thank all the audience for their support and love." Finally she again expressed her gratitude to the jury and the festival in English. After receiving the trophy from the chair of the festival, Tian Huijing, Kwan Yu raised the trophy and shouted happily, "We won! Ten movies! You can win! I'm so excited!" Long-time co-star and old friend Yam Tat Wa also appeared at the award ceremony and hugged her to congratulate her.

The jury of this year's East Asian Film Festival in London praised LOVE LIES, saying, "LOVE LIES is an extraordinary film. With the energetic Ng Kwan Yu, the performance is deeply moving. The jury presented this award in recognition of the profound truths revealed in director Ho Miu Ki Ho's modern story, which explores society, technology, aging, loss, and the complexity and importance of human connection." Previously Kwan Yu was presented with the Honorary Award at the opening ceremony, and she was great for this year's "Three Joys": After winning the "Hong Kong Filmmaker in Focus" award at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival, she then was nominated for the Golden Horse Awards Best Actress for LOVE LIES; and now receiving the recognition of this year's film festival, which was of great significance to her.

In a telephone interview Yam Tat Wa said, "Thank you for presenting me with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is an affirmation of my years of filmmaking. Yet this stage is the beginning of another new milestone in my filmmaking, and I will continue to make movies, make more good films, work hard and march on!" Yam Tat Wa is currently helping new director Albert Mak Ho Bong as the producer of his new film. He would also participate in performances and use his experience to help newcomers. The movie is an action movie that explores the relationship between father and son, and will be filmed overseas for 2 months.

[2024.11.05] MICHELLE WAI IS PREPARING FOR MEETING THE HONG KONG AUDIENCE

Rachel Yung, Michelle Wai, Catherine Chau promote their new film
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Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Rachel Leung Yung Ting and director Anselm Chan Mou Yin attended the movie THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) Photo Contest Award Ceremony. Just returned to Hong Kong from attending the Tokyo Film Festival in Japan, Wai Sze Nga said that this time was a great experience. She was the happiest about being able to promote it with Michael Hui Koon Man, and pointed out that the audience responded enthusiastically to the film. She said, "Their method of expression is more mild mannered. Although they are not as direct as in Hong Kong, when I see everyone like this movie I am really moved . Now I am preparing to attend the audience appreciation event in Hong Kong like crazy."

In addition, Chau Ka Yee was deeply encouraged to learn that the pre-sale box office of LAST was ideal and the word of mouth was also decent. She believed that it was not easy to still get the support of Hong Kong audiences in a poor climate, and reminded herself to do even better.

[2024.11.04] TOKYO FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR SAYS HONG KONG FILM IS CHANGING

Tokyo International Film Festival director Kenji Ishizaka (right) talks about film selection standards, saying that the actors and the directors are just as important. He even praises Anthony Wong's performance in VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH
courtesy of mingpao.com

Among the 15 selected films in the main competition section of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, 5 were Chinese films, including the Philip Yung Tsz Kwong directed Hong Kong film PAPA; the Tokyo Film Festival program director Kenji Ishizaka spoke about Hong Kong films are changing and restarting; he also mentioned the selection criteria, saying that the performance of directors and actors is equally important. He even made a special mention of "Asian Future" section selection VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SEH JI JUI)'s Anthony Wong Chau Sun for his outstanding performance.

At the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival the Yung Tsz Kwong directed, Sean Lau Ching Wan starred PAPA is in the main competition. The Michael Hui Koon Man and Dayo Wong Tze Wah starred THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK), the Oliver Chan Siu Kuen directed MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT) and the Wong Chau Sun starred VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SEH JI JUI) were selected for different sections.

The program director of the Tokyo International Film Festival Kenji Ishizaka said that many Chinese-language films were selected, which is a testament to their outstanding performance. He said that the film selections in the "Asian Future" section are more distinctive than in the past, "Several of them are co-produced by different countries or regions, such as the Japanese director Tetsuichiro Tsuta directed, STRAY DOG Taiwanese actor Lee Kang-sheng starred BLACK OX; Malaysia's Chong Keat Aun directed, Hong Kong-based (Fish) Liew Chi Yu and (Natalie Hsu) Hui Yan Yi starred PAVANE FOR AN INFANT, both of which have broken through geographical restrictions." Kenji Ishizaka pointed out that the film industry has fallen into a low point after the pandemic. In order to reduce the risk, cooperation from other countries was sought after.

