Hong Kong Film Gala in Phnom Penh Draws Strong Audience Response

Post-screening Q&As invited local audiences to engage directly with Hong Kong cinema, while filmmakers also visited a local film school to share their creative journeys.
14 May 2025

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation was recently held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, featuring six Hong Kong films and post-screening Q&As. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy in collaboration with Westec Media and Factory Phnom Penh, the event was supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok. Director Riley Yip and actor Adam Pak of Blossoms Under Somewhere, along with Max Cheung and Lam Yiu Sing of Stuntman, joined the discussions to share their creative experiences. The sessions drew an enthusiastic response, with audiences laughing, tearing up, and connecting deeply with the stories on screen. 

During the post-screening talk for the opening film Blossoms Under Somewhere, director Riley Yip spoke about her approach to exploring taboo subjects. “It’s easy to judge characters like this and think, ‘Why would someone do that? That’s awful.’ But I want to remind the audience that everyone has a story. It’s about how we see each other, how we communicate, how we try to understand. At its core, the film is about empathy and human connection.” 

 

Actor Adam Pak echoed this view, recalling his initial reaction to the role: “I was honestly quite shocked when the director explained the character. But as an actor, I reminded myself—we’re like front-line soldiers. You don’t need to agree with the character’s choices, but you must fully commit. That’s what acting is.” Over time, he said he came to see the role differently: “Maybe he’s not a bad person. Maybe he’s just lonely, someone who can’t let go. He’s longing for connection, for companionship. Seeing him that way changed everything.” 

 

Yip also shared a a behind-the-scenes look at her research process, recalling with a laugh: “We did a lot of homework. I even set up a separate Instagram account to reach out to people who sell used underwear, and joined online groups to better understand their world.” The film’s bold subject matter and sensitive treatment sparked strong interest from local audiences. 

Although Stuntman highlights the untold stories of Hong Kong’s stunt performers, a subject deeply rooted in local culture, it still resonated strongly with Cambodian audiences. During the post-screening Q&A, audiences shared that the film’s passion and perseverance left a strong impression. When asked how international audiences might connect with the story, actor Max Cheung responded, “This isn’t just a story about stunt performers. It’s a story many people can relate to. My character looks after his younger brother and gives up his dream. In real life, there are parents who make similar sacrifices for their children. I hope audiences can see how these characters face difficult choices.”

 

Asked about his most memorable moment during filming, Lam Yiu Sing laughed: “The hardest part was my throat. My character is pretty intense, so I had to shout almost every line, and it really took a toll. There was also a scene where I argue with my wife, and she had to slap me… we did so many takes, and every one was a real slap. I’ve never been slapped so many times in my life!” Max Cheung remarked, “Is that a complaint?” Lam Yiu Sing replied promptly, “Not at all. I actually really enjoyed the shoot.”He added that he hoped the film would inspire audiences to pursue their dreams without regret, a sentiment many viewers shared.

Four Hong Kong filmmakers also visited the PSE Film School in in Phnom Penh, where they spoke with local students and shared their creative journeys. Many students were curious about their experiences and eager to learn from them.

 

When asked how she handles differences in interpretation between directors and actors, Riley Yip emphasised the importance of trust. “It all starts with communication. Every actor is different—some prefer clear references, while others trust their instincts. As a director, you have to understand how each person works and find a way to connect with them.” A film school graduate herself, she encouraged students to make the most of their time: “Enjoy your time at school, and just keep creating. Practice makes perfect.”

 

The three actors also shared their perspectives on acting and personal growth. Lam Yiu Sing recalled preparing for a role as a baseball player: “I had never played before, but after committing to training and immersing myself in the process, I was able to fully step into the role on set. In that moment, I no longer felt like an actor—I became the character.”

 

Adam Pak agreed, saying, “For this role, I fully immersed myself in the character’s world to understand his backstory.” He stressed the importance of curiosity and passion: “Every new role is a discovery. I enjoy exploring the script, finding subtle details, and gradually building the character.”

 

Max Cheung reflected on how his approach has evolved: “When I first started acting, I wasn’t very confident and mostly followed the director’s instructions. Over time, I’ve learned to express my own thoughts and collaborate more actively.” He encouraged students to keep experimenting: “Every experience contributes to your growth. Eventually, you’ll find your own rhythm and direction.”

In addition to film screenings and student exchange, this year’s Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Cambodia also featured Films Exhibition: City of Cinema, held at Factory Phnom Penh from 24 April to 7 May. The exhibition recreated memorable scenes from the six featured films, using visual and spatial design to invite visitors into the world of Hong Kong cinema. By combining screenings, post screening Q&A, and exhibition, the programme offered local audiences multiple ways to experience the richness of Hong Kong film and fostered deeper cultural exchange between creatives and viewers from both regions. 

 

Please contact us if any questions, 

Email: info@afa-academy.com 

Tel: +852 3195 0609 

Website: www.afa-academy.com 

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