Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation — Bangkok Grand Opening
“Together We Dare” Showcases the Strength of Hong Kong and Thai Film Talents
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), co-organised by House Samyan, financially supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Film Development Fund (FDF), with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation — Bangkok officially opened on 29 August. This year’s theme introduces the new motto “Together We Dare”, with the Bangkok edition focusing on “To Capture”—showcasing filmmakers’ spirit of innovation and their pursuit to capture emotions and moments through the art of cinema. Running from 29 August to 3 September, the programme presents eight Hong Kong films alongside a Hong Kong–Thai Actor Forum and a Masterclass with Anthony Pun, offering audiences a comprehensive showcase of the distinctive appeal of Hong Kong cinema.
The opening ceremony was held at House Samyan, where distinguished guests and film lovers gathered in a lively and engaging atmosphere. The opening featured two major Hong Kong titles: Cesium Fallout directed by Anthony Pun, and Papa starring Sean Lau, who was recently honoured with the Best Actor at the Asian Film Awards. Producer Amy Chin and actor Dylan So attended the post-screening discussion of Papa, where they shared production experiences and behind-the-scenes stories. The Thai audience responded warmly, raising thoughtful questions and engaging in a candid dialogue on the film’s exploration of family and morality.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Youth Ambassador Lo Chun Yip also joined the Bangkok programme, representing the team of Montages of a Modern Motherhood. From Thailand, acclaimed actors Jump Pisitpol Akepongpisit and Top Tossapol Maisuk were present to show their support, together with official and industry guests including Mr Jason Chow, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Ms Ranee Itrat, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand, and Ms Chomsajee Techaratanaprasert, Managing Director of House Samyan.
The Asian Film Awards Academy aims to use the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation — Bangkok to bring Hong Kong and Thai cultures closer and introduce the diversity of Hong Kong cinema to Thai audiences. Hong Kong and Thailand share a longstanding cinematic connection, with numerous Hong Kong films screened in Thai cinemas as early as the 1970s and 80s, leaving a strong impression on audiences. In recent years, collaborations between filmmakers from both places have grown steadily, and hosting the Gala in Bangkok underlines this solid foundation. This marks the third Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation held in Thailand, a clear testament to the success of cultural exchange and the enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema to Thai audiences.
“This year marks the third consecutive Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Thailand, a testament to the strong and growing cultural ties between Hong Kong and Thailand, and our shared love for cinema. The event does not only showcase the diversity and creativity of Hong Kong cinema, but also serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and professional exchange between film industries of Hong Kong and Thailand,” said Mr Parson Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok. Producer Amy Chin also expressed gratitude to the Academy and supporting organizations for enabling Hong Kong films to be brought to Thai audiences.
At the opening, the three Hong Kong representatives also shared their thoughts on stage. Amy Chin remarked, “Bringing Papa to audiences in Bangkok reinforces my belief that film is a language that can transcend cultural boundaries.” Dylan So added, “Presenting Papa to an overseas audience for the first time, I was touched by how attentive and engaged the viewers were.”
The “Actor Forum”, held on the afternoon of the opening day, featured Lo Chun Yip, Dylan So, and Thai actors Mean Phiravich and Top Tossapol sharing their insights on acting. Lo Chun Yip recalled his transition from boom operator to actor: “Back when I often had to hold the mic close to the actors, I paid special attention to their expressions and emotions. Later, when I became an actor, I applied those observations to my performances.” Mean remarked: “I don’t see anyone as an idol. My acting career is driven by fighting spirit. I am a fighter. When I look at others, I only think about how to collaborate with them and push myself to do better, not to idolize them.” Dylan So spoke about his approach to auditions, believing it is enough to simply try his best. He also shared that the naturalistic acting of Sean Lau Ching-Wan left a deep impression on him. Both Thai actors mentioned they had grown up watching Hong Kong films, making this exchange especially meaningful. The forum was held in a lively atmosphere, fully embodying the spirit of the new motto “Together We Dare to Share”—a testament to the courage of sharing and open exchange.
As the highlight of the opening night, two major films were showcased: Cesium Fallout directed by Anthony Pun, and Papa starring Sean Lau Ching-Wan, winner of Best Actor at the 18th Asian Film Awards. Following the screening of Papa, Amy Chin and Dylan So joined the post-screening discussion. The audience responded passionately to the film’s exploration of family and ethical issues, raising many questions. Dylan expressed his hope that the film would raise awareness for people with mental illness: “If everyone could take one step earlier to care for relatives or friends suffering from mental illness, the tragedy shown in the film might never have happened.”
In addition, the opening ceremony featured a special photo exhibition showcasing stills from the Asian Film Awards Academy’s short film Encounter. The film, starring four AFA Youth Ambassadors—Aokbab Chutimon, Austin Lin, Lo Chun Yip, and Masaki Okada—captures the encounter between youth and cinema. The beautifully shot stills were highly praised by guests, not only for their striking visual and emotional resonance, but also for reflecting the Academy’s mission to foster cross-border collaboration among young Asian talents and to promote cultural exchange through film.
The Bangkok edition presents a diverse line-up of Hong Kong productions, including Cesium Fallout, Papa, Last Song For You, Fight For Tomorrow, Four Trails, Montages of a Modern Motherhood, the animated classic The Flower Princess (Part 1), and the restored Tsui Hark masterpiece Shanghai Blues. Director Anthony Pun not only brings his film Cesium Fallout, but will also host a special masterclass at Sripatum University to share his distinctive approach to cinematography and visual storytelling.
This year, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation also launched the Cross-Media Art Collaboration “Together We Dare to Crossover.” The programme’s first stop in Bangkok invited Bangladeshi artist Kazi Istela, based in the city, to create a special artwork inspired by Hong Kong cinema, accompanied by exclusive Bangkok edition souvenirs. The project responds to cinema through visual art, echoing the idea that “film does not only exist on screen, but also within the city.” It serves as an artistic prelude to the 19th Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony, to be held in March next year.
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