Hong Kong Films and ‘City of Cinema’ Exhibition Engage Cambodian Audiences
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Returns to Phnom Penh with Six Films and a Cinematic Exhibition, Highlighting New Voices, Iconic Scenes, and Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, in collaboration with Cambodia’s leading film distributor Westec Media and Factory Phnom Penh, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” returned to Cambodia from April 24 to 27. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the event was held at FABLE Cinema, located within Factory Phnom Penh, a major centre for arts and creative industries in the region. Six carefully selected Hong Kong films were screened, offering local audiences a rich and immersive taste of Hong Kong cinema.
Though the day was hot, it didn’t stop moviegoers from attending the opening ceremony in great numbers, showing their enthusiasm for Hong Kong films. Hong Kong filmmakers and actors travelled to Phnom Penh to meet local audiences in person, including director Riley Yip and actor Adam Pak from the opening film Blossoms Under Somewhere, as well as actors Max Cheung and Lam Yiu Sing from Stuntman. The evening began with a live performance by award-winning Hong Kong composer Wan Pin Chu, who received Best Original Music at this year’s Asian Film Awards for The Last Dance and is also known for scoring the global box-office hit Ne Zha 2. He was joined on stage by a traditional Cambodian music ensemble, bringing a unique cross-cultural element to the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony welcomed a group of distinguished guests, including H.E. SOM Sokun, Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia (MoCFA); Ms. LI Ji, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia; Mr. Parson LAM, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok; and Mr. POK Borak, Director of Cinema and Cultural Diffusion of the MoCFA.
In his speech, Mr. Parson Lam expressed appreciation for the support of all partners and shared his hopes for continued cultural exchange. “With initiatives like the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, we hope to deepen mutual understanding—not only through trade, but also through shared cultural experiences. Film is a universal language that brings people together.”
Ms. Li Ji also spoke at the ceremony, noting, “Cinema has the power to inspire and connect. We’re glad to see Hong Kong filmmakers engaging with Cambodian audiences and sharing meaningful stories that transcend borders.”
Hong Kong filmmakers also shared their thoughts during the opening ceremony. Visiting Cambodia for the first time, they said it was a meaningful experience to present their work in person and engage directly with local audiences.
Director Riley Yip, whose film Blossoms Under Somewhere opened the programme, said the story explores the emotional isolation often felt during adolescence—something she believes is universal. “I think everyone, at some point growing up, has felt that kind of loneliness,” she said. “I hope audiences here can find a bit of their own story in it.”
Max Cheung and Lam Yiu Sing, who star in Stuntman, shared that the film pays tribute to Hong Kong’s stunt performers. Cheung said he hoped the story would help shine a light on their hard work and dedication, while Lam added that he wanted audiences to feel the passion and perseverance behind every action scene.
The opening ceremony also featured exchanges between Hong Kong guests and Cambodian artists, creating a lively atmosphere of cross-cultural dialogue.
In addition to film screenings, this year’s Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Cambodia also featured a special exhibition titled Films Exhibition: City of Cinema, which ran from April 24 to May 7. The exhibition recreated iconic scenes from all six featured films, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the cinematic world of Hong Kong. Highlights included a surreal visual space inspired by Inexternal; a vibrant pink floral installation reflecting the youthful energy of the two girls in Blossoms Under Somewhere; a nostalgic Hong Kong dessert shop from Little Red Sweet that evoked warm memories of time spent with loved ones; and a recreated explosion scene from Stuntman, spotlighting the daring spirit of Hong Kong’s action stunt performers. Also on display were the emotional final beach scene from Papa and a ritual space from The Last Dance, introducing Cambodian audiences to the traditional practice of “breaking hell” in Hong Kong culture.
The opening ceremony also drew strong media attention, with a number of local media and content creators attending to cover the event.
This year’s Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Cambodia featured a curated lineup of six Hong Kong films: Papa, Inexternal, Stuntman, Little Red Sweet, Blossoms Under Somewhere, and the widely loved cult favourite Mr. Vampire. Blending bold new works by emerging directors with a widely loved cult favourite from the past, the programme highlighted the diversity and creative spirit of Hong Kong cinema, offering Cambodian audiences a dynamic and multifaceted viewing experience.
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