“Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” Makes Historic First Landing in Timor-Leste
The Hong Kong Film Gala has traveled across Asia since 2021, sharing the magic of Hong Kong cinema with overse […]
The Hong Kong Film Gala has traveled across Asia since 2021, sharing the magic of Hong Kong cinema with overseas audiences—from vibrant stops like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Yogyakarta and Jakarta. In September 2026, we reached a historic milestone: landing in Timor-Leste for the very first time. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), in collaboration with the Dili International Film Festival (DIFF) in Timor-Leste, funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (FDF), and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta). “Hong Kong Film Gala” made its historic debut in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Venturing into this brand-new destination, we proudly brought two newly released features, Gamer Girls and Dog Day Evening, to meet an enthusiastic audience and young film lovers. Dog Day Evening was selected as the opening film for the Dili International Film Festival. Together, we shared unforgettable cinematic moments and wrote a brand-new chapter in the cultural exchange between our two regions.
Mr. Nicholas YEUNG, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta, has also visited the Dili International Film Festival and gave a speech, reaffirming the Hong Kong SAR Government’s firm commitment to supporting the development of Hong Kong’s film industry.
“HKETO Jakarta will continue its mission to promote outstanding Hong Kong films, giving more audiences in Southeast Asia a chance to discover the creativity and energy of Hong Kong cinema,” he said. While highlighting Hong Kong’s unique role as a centre for cultural exchange between China and the world. He also noted that, through film—an art form that crosses languages—ties between Hong Kong and the people of ASEAN will grow stronger, opening more possibilities for cultural cooperation between both sides.
Dog Day Evening: First Encounter with East Timor Sparks Resonance
The premiere of Dog Day Evening in Dili captured the hearts of local audiences, drawing immense attention and proving that powerful storytelling transcends borders and cultures. As the screening came to an end, thunderous applause filled the room. Lead actor Yukki TAI then joined the post-screening talk, sharing laughs and moving moments with the audience in a warm and lively atmosphere.
When a curious audience member asked how it felt to bring the film to Timor-Leste, so far away from Hong Kong, Yukki TAI responded with heartfelt sincerity: “I think this is a very special place—the people here seem so young and vibrant. Everyone here is fighting very hard for what they want, and being able to come to Timor-Leste truly makes me happy.”
As the Q&A deepened into discussions about the film industry and character work, a young audience member noted that Timor-Leste’s film industry is still in its early stages, and that seeing Hong Kong cinema reach these shores was deeply encouraging. They asked Yukki TAI: For young creators in places with limited resources, where should they begin? “Don’t wait for resources to come to you. Start with what you have. A phone, a friend, a real story—that’s enough to begin. The most important thing is that you have something to say.” Yukki TAI replied.
As the Q&A came to an end, one audience member expressed how deeply she was moved by watching a Hong Kong film that had journeyed from across the sea. She admitted that seeing the traditional Chinese subtitles made her teary and thanked the director and actors for such outstanding work. The host closed by thanking all the attendees, with special gratitude to the Hong Kong filmmakers who traveled so far to make the evening unforgettable.
Gamer Girls Kick Off the Afternoon with a Bang
Gamer Girls screened first in the afternoon, earning a rapturous response from the local audience, who described it as thrilling and fresh and said they had never seen anything quite like it before.
Blending high-stakes action with a futuristic sci-fi narrative centered around the theme of e-sports, Gamer Girls left audiences curious about the challenges behind such innovative work. The director pointed out that discipline was what was needed most.
She added, “You all know I am the director of the film, but I’m also the screenwriter, VFX director, editor, and in charge of the promotion.” She was interrupted by the thunderous cheers and applause that filled the room before she could complete her sentence, responding to the wonderful reception with a smile. “Working multiple roles requires strict self-discipline, especially since I am the only one in charge, with only the producer assisting and monitoring me. I must switch my mindset freely between roles while evaluating myself from a director’s perspective. Moreover, the most difficult part was maintaining happiness while facing obstacles alone and keeping the momentum going.”
Despite the hardship, it was a valuable lesson. Reflecting on the experience, she shared: “Although juggling multiple roles was exhausting, it taught me how to better organize my workflow. Because I handled everything myself, it also made it much easier to self-critique and learn. Looking back, the process was undeniably grueling, but I pulled it off. It’s unbelievable, and I’m truly proud of myself.”
When an audience member expressed worry about the threats of AI development replacing filmmakers and destroying the art of cinema, Veronica replied: “In the past year and a half, AI’s ability to generate videos has developed rapidly, arousing arguments over whether technology will replace our creativity. I don’t think that is the case. As a creator, you need to ask yourself about your ‘root.’ I am half Italian, half Hong Kong citizen, and I questioned my identity frequently during the pandemic. I then realised that I am an ordinary person living in Hong Kong with a deep love for this city. And this dedication—whether to someone or somewhere (like a city)—makes you desperate to express it. Only humans can truly love and express our feelings.”
Beyond the Screen: Actor’s Workshop and Cultural Exchange
In addition to the screening and Q&A, Yukki TAI participated in an exclusive actor’s workshop alongside Japanese actor Shogen. The overwhelming enthusiasm and eagerness from local participants transformed the session into a profound dialogue on youth, art, and the craft of acting.
Reflecting on his role, Yukki TAI shared that the character is close to his own age and facing a similar “quarter-life crisis,” making the role deeply resonant. Seeing how young the participant was, he encouraged both himself and the young generation: “Have passion, and don’t give up!”
Another audience member joined the conversation, noting that while Hong Kong is a prosperous and free society, the film portrays a world where entertainment reigns supreme, and everyone is focused solely on making money—leaving individuals feeling powerless within a capitalist system. They asked Yukki TAI what inspiration he drew from playing this role. Yukki TAI answered with a quote from director MAK Tin Shu: “You can’t treat yourself like an on-off switch; you can’t just turn off whenever you want, like a robot. You have to turn your own switch on, to feel, to dream, to stay passionate, and never give up hope.”
He added: “There are many things we cannot control or change, but we can change our mindset and the way we face problems. We will encounter many difficulties, but your mindset might just save you. The character’s strength comes from his belief—we have opportunities every day, and we have choices. That is our power: choice.”
Pioneered by the Asian Film Awards Academy, this historic Hong Kong Film Gala Tour marks the very first time Hong Kong contemporary cinema has landed in Timor-Leste, opening a brand-new window for local cinephiles and blazing a trail into a rising new market. With packed venues and emotionally charged audience interactions, the event triumphantly demonstrated that authentic Hong Kong stories possess the universal power to cross boundaries and touch hearts.
About Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA)
The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) was founded by the Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals; it is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Asian cinema and nurturing film talent. In addition to organising the annual Asian Film Awards, AFAA presents year-round screenings, cultural exchange programmes, talent development initiatives and international promotion projects to foster collaboration across the Asian film industry. Through these initiatives, AFAA strengthens connections among film professionals across Asia and promotes Asian cinema to international audiences.
