Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Returns In June
Jeffrey Ngai Continues His “Mission” in Bali with “Road to Vendetta”, Wong Yau-nam Brings the Nostalgic Spirit of 80s Hong Kong to Indonesia through “Ciao UFO”
As the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) approaches its 20th anniversary, the Academy continues its long-standing mission of promoting Asian cinema and fostering cultural exchange across the region. Through initiatives including the Asian Film Awards, Masterclass Series, and International Film Camp, AFAA has consistently showcased the creativity and influence of Asian filmmakers on the global stage.
As one of the Academy’s key annual programmes, this year’s “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” will launch in June with two overseas stops — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Bali, Indonesia.
The programme is once again supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO). A number of Hong Kong filmmakers and artists, including actors Jeffrey Ngai and Wong Yau-nam, as well as directors Njo Kui Ying, Chou Man Yu, and Jack Lai, will attend the events in person to engage with local audiences and media, sharing their creative visions and behind-the-scenes experiences while deepening international appreciation of Hong Kong cinema.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation: Bali, Indonesia
The first stop of the programme will take place from 1 to 6 June in collaboration with the Bali International Film Festival. Six Hong Kong films spanning a variety of genres — including sci-fi, comedy, action, and youth drama — will be screened, namely “Ciao UFO”, “Road to Vendetta”, “Night King”, “Golden Boy”, “Back to the Past”, and “Gamer Girls”. Several filmmakers and cast members will travel to Bali to participate in audience sharing sessions and exchange activities.
Opening the Bali programme is “Ciao UFO”, a critically acclaimed film set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1980s Hong Kong. The story delicately portrays several old friends reuniting years later to confront life’s regrets and changing times. The film won five major awards in Hong Kong and received widespread praise from audiences and critics alike. Producer Amy Chin and actor Wong Yau-nam will attend the post-screening Q&A session in Bali to share insights into the film’s creative process and its vivid portrayal of Hong Kong’s urban landscape and collective memories.
The following day will feature the Hong Kong-Japan co-produced action thriller “Road to Vendetta”, which follows an elite Hong Kong assassin known as “No. 4” who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy while carrying out a mission in Japan. Forced into a desperate escape, he embarks on a high-stakes journey of survival. Lead actor Jeffrey Ngai will also attend the event to share his experiences filming large-scale action sequences and stories from behind the scenes.
In addition, director Jack Lai of “Back to the Past” will travel to Bali to share the challenges and creative process behind adapting one of the most beloved classic Hong Kong television dramas into a feature film more than two decades later.
Beyond the screenings, the six-day programme will also include the “Hong Kong Night” industry networking event and participation in the opening activities of the Bali International Film Festival, providing opportunities for Hong Kong filmmakers to connect closely with international festival guests and industry professionals while further promoting Hong Kong film culture overseas.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The second stop of the programme will take place from 12 to 14 June in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with leading cinema chain VOX Cinema. This also marks the first time the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” has been held in Saudi Arabia.
Moving beyond the Middle East’s traditional perception of Hong Kong cinema as primarily 1980s and 1990s action films or “Jackie Chan-style” productions, this year’s programme aims to showcase the diversity and evolution of contemporary Hong Kong filmmaking. In addition to two recent action features, audiences will also experience “Ciao UFO”, which captures the emotional spirit of 1980s Hong Kong urban life, as well as the mystery crime film “Behind the Shadows”.
The Riyadh programme will open with “Road to Vendetta”, a film that has already received nominations at several international film awards and will now make its Middle East premiere. Director Njo Kui Ying, making his directorial debut in an international co-production, will attend the post-screening Q&A session to share his experiences and challenges collaborating with overseas production teams.
Another featured title, “Blades of the Guardians”, directed by legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, brings back the signature hand-to-hand combat style that defined classic Hong Kong action cinema.
Meanwhile, “Behind the Shadows”, co-directed by Chou Man Yu and Jonathan Li and starring Louis Koo, has attracted significant attention for its gripping suspense and psychologically layered storytelling. Director Chou Man Yu will also attend in person to discuss the film’s creative inspirations and production journey with local audiences.
Through film screenings and filmmaker exchange activities, the Riyadh edition aims to deepen Middle Eastern audiences’ understanding of Hong Kong cinema and strengthen cultural connections between Hong Kong filmmakers, overseas audiences, and the international film industry.
Looking ahead, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” will continue expanding into more cities and countries, further broadening the cultural influence of Hong Kong cinema across Asia and the global market, while allowing more international audiences to experience the diversity and uniqueness of Hong Kong filmmaking.
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY
The Asian Film Awards Academy is a non-profit organization founded by the Busan International Film Festival, the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival. In addition to presenting the annual Asian Film Awards, the Academy organizes screenings, exchange programmes and professional development initiatives to promote Asian cinema and nurture industry talent.
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 professionals. 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 been 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 (CCIDAHK)
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 FUND
The 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.
