Grand Finale of the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” 2024 in Singapore
"Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2024" kicked off its final stop in Singapore, with directors Anselm Chan, Dickson Leung, Herbert Leung, and screenwriter Anastasia Tsang in attendance with their latest films.
The “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” has arrived at its last touring stop in 2024, commencing on November 20 at GV Suntec City in Singapore. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), in collaboration with the Singapore Film Society (SFS), and with support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), Film Development Fund (FDF) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore, this five-day cinematic celebration drew a vibrant crowd of local cinephiles and industry professionals. Hong Kong filmmakers, including director Anselm Chan from “The Last Dance”, Dickson Leung from “YUM Investigation”, director Herbert Leung and screenwriter Anastasia Tsang from “Stuntman”, were present to engage with local audiences, showing the diversity and creativity of Hong Kong cinema with Singaporean viewers.
At the opening ceremony, Alfred Tang, the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, and Kenneth Tan, the Chairman of the Singapore Film Society, each delivered an opening speech. Deputy Director Mr. Tang expressed appreciation to the Singapore Film Society for its support of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, highlighting how the programme fosters cultural exchange and development between the film industries of both regions. Chairman Mr. Tan mentioned the keen anticipation among Singaporean audiences for Hong Kong film screenings, stating, “The audience’s response to the opening film ‘The Last Dance’ was overwhelmingly positive. Personally, I was deeply impressed by this film. Even though I am not familiar with Cantonese, I could still immerse myself in the rich Hong Kong culture depicted in the movie.”
Other distinguished guests included Alex Feng, Senior Manager at the Infocomm Media Development Authority; Irene Tay, Marketing Director of Sony Pictures Entertainment Singapore; Lim Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Clover Films, a leading film production company in Singapore; Song Ting, Senior Manager at Golden Village Pictures; Sharon Ng, Festival Marketer at the Singapore International Film Festival; Calvin Choi, Chief Executive Officer of L’Officiel; Tzang Merwyn Tong, a renowned local director; and Zhu Houren, a famous local actor.
Hong Kong filmmakers in attendance also shared their enthusiasm for presenting their films in Singapore. Herbert Leung, director of “Stuntman”, expressed his delight at returning to Singapore, where he had lived for a while. He emphasised that the film is not only about pursuing dreams but also about having second chances. For screenwriter Anastasia, this was her first visit to Singapore, but her prior experience working with Singaporean filmmakers made her feel connected. She noted that “Stuntman” is a film brimming with passion; while it is an action movie, it also integrates elements of emotion, comedy, and entertainment, making it appealing to a wide range of audiences.
Director of “YUM Investigation” Dickson Leung expressed his excitement in bringing his film to the Singaporean audience, saying, “Being able to present my film to the local audience is a rare opportunity that adds special significance to my creative journey”. He emphasised that the film blends action, fantasy, camaraderie, and energy, offering viewers a fresh cinematic experience. His passionate and engaging introduction further heightened the audience’s anticipation for the film.
In addition to screenings and post-screening Q&As, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” in Singapore featured a promotional booth from November 15 to 24 at the Suntec City East Atrium (near Promenade MRT). The booth showcased posters of various Hong Kong films released this year, offering Singaporeans a glimpse into the rich diversity of Hong Kong cinema. The interactive activities successfully attracted a large crowd, with participanta engaging in games for souvenirs and film tickets. The responses on social media were also positive. Hong Kong filmmakers also appeared at the exhibition, interacting with the audience. They participated in interviews with local influencers on TikTok, sharing their perspectives and film recommendations.
From November 20 to 24, The “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” in Singapore showcased eight Hong Kong films. Headlining the screening was the opening film “The Last Dance”, the lineup also included “YUM Investigation”, “Stuntman”, “Remember What I Forgot” by Keian Chui, the classic “Long Arm of the Law” by Johnny Mak, “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” by Soi Cheang, “Love Lies” by Ho Miu Ki, and “Peg O’ My Heart”. Beyond film screenings, the programme included campus talk, media interviews, studio tours, and networking dinners with Singaporean filmmakers, marking a successful conclusion to the 2024 “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” tour.
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