When asked about the criteria for selecting the films, Kenji Ishizaka said that the performance of the director and the actor are equally important. He would first look at whether the director has added innovative elements, and then look at the actors. He pointed out that VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH is the latter. "(Anthony) Wong Chau Sun played an paralyzed divorcee in STILL HUMAN (LUN LOK YUN), and this time he played a priest. Because of a tragedy in his family, he re-examined his faith. The two roles are completely different, and I feel that his acting skills have very broad range and his performance is very good."

Kenji Ishizaka felt that Hong Kong film is changing. "Hong Kong used to be dominated by action, comedy or romance films, but in recent years more and more dramatic films and new actors are emerging. I think Hong Kong films are restarting, but it will take some time for it to be popular." Speaking of the popularity of Korean films and dramas around the world but this year's Tokyo International Film Festival almost has not selected any, Kenji Ishizaka agreed that Korean films are of high quality, but the Busan International Film Festival was held in October and many new Korean films have been unveiled in Busan; the Tokyo International Film Festival requires that the exhibited works have never been released, so it is difficult for Korean films to be selected.

Selected for "Asian Future", BLACK OX's director Tetsuichiro Tsuta agreed that Chinese films have been excellent in recent years. He especially likes mainland director Gu Xiaogang's DWELLING BY THE WEST LAKE. He pointed out that the biggest difference between Japanese and other Asian films is value. "From a commercial point of view Japanese films can already make money from just domestic release, anime is a good example. Before I studied film, I have never seen works from other countries or regions. Then I saw the Thai film UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES, and I realized that the values Japanese films explore are very narrow. Movies should make the audience feel even more."

[2024.11.04] CHARLENE CHOI IS CLUELESS ABOUT THE "TRESPASSING LOCATION SHOOT"

Ah Sa tries her luck with Papa's tips but comes up empty.

Miss Hong Kong Ellyn Ngai would not let elder Juliana Kwok have all the limelight
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Ah Sa is decked out in a Pink Lady look to attended an event with boss Albert Yeung
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Charlene Choi is the ambassador for a racecourse event

Hera Chan works nonstop and admits that she is raking it in.

Juliana Kwok wants to learn more Chinese adjectives to add to her arsenal

The current Miss Hong Kong Ellyn Ngai makes a sexy appearance

Annise Hui reveals that Mommy Loletta Lee introduced Aaryn Cheung to her

Annise Hui reveals that she and Aaryn Cheung have been dating for awhile
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Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Kenny Kwan Chi Bun, Juliana Kwok Pui Man, Annise Hui Yi Yung, Miss Hong Kong Ellyn Ngai Lok Lam, runner ups Emily Leung Ka Ying and Amina Yeung Chi Yiu attended the event at Sha Tin Racecourse yesterday. Ah Sa appeared in the form of a Pink Lady, saying that her father gave horse racing tips that ended up wiping her out.

Speaking of DOH WOK GUM, her Lunar New Year film production with Louis Cheung Kai Chung's "forced location shoot storm", she pointed out that she was also present at the time but she did not sense any unpleasant atmosphere at all. The clerk did not behave any differently. She also said that she was very happy that day and bought two plates for Joey Yung Cho Yee, so she was stunned after seeing the report of the production breaking into the store. "In the afternoon when I saw something happened I even went 'Huh?' I was very happy. I saw the shop had plates with Yung Cho Yee's lyrics on them. I even bought two plates as gifts for Joey. I didn't know if there was a misunderstanding later. That scene was about our support for Hong Kong shops, filming us pushing open the door and going out onto the street. All the dialogues happened on the street, in fact this scene could have been filmed anywhere, who knew that it would become so unpleasant. (Has this affected you and Cheung Kai Chung?) There is no effect. (Did you contact Tsui Tin Yau afterwards?) When I saw Tin Yau that day we talked and laughed, and only when I saw him did I realize that the shop belonged to his wife." Would that scene be re-shot? She revealed that the scene would probably be cut and believed that the incident would not affect the film.

