Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Bali Concludes on a High Note
Jeffrey NGAI Captivates Bali Audiences with Road to Vendetta You Nam WONG from Ciao UFO Rekindles Heartfelt Memories of Hong Kong
Hong Kong cinema once again proved its power to travel beyond borders, languages and generations, touching audiences thousands of miles away in Bali, Indonesia. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with the support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO, Jakarta), the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Bali was held from 1 to 6 June as part of the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale). Over six days, six Hong Kong films of strikingly different styles—Ciao UFO, Gamer Girls, Night King, Road to Vendetta, Golden Boy and Back to the Past—were presented to local audiences. Beyond the screenings, post-film conversations, media interviews and industry exchange events created opportunities for audiences and filmmakers to meet, listen and connect. What unfolded was more than a film programme: it was a shared encounter with the warmth, imagination and enduring spirit of Hong Kong cinema.
The festival opened on 1 June with Ciao UFO producer Amy CHIN and actor You Nam WONG, Road to Vendetta lead actor Jeffrey NGAI, and Back to the Past co-director Jack LAI travelling to Bali to meet local audiences and film professionals. The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation officially began the following evening with “Hong Kong Night”. Guests including Ms. Josie LIN, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy; Mr. Stanley WAN, Deputy Director (Commercial Relations) of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta; and Ms. Deborah Gabinetti, Founder and Director of the Bali International Film Festival, gathered to celebrate Hong Kong cinema’s continued journey onto the international stage. In his opening remarks, Mr. WAN reflected on the festival’s theme, “Stories Worth Experiencing”, and its natural connection with Hong Kong cinema. “Just as Bali welcomes cultures from around the world while preserving its rich local traditions, Hong Kong has long been an international city where East meets West. The creative energy built during the golden era of Hong Kong cinema continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers to tell stories that resonate with audiences everywhere.” He encouraged audiences in Bali to discover the breadth and diversity of Hong Kong cinema through the programme. The evening also brought together filmmakers and industry representatives from Hong Kong and Indonesia for a networking dinner, where conversations about creative visions, shared challenges and future possibilities continued long after the screenings had ended.
As the opening film, Ciao UFO created one of the most moving moments of the programme. During the post-screening discussion, an Indonesian audience member who had lived in Hong Kong for more than two decades shared that the film brought back vivid memories of the city’s streets, its neighbourhood spirit and the human warmth he once knew. For him, the film was not simply a story on screen—it was a return to a cherished chapter of his life. Other viewers were equally touched by the film’s portrayal of friendship, coming-of-age memories and the passage of time. Though rooted in Hong Kong, its emotions travelled easily across cultures, finding a home in the hearts of Bali audiences. Producer Amy CHIN shared that the project was driven by a strong instinct to bring the film—eight years in the making—to audiences in Hong Kong and beyond. You Nam WONG reflected on his approach to acting, saying that he gives himself fully to every role. Looking back, he believes that his performance at the time was the most honest and fitting expression of the character and story. He also expressed gratitude for being able to continue doing what he loves, and his wish to keep moving forward as an actor.
The Hong Kong–Japan action film Road to Vendetta brought a different kind of energy to the festival, earning enthusiastic applause and lively discussion from audiences of varied cultural backgrounds. For many viewers, the film’s action sequences, emotional intensity and distinctive style offered a fresh way into a Hong Kong story.
Jeffrey NGAI’s performance left a particularly strong impression. During the post-screening discussion, one audience member highlighted a key scene filmed in Thailand as their favourite moment. NGAI shared his surprise at the different ways audiences in Bali and Hong Kong responded to the film. Another viewer praised the character’s unique fighting style, noting the use of sword techniques combined with movements reminiscent of fencing, as well as the results achieved through NGAI’s intensive six to eight months action training.
NGAI spoke about the physical preparation behind the role and the process of shaping the character’s distinctive movements. The audience also praised the chemistry he created with the Japanese cast, which gave the film an added emotional charge.
Back to the Past also sparked heartfelt responses. Several audience members recalled watching the original television series during their childhood, making the chance to revisit the beloved story on the big screen especially meaningful. Applause filled the cinema throughout the screening, a testament to the story’s lasting emotional connection with audiences.
Speaking about the challenge of honouring longtime fans while bringing a fresh perspective to the film version, co-director Jack LAI explained that the team deliberately introduced Yu HONG, the son of Siu Lung HONG from the original television series. Beyond his significance as a historical figure, the character also carries a deep emotional link to the television series’ ending, allowing the film to reconnect with viewers’ memories in a new way.
When asked about co-directing the film, LAI shared that he and his fellow director had worked closely together for many years. Their long-standing collaboration and mutual understanding allowed them to navigate the project with trust and ease.
From the collective memories of 1980s Hong Kong to the emotional continuation of a beloved classic more than two decades later, and the bold creative voices of a new generation, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Bali became a meeting point for stories, memories and people.
As audiences in Bali laughed, applauded and reflected alongside Hong Kong filmmakers, the event reaffirmed cinema’s unique ability to cross borders and bring distant places closer together. Through every shared memory, every conversation and every moment of recognition, Hong Kong cinema found a new connection in Bali.
The Asian Film Awards Academy will continue to bring Hong Kong and Asian cinema to international audiences through platforms around the world, inviting more people to discover Hong Kong through its stories—and to experience the enduring emotional power of film.
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professional. Masterclass Series – in conversation with filmmakers, Journey to the fest – Student Visit to International Film Festivals, Asian Cinerama – Film Roadshow, and Young Film Professionals Programme – overseas training and work-placement, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes couldn’t have held successfully without the financial support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Film Development Fund of the HKSAR Government. AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organizations.
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CCIDA)
Under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) (formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)) is a dedicated office, aiming to spearhead the development of cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong.
FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong, including: part-financing small-to-medium budget film productions; enhancing efforts to promote Hong Kong films in the Mainland and overseas; enhancing initiatives to train talents in various aspects of film production and distribution; and enhancing the interest and appreciation of Hong Kong films by the local audience.
