Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Bangkok Wraps Up with a Celebration of Hong Kong Cinema
Hong Kong and Thai filmmakers came together to exchange ideas and connect with audiences through cinema.
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy and supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau’s Create Hong Kong (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Bangkok successfully concluded after running from 31 July to 9 August at HOUSE Samyan in Bangkok, Thailand. Featuring seven Hong Kong films of diverse styles, a limited-time cinematic art installation exhibition and filmmaker engagement activities, the programme brought Hong Kong stories across borders and languages, creating meaningful encounters between Hong Kong filmmakers and audiences in Bangkok and leaving behind a collection of heartfelt and unforgettable cinematic memories.
The Gala opened with Bird of Paradise, with director and screenwriter Joey WOO and lead actress Catherine CHAU travelling to Bangkok to share the stories behind the film’s creation and production. Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, Joey WOO revealed that the concept was inspired by her mother, who loved playing the piano when she was young but later devoted herself entirely to caring for her family after becoming a mother. Through the protagonist’s journey of learning pole dancing, she hopes audiences will reconsider the identity of a “mother” and recognise that behind this role is also a woman who longs to pursue her dreams and live a life of her own.
Catherine CHAU also shared her personal experience of preparing for the pole-dancing scenes, admitting that the training was far from easy and even resulted in a back injury. Yet it was precisely this challenging and authentic journey that allowed her to connect more deeply with the character and understand her inner world.
At the post-screening sharing of Unidentified Murder, actor Ronald LAM recalled the joy of working on the film, joking that one of the biggest challenges was actually “trying not to laugh”. The situations and chemistry between the cast were simply “too funny” to resist. The absurdity and humour seen on screen, it turned out, were also rooted in the genuine joy shared on set, allowing audiences to experience the camaraderie and chemistry among the filmmakers through laughter.
Yukki TAI, who took on his first leading role in Dog Day Evening, shared his joy of participating in the film, as well as the social reflections behind the story. Rather than blindly following a society filled with rules and systems, he believes people should pay more attention to those around them, think critically and make their own judgements. Through an absurd yet thought-provoking story, the film extends seemingly simple social issues into a reflection on everyday life and human relationships.
Beyond film screenings and post-screening exchanges, Hong Kong filmmakers also participated in two film talks, engaging with Thai audiences and local film professionals on topics including the filmmaking process, character development and the director’s perspective. These conversations allowed audiences not only to see the stories on screen, but also to hear the voices and personal experiences behind them.
The Gala also presented the limited exhibition “Hong Kong Cinema: Bridging Surreal & Real”, which drew inspiration from the seven films screened as part of the programme. Through art installations incorporating representative scenes, props and narrative elements from the films, the exhibition extended the cinematic world into a physical space. From the four-panel photo booth inspired by Bird of Paradise and the live-streaming set-up from Unidentified Murder, to the theatrical stage from Afterpiece, the customer service centre from Dog Day Evening, the canvas inspired by Someone Like Me and the letters from Palimpsest: The Story of a Name, audiences were invited to step into different cinematic worlds and rediscover these stories from a new perspective.
By physically entering spaces inhabited by the characters and interacting with the installations through sight, touch and participation, the boundary between the screen and reality gradually disappeared. The questions explored in these films — from love and identity to family, memory and society — travelled from Hong Kong to Bangkok, continuing their dialogue with audiences in a new cultural setting.
The Asian Film Awards Academy has long been committed to promoting cultural exchange through Asian cinema. Through the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, they bring Hong Kong films to audiences around the world, creating opportunities for people from different regions to connect through the shared language of film. Following successful editions in Bali and Riyadh, the Bangkok edition once again brought together Hong Kong and Thai filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences through film screenings, a themed exhibition and film talks. The characters, emotions and memories brought from Hong Kong to Bangkok have now found a place in the hearts of local audiences. Every laugh, every round of applause, and every heartfelt exchange between filmmakers and audiences serves as a powerful reminder that Hong Kong cinema can transcend geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries — and continue to find new connections with audiences around the world.
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 FUNDThe 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.
