Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Concludes Successfully in Vietnam — AFAA Showcases the Power of Hong Kong Cinema
Sammo Hung and Louis Koo Shine at the Grand Opening Night as Over 500 Guests and Fans Celebrate the Spirit of “Together We Dare to be Powerful”
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Vietnam, presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (HKETO Singapore), and sponsored by the Creative Culture and Innovation Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, the Opening was successfully held on 6 November 2025 at Galaxy Cinema, Thiso Mall Sala in Ho Chi Minh City. With the theme “Together We Dare to Be Powerful,” the event celebrated the courage and creativity of Hong Kong filmmakers in breaking boundaries and expanding the possibilities of Asian cinema.
The red-carpet opening shone with glamour, drawing Vietnamese film stars, filmmakers, distributors, and distinguished guests. More than 500 attendees filled the venue, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere. When Sammo Hung and Louis Koo appeared, the crowd erupted — fans waved banners, lit up name signs, and handed them flowers as photographers rushed forward to capture the moment. Both stars stopped to greet their fans warmly, posing for selfies amid thunderous cheers that lit up the night sky of Ho Chi Minh City. Their arrival in Vietnam was also met with passionate fan reception at the airport, where members of Louis Koo’s fan club turned out in full force.
The ceremony opened with speeches by Dr. Wilfred Wong, GBM, GBS, JP (Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy and the Hong Kong Film Development Council) and Mr. Owin Fung, JP (Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore).
Dr. Wilfred Wong said: “This event marks a special milestone — the first time we bring this signature Hong Kong film programme to Ho Chi Minh City. We are delighted to share the passion and creativity of Hong Kong cinema with Vietnamese audiences and industry partners. Vietnam is one of the most vibrant and fast-growing film markets in Asia. With its talented filmmakers and enthusiastic audiences, it offers enormous potential for cultural and business collaboration. Through this initiative, we hope to open new doors for film exchange, co-production, and distribution partnerships between Hong Kong and Vietnam.”
Mr. Owin Fung remarked:“I hope this Gala Presentation will give Vietnamese film lovers a glimpse of Hong Kong’s recent, modern film productions and, equally important, open a new chapter of creative partnership between Hong Kong and Vietnam.”
Many Vietnamese filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals took the opportunity to interact with Sammo Hung and Louis Koo, sharing conversations and photo moments that highlighted the growing ties between Vietnam and Hong Kong. Both stars were warmly welcomed and admired by the Vietnamese film community, creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and laughter. The exchange fostered a stronger connection between the two film industries and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
The opening film was the Hong Kong action blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. After the ceremony, Sammo Hung and Louis Koo entered the theatre to greet audiences in person. Sammo Hung shared, “I’m so glad to be here in Vietnam meeting everyone. It’s amazing to see how Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In has been so well received across different places and countries — thank you all so much.”
When asked which scenes the audience should pay special attention to, Louis Koo joked, “The whole film from start to finish!” He then learned to say, “Hello everyone” and “I’m very happy” in Vietnamese, adding that he looked forward to returning to Vietnam again. Their charm and warm presence brought the audience to a cheerful crescendo, ending the greeting session on a high note filled with applause and laughter.
Several Vietnamese film companies and distributors also attended the event and later joined Dr. Wong and Hong Kong filmmakers at a reception to discuss future cooperation in the Asian market. The evening was a celebration of cinema and cultural exchange, perfectly embodying the spirit of “Together We Dare to Be Powerful.”
Among the Hong Kong filmmakers travelling to Vietnam was Herbert Leung, director of Stuntman. On 7 November, he joined a special sharing session with Vietnamese director Trần Thanh Huy, moderated by actress Nguyễn Lâm Thảo Tâm. The two directors discussed the art and culture of Asian action cinema and shared their creative experiences, from funding challenges to filming processes. The session attracted an engaged audience who eagerly asked questions and expressed interest in both directors’ future projects. That evening, Herbert Leung also attended the post-screening discussion of Stuntman to share his insights with Vietnamese viewers.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Vietnam ran from 6 to 8 November 2025, featuring four Hong Kong films — Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, Stuntman, Four Trails, and Last Song For You — showcasing the diverse creativity and resilience of Hong Kong cinema.
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