Ah Sa announced that after completing the filming she would fly to the United States and Canada for the Twins concert tour. Referring to her friend Yung Cho Yee being so sick that she severely lost her voice, she was reminded to take care of her own health. She joked, "I am taking vitamin C everyday, hanging on to my life first. Luckily I have a few days free on the U.S. and Canada tour, I plan to visit landmarks and watch some shows." Joey has mentioned that she wanted to join Twins on their tour. She said that considering how sick Joey was, she did not have the heart to tempt her to go. "Health is the most important, I hope she would take care of her health first." She said that she gave a fengshui diagram to Joey to teach her how to avoid the "sickness spots". "This year is unlucky for my sign, and the master gave me a feng shui secret formula. The secret formula is suitable for her too, so I gave it to Joey."

[2024.11.04] GARDNER TSE RESPONDS TO CRITICISM OF CALENDAR NOT BEING SEXY ENOUGH

Peter Chan Charm Man and Gardner Tse help contestants who are passionate about acting
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Gardner Tse says that the BE AN ACTING STAR contestants took too much initiative and pushed themselves until 2AM
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Peter Chan Charm Man and Gardner Tse attend the ViuTV talent show BE AN ACTING STAR's press conference

BE AN ACTING STAR contestants Meaning Wong and Santis Chan
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Gardner Tse Kwan Ho and Peter Chan Charm Man attended the press conference of ViuTV's reality show BE AN ACTING STAR yesterday, Tse Kwan Ho had to face a group of young contestants, which he said was not difficult. He felt that the contestants sometimes took too much initiative and went until 2 o'clock in the morning, so he did not dare to make eye contact. Tse Kwan Ho's movie CESIUM FALLOUT (FUN SING) had a box office of HK$ 3.8 million on the first day and became the highest-grossing Hong Kong film in the second half of 2024. He was happy about that. The "firefighter calendar" with Tse Kwan Ho and others has been called not sexy enough, he joked, "What is daring enough then? You are comparing it to the ones from Australia? I am challenging them now; tell them to learn from us, take photos wet and make music videos!"

[2024.11.04] MICHELLE WAI PROMOTES IN TOKYO AND RECEIVES INDUSTRY PRAISES

Michelle Wai and "Papa" Michael Hui promote in Japan

Michael Hui Koon Man and Michelle Wai Sze Nga starred in the Emperor Motion Picture THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) was selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival. After the premiere, everyone stayed to interact with the industry colleagues. Wai Sze Nga excitedly said, "The film critics and the industry insiders across Asia have responded well. As for whether it will be successful or not in the end, we have to see the strength and quality of the work. I hope to attract more viewers to support it!" She described this occasion as "bringing a Hong Kong tradition and an intangible cultural heritage to introduce to more people around the world", and said that she was deeply honored to be able to set foot on the red carpet of the festival with "Papa" Hui Koon Man. In the past two days, 32 word-of-mouth preview screenings have been held in Hong Kong. All of them were sold out, and the cast and the crew could not be more excited.

[2024.11.04] JAY FUNG THINKS HE STILL HAS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AFTER HIS FIRST FILM

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Singers Jay Fung Won Him and Feanna Wong Suk Man attended a charity event yesterday as Star Ambassadors. Feanna recently won the award for starring in the micro-film I AM NOT ALONE. "Earlier I saw myself on the big screen, I had a little bashful and deep feeling. I thought my performance was decent." She also said that she liked to act, later she would like to develop in the acting field. Jay congratulated her. Jay also revealed that his first film AN ABANDONED TEAM (DUT CHUNG SIN SUN) will be released this month. The film was also selected to be a part of the 21st Hong Kong Asian Film Festival's "Made in Hong Kong" section. Jay said that this was his first movie, which told the story of the relationship between humans and animals. Earlier when he watched the movie he wanted to cry. For his film debut, he said that he still had a lot of room for improvement, but thought that making a movie was a lot of fun. "I have worked with many elders this time, and they have all been very good to me." He really liked to make movies, but he admitted that the most difficult thing is for his poor manager to translate the Chinese script into "Jay language" that only he could understand. "I really appreciate my colleagues for helping me translate, and working with me to consider how to play this role. It was so hard but I had quite a sense of success after its completion." In the film he and Amy Lo Wai Man played a couple. Did they have any intimate scene? Jay joked, "Originally there was, but you have to ask the director why it wasn't there later. I really respect the director."