Phnom Penh
FABLE Cinema
Phnom Penh
Date: 24 – 27 April 2024
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (FABLE Cinema)
Guest: Riley Yip, Adam Pak, Max Cheung, Lam Yiu Sing, and Wan Pin Chu
Screening: Papa, Inexternal, Stuntman, Little Red Sweet, Blossoms Under Somewhere, Mr. Vampire
Partner: Westec Media
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, in collaboration with Cambodia’s leading film distributor Westec Media and Factory Phnom Penh, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” returned to Cambodia from April 24 to 27. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the event was held at FABLE Cinema, located within Factory Phnom Penh, a major centre for arts and creative industries in the region. Six carefully selected Hong Kong films were screened, offering local audiences a rich and immersive taste of Hong Kong cinema.
Though the day was hot, it didn’t stop moviegoers from attending the opening ceremony in great numbers, showing their enthusiasm for Hong Kong films. Hong Kong filmmakers and actors travelled to Phnom Penh to meet local audiences in person, including director Riley Yip and actor Adam Pak from the opening film Blossoms Under Somewhere, as well as actors Max Cheung and Lam Yiu Sing from Stuntman. The evening began with a live performance by award-winning Hong Kong composer Wan Pin Chu, who received Best Original Music at this year’s Asian Film Awards for The Last Dance and is also known for scoring the global box-office hit Ne Zha 2. He was joined on stage by a traditional Cambodian music ensemble, bringing a unique cross-cultural element to the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony welcomed a group of distinguished guests, including H.E. SOM Sokun, Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia (MoCFA); Ms. LI Ji, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia; Mr. Parson LAM, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok; and Mr. POK Borak, Director of Cinema and Cultural Diffusion of the MoCFA.
In his speech, Mr. Parson Lam expressed appreciation for the support of all partners and shared his hopes for continued cultural exchange. “With initiatives like the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, we hope to deepen mutual understanding—not only through trade, but also through shared cultural experiences. Film is a universal language that brings people together.”
Ms. Li Ji also spoke at the ceremony, noting, “Cinema has the power to inspire and connect. We’re glad to see Hong Kong filmmakers engaging with Cambodian audiences and sharing meaningful stories that transcend borders.”
Hong Kong filmmakers also shared their thoughts during the opening ceremony. Visiting Cambodia for the first time, they said it was a meaningful experience to present their work in person and engage directly with local audiences.
Director Riley Yip, whose film Blossoms Under Somewhere opened the programme, said the story explores the emotional isolation often felt during adolescence—something she believes is universal. “I think everyone, at some point growing up, has felt that kind of loneliness,” she said. “I hope audiences here can find a bit of their own story in it.”
Max Cheung and Lam Yiu Sing, who star in Stuntman, shared that the film pays tribute to Hong Kong’s stunt performers. Cheung said he hoped the story would help shine a light on their hard work and dedication, while Lam added that he wanted audiences to feel the passion and perseverance behind every action scene.
The opening ceremony also featured exchanges between Hong Kong guests and Cambodian artists, creating a lively atmosphere of cross-cultural dialogue.
In addition to film screenings, this year’s Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Cambodia also featured a special exhibition titled Films Exhibition: City of Cinema, which ran from April 24 to May 7. The exhibition recreated iconic scenes from all six featured films, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the cinematic world of Hong Kong. Highlights included a surreal visual space inspired by Inexternal; a vibrant pink floral installation reflecting the youthful energy of the two girls in Blossoms Under Somewhere; a nostalgic Hong Kong dessert shop from Little Red Sweet that evoked warm memories of time spent with loved ones; and a recreated explosion scene from Stuntman, spotlighting the daring spirit of Hong Kong’s action stunt performers. Also on display were the emotional final beach scene from Papa and a ritual space from The Last Dance, introducing Cambodian audiences to the traditional practice of “breaking hell” in Hong Kong culture.
The opening ceremony also drew strong media attention, with a number of local media and content creators attending to cover the event.
This year’s Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Cambodia featured a curated lineup of six Hong Kong films: Papa, Inexternal, Stuntman, Little Red Sweet, Blossoms Under Somewhere, and the widely loved cult favourite Mr. Vampire. Blending bold new works by emerging directors with a widely loved cult favourite from the past, the programme highlighted the diversity and creative spirit of Hong Kong cinema, offering Cambodian audiences a dynamic and multifaceted viewing experience.
