Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), in collaboration with 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, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returns to Singapore this year. Today, we are excited to announce that the highly anticipated Hong Kong film The Last Dance will be the opening film of the event!

The Last Dance is directed by Anselm CHAN, who is known for his “Ready O/R Knot” series, and stars Hong Kong’s stand-up comedy king Dayo WONG, comedy legend Michael HUI, Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress nominee Michelle WAI, and Best Actor nominee CHU Pak Hong, and seasoned actress Catherine Chau. The film delves into Hong Kong’s funeral industry, exploring themes of life, death, and complex relationships among people. HUI and WONG, two iconic comedians, reunite on-screen after 32 years. The actors thoroughly prepared for their roles and fully studied the funeral rites, contributing to a new masterpiece of Hong Kong cinema.

Director Anselm CHAN explained, “The ritual Po Dei Juk (literally ‘breaking the hell gate’) comes from the Chinese tale of Mulian rescuing his mother. A Taoist priest breaks the underworld walls with a fiery sword, leading the waiting souls through the flames, allowing them to be liberated. It is like performing the final dance for life. This is the reason behind the English film title The Last Dance. Today, this ritual has become a mainstream practice in Hong Kong funerals and is listed as Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.”

“’Life and death are beyond our control; the body is a rare and invaluable gift, leading other sentient beings to salvation’ The Last Dance is a film that, through exploration of life and death, reflects on the meaning of existence. It is not only a film with a distinct touch of Hong Kong but also one that I love the most. 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.”

Mr Kenneth TAN, Chairman of Singapore Film Society expressed, “It is a pleasure for the Singapore Film Society to once again collaborate with the Asian Film Awards Academy in presenting the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2024 in Singapore. I am deeply moved by the opening film The Last Dance. Dayo WONG’s performance brought me to tears. Michael HUI has been my idol since my high school days. I have watched his classic works since decades ago. I was surprised and impressed by how these two comedy legends delivered such heartfelt performances. It is amazing!”

Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation showcases the charm and creativity of Hong Kong cinema to audiences in different Asian regions through touring film screenings in various countries. The event also provides a platform for Hong Kong filmmakers to engage with the Asian film industry and foster closer collaborations. Since 2021, the AFAA has toured international cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Phnom Penh.

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Singapore will take place from November 20 to 24, 2024, featuring a variety of promotional and sharing events to showcase the new generation of Hong Kong cinema. The complete film lineup, guest list, and ticketing details will be officially announced on November 5, 2024.

Please note – The Last Dance will be a non-ticketed screening. For those who are interested, stay tuned to the announcement on November 5, 2024 for more details on how to attend!

Please contact us if any questions,

Email: info@afa-academy.com

Tel: +852 3195 0609

Website: www.afa-academy.com