Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Opens in Kuala Lumpur
Aaron Kwok and director James Hung lead the premiere of My First of May, joined by Hong Kong talents Locker Lam, MJ Chan, Robin Lee, and Ken Law.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) in collaboration with Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and GSC Movies (GSCM), officially opened last night at the Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta), the event runs from September 20 to 28, showcasing six specially selected Hong Kong films.
The line-up includes My First of May (opening film), Fight For Tomorrow, Good Game, Four Trails, True Love, for Once in My Life, and the re-release of I’m Livin’ It (2019). The opening ceremony welcomed a star-studded delegation: Aaron Kwok, director James Hung (My First of May), actor Locker Lam (Fight for Tomorrow), action choreographer MJ Chan, director Robin Lee (Four Trails), and Ken Law, creator and actor of Good Game, who all took part in lively onstage conversations with audiences.
Aaron Kwok, whose performance in My First of May was a centrepiece of the evening, described his role as a deeply challenging departure: “He’s an athlete who has fallen from glory, masking his insecurity with arrogance, while struggling with his daughter’s illness. It’s a story of conflict, reconciliation, and the healing power of family.” He added that as a Hong Kong actor he feels honoured to support new directors and diverse projects: “Cinema is a universal language. Its ability to resonate and move audiences is what I find most powerful.”
Director James Hong explained that his inspiration came from the caregiver-child relationship: “Caregivers sometimes feel overwhelmed and even want to run away. It’s human nature, not something to blame. This film is about empathy — for both those who give and those who receive care.”
Locker Lam spoke about playing a boxer in Fight for Tomorrow, a moving story about a father-son reunion. He said he was thrilled to be back in Kuala Lumpur, where he had previously filmed for three months: “Hong Kong films have a special meaning here, not only for the Chinese community but also for Malay audiences.” Action choreographer MJ Chan highlighted the physical demands of the film’s Muay Thai sequences, noting how the characters’ motivations shaped each fight differently.
Robin Lee, who won Best New Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Four Trails, shared: “I had little expectation when making the film, but the response has been overwhelming. I hope it will also strike a chord with audiences here.” Ken Law, introducing Good Game, said: “What began as a small idea grew into something much bigger — from script to scouting to choreography, I wore many hats, but it was worth it. This film is my labour of love, both on screen and off.”
This year’s Kuala Lumpur showcase continues AFAA’s new theme, “Together We Dare,” with a focus on collaboration across directors, actors, and action teams. AFAA Executive Director Josie Lin remarked: “We want Malaysian audiences to see the breadth of Hong Kong cinema and to build on the long-standing ties between our two film cultures.”
HKETO Jakarta Director Libera Cheng also addressed the audience, noting Hong Kong’s commitment to film development: “The Hong Kong SAR Government has long supported the industry — from funding productions to nurturing talent and expanding markets. Over the past three years, projects backed by CCIDAHK accounted for nearly 30% of Hong Kong’s box office. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen international and Mainland promotion, exchanges, and partnerships to help Hong Kong films reach new horizons.” Golden Screen Cinemas CEO Koh Mei Lee was also present to witness the lively interaction between Hong Kong films and Malaysian audiences.
The evening also featured the exhibition Weaving Dreams: Artistry in Film, which invited audiences to revisit iconic moments from the six featured films through text, music, and visuals. A souvenir corner designed by Hong Kong artist To Poki was also popular among visitors for its clean, film-inspired aesthetics.
Heartfelt Exchange Between Aaron Kwok and Director James Hong
Director James Hong of My First of May and lead actor Aaron Kwok joined the audience for a heartfelt post-screening dialogue. Kong recalled writing the film during the pandemic, when Hong Kong cinema was struggling and his own family faced health challenges. “At that time, I was both a caregiver and a filmmaker who felt I couldn’t go on. But I realised that only by creating could I move forward,” he said. “The father–daughter relationship in the film is thorny, but in the end the father returns home. That process also gave me strength to step out of my own darkness.”
Aaron Kwok spoke about playing role, a fallen champion forced to face his responsibilities: “He hides his insecurities behind arrogance, but only when his mother falls ill does he awaken to the fact he can’t run away anymore.” He recalled the door-side apology scene with his on-screen daughter as especially powerful: “We shot three versions, but the first take best captured the character’s collapse.” Another moving moment for him was hearing his daughter softly call “Dad” while he pretended to sleep: “It was bittersweet — he wanted to show love but could only let a tear fall in silence.”
Asked whether he would make such sacrifices as a father in real life, Kwok replied: “Many people avoid what they don’t want to face, but I hope this film reminds us to cherish those around us.” He shared that he brought his own daughters to see the film: “They asked questions when they didn’t understand, and I explained. That’s the parent–child dialogue I want to encourage, and I hope they see their father working hard as a role model.”
Kwok and other filmmakers will continue to meet audiences through post-screening Q&A, and on September 22 they will also take part in university lectures at Tunku Abdul Rahman University, bringing the spirit of Hong Kong cinema to the next generation.
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