The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation is organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), in collaboration with the Singapore Film Society (SFS), with financial support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), Film Development Fund (FDF) and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore.This programme showcases Hong Kong films across various regions in Asia, allowing audiences to explore the new generation of Hong Kong cinema and emerging talents. It also builds strong connections between Hong Kong filmmakers and the Asian film industry, promoting ongoing growth in the sector.

After successful screenings in Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Dubai, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation will hold its grand finale in Singapore from November 20 to 24 at GV Suntec City. The programme will showcase eight Hong Kong films, kicking off the Singapore premiere of The Last Dance, starring comedy legends Michael Hui and Dayo Wong. Anselm Chan, who takes on the triple role of director, producer, and screenwriter, will be present at both the opening ceremony and the post-screening Q&A. In addition to its two lead actors, the film features a strong cast, including Michelle Wai, Chu Pak Hong, and Catherine Chau. The film portrays the rarely explored topic of Hong Kong’s funeral industry, focusing on the journey of a wedding planner who unexpectedly becomes a funeral planner during the pandemic, reflecting themes of life, death, and human connections.

Director Anselm Chan shared, “I’m honoured that The Last Dance has been selected as the opening film for the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Singapore. It holds special meaning for me and my team, and I look forward to meeting the audience and sharing our views on life and beliefs.”

The programme will also include the detective comedy YUM Investigation, directed by Dickson Leung. The film follows four young detectives with superpower, solving paranormal cases at a detective agency, filled with humour and laughter. Director Leung will attend the post-screening Q&A to share his creative insights.

Director Dickson Leung expressed: “I’m delighted that after Malaysia, my film YUM Investigation has been selected for the Singapore screening. I look forward to attending the screening and discussing Hong Kong cinema with local students at the university talk.”

Moreover, Stuntman, the directorial debut of Albert Leung and Herbert Leung, will be screened with Herbert Leung and one of the screenwriters Anastasia Tsang joining the event in person for post-screening Q&A. This film passionately captures the intense struggles and relentless perseverance of Hong Kong stunt actors in the film industry. Legendary action choreographer Tung Wai, a former student of Bruce Lee and a winner of Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Action Choreography, plays a faded stuntman, together with the action star Philip Ng, who, like his character, is a martial arts expert with years of training. The film is packed with thrilling action scenes, capturing the essence and spirit of Hong Kong action cinema and reigniting the audience’s passion for the genre. Anastasia Tsang will also participate in the university talk, sharing her experience as a writer-director.

Director Herbert Leung stated: “In a special screening in Singapore in mid-October, Stuntman received an enthusiastic response, with audiences highly satisfied by the film’s depth and heartfelt portrayal. In November, I will attend the post-screening Q&A in Singapore with the screenwriter, sharing the challenges and achievements we encountered during the creative process. This face-to-face interaction will provide audiences with a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s stunt industry.”

Screenwriter Anastasia Tsang shared: “Stuntman tells the story of Hong Kong stunt actors. I believe that after watching the film, Singaporean audiences will gain a deeper understanding of this profession, which played a significant part in the golden era of Hong Kong action films. I will also be attending the post-screening Q&A to share how we balanced the narrative and action scenes during the filmmaking process, as well as my experience working with the co-writer and the two directors.”