During the post-screening talk for the opening film Blossoms Under Somewhere, director Riley Yip spoke about her approach to exploring taboo subjects. “It’s easy to judge characters like this and think, ‘Why would someone do that? That’s awful.’ But I want to remind the audience that everyone has a story. It’s about how we see each other, how we communicate, how we try to understand. At its core, the film is about empathy and human connection.”
Actor Adam Pak echoed this view, recalling his initial reaction to the role: “I was honestly quite shocked when the director explained the character. But as an actor, I reminded myself—we’re like front-line soldiers. You don’t need to agree with the character’s choices, but you must fully commit. That’s what acting is.” Over time, he said he came to see the role differently: “Maybe he’s not a bad person. Maybe he’s just lonely, someone who can’t let go. He’s longing for connection, for companionship. Seeing him that way changed everything.”
Yip also shared a a behind-the-scenes look at her research process, recalling with a laugh: “We did a lot of homework. I even set up a separate Instagram account to reach out to people who sell used underwear, and joined online groups to better understand their world.” The film’s bold subject matter and sensitive treatment sparked strong interest from local audiences.
Although Stuntman highlights the untold stories of Hong Kong’s stunt performers, a subject deeply rooted in local culture, it still resonated strongly with Cambodian audiences. During the post-screening Q&A, audiences shared that the film’s passion and perseverance left a strong impression. When asked how international audiences might connect with the story, actor Max Cheung responded, “This isn’t just a story about stunt performers. It’s a story many people can relate to. My character looks after his younger brother and gives up his dream. In real life, there are parents who make similar sacrifices for their children. I hope audiences can see how these characters face difficult choices.”
Asked about his most memorable moment during filming, Lam Yiu Sing laughed: “The hardest part was my throat. My character is pretty intense, so I had to shout almost every line, and it really took a toll. There was also a scene where I argue with my wife, and she had to slap me… we did so many takes, and every one was a real slap. I’ve never been slapped so many times in my life!” Max Cheung remarked, “Is that a complaint?” Lam Yiu Sing replied promptly, “Not at all. I actually really enjoyed the shoot.”He added that he hoped the film would inspire audiences to pursue their dreams without regret, a sentiment many viewers shared.
Four Hong Kong filmmakers also visited the PSE Film School in in Phnom Penh, where they spoke with local students and shared their creative journeys. Many students were curious about their experiences and eager to learn from them.
When asked how she handles differences in interpretation between directors and actors, Riley Yip emphasised the importance of trust. “It all starts with communication. Every actor is different—some prefer clear references, while others trust their instincts. As a director, you have to understand how each person works and find a way to connect with them.” A film school graduate herself, she encouraged students to make the most of their time: “Enjoy your time at school, and just keep creating. Practice makes perfect.”
The three actors also shared their perspectives on acting and personal growth. Lam Yiu Sing recalled preparing for a role as a baseball player: “I had never played before, but after committing to training and immersing myself in the process, I was able to fully step into the role on set. In that moment, I no longer felt like an actor—I became the character.”
Adam Pak agreed, saying, “For this role, I fully immersed myself in the character’s world to understand his backstory.” He stressed the importance of curiosity and passion: “Every new role is a discovery. I enjoy exploring the script, finding subtle details, and gradually building the character.”
Max Cheung reflected on how his approach has evolved: “When I first started acting, I wasn’t very confident and mostly followed the director’s instructions. Over time, I’ve learned to express my own thoughts and collaborate more actively.” He encouraged students to keep experimenting: “Every experience contributes to your growth. Eventually, you’ll find your own rhythm and direction.”
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Screening Schedule:
24 April (Thu) Blossoms Under Somewhere 19:30
24 April (Thu) Little Red Sweet: 19:30
25 April (Fri) Stuntman: 19:00
26 April (Sat) Papa: 14:00
26 April (Sat) Mr. Vampire: 16:30
The Dynamic Cityscapes of Hong Kong Films Exhibition
Date: 24 April – 7 May 2025
Opening Hours : 10.00 AM – 7.00 PM
Location: Factory Phnom Penh (No. 1159, National Road No. 2)
Tickets: Free Admission
Information: In English and Khmer
Asian Film Awards Academy
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognise Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
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 professional. 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 could not have held successfully without the financial support of Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong, and Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (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
CCIDA, formerly known as Create Hong Kong is established in June 2024and is a dedicated office set up by the HKSAR Government under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It provides one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conductive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, cultural and creative sectors as industries.
Film Development Fund
The 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. Since 2005, the HKSAR Government has injected a total of $1.54 billion into FDF to support Hong Kong’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience. In the past, FDF has supported a number of film productions and other film-related projects through various film production funding schemes and other film-related project schemes.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0608
Website: www.afa-academy.com
