Asian Film Awards Academy Presents Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation Opens in Seoul
Stanley KWAN, Chan Hing Ka CHAN, You Nam WONG and Hong Kong Filmmakers Engage Korean Audiences in Inspiring Dialogue Opening New Opportunities for Hong Kong–Korea Film Collaboration
Hong Kong cinema once again transcended geographical and language boundaries, shining brightly in Seoul, South Korea. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with the support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (HKETO, Tokyo), the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation is taking place from 26 June to 5 July at emu Artspace, one of Seoul’s leading cultural venues. The Opening Ceremony was held on 26 June, launching ten days of screenings and cultural exchange. Featuring ten Hong Kong films spanning timeless classics and contemporary works, four in-depth conversations between Hong Kong and Korean filmmakers, and a special exhibition celebrating Hong Kong cinema, the programme offers Korean audiences a rare opportunity to experience the enduring vitality of Hong Kong cinema both on and off the screen, reaffirming the power of film as a universal language that connects people across cultures.
Delivering the opening remarks, Gillian Lam, Principal Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, highlighted the Hong Kong SAR Government’s long-standing commitment to the sustainable development of the local film industry. Through the Film Development Fund, the Government continues to nurture emerging filmmakers, support local film production, and create opportunities for Hong Kong films and creative talent to reach audiences around the world.
The Opening Ceremony was followed by a captivating cross-cultural musical performance by Hong Kong erhu virtuoso and film composer Chu Wan-pin, joined by Korean musicians on the gayageum and cello. Blending the expressive sounds of Eastern traditional instruments with contemporary musical expression, the performance beautifully symbolised the close cultural ties between Hong Kong and Korea, setting a heartfelt tone for the festival.
Following the opening screening of Someone Like Me, director Wai Ching TAM and producer Stanley Kwan took part in a post-screening discussion with Korean audiences, sharing the inspiration behind the film. Tam spoke about her desire to portray those living on the margins of society with empathy and compassion, hoping to bring greater visibility to lives that are often overlooked. Kwan reflected that the films which resonate most deeply with audiences are those born from a filmmaker’s keen observation of everyday life and an honest understanding of both people and their times. Their heartfelt conversation offered audiences a deeper appreciation of the creative vision behind the film while sparking meaningful discussions on how cinema reflects society and touches the human spirit.
Throughout the festival, four thematic forums brought together Hong Kong and Korean filmmakers, attracting enthusiastic participation from film lovers and industry professionals alike. The opening forum, “Behind the Screen: Reflections of Society,” featured directors Wai Ching TAM and Lawrence KAN, who reflected on the challenges of creating socially conscious cinema. From choosing sensitive subject matter and overcoming years of fundraising difficulties to telling stories inspired by real-life experiences, both filmmakers shared how perseverance and a deep sense of humanity continue to drive their creative work. The discussion offered Korean audiences a fresh perspective on the resilience and passion of Hong Kong’s new generation of filmmakers.
In “The Actor’s Journey: From Beginnings to Perseverance,” actors You Nam WONG and Elizabeth TANG looked back on their artistic journeys, sharing how each role has shaped their understanding of life while reinforcing their passion for acting amid an ever-evolving film industry. Joined by acclaimed Korean actress Han Yeri, the discussion became a heartfelt exchange on performance, growth and the shared emotional language of cinema that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.
The forum “Through Her Lens: Contemporary Narratives by Women Directors” brought together Miu Ki HO, director of Love Lies, and Korean filmmaker Yoon Dan-bi, who explored how women filmmakers express contemporary society through nuanced storytelling, intimate character studies and emotional observation. Both directors encouraged more women to embrace filmmaking as a platform for expressing their unique voices and perspectives.
The final forum, ” Passing the Torch: The Legacy of Film Mentorship” featured celebrated director Stanley KWAN (Rouge) and acclaimed screenwriter Hing Ka CHAN (A Better Tomorrow). Reflecting on the enduring influence of the Hong Kong New Wave on Asian cinema, both filmmakers encouraged younger generations to remain observant, humble and open-minded in their creative journeys. Kwan emphasised that meaningful filmmaking begins with mutual respect, patience and the ability to maintain perspective throughout the creative process, while Chan encouraged aspiring filmmakers to let go of ego, embrace new ideas and create stories that truly resonate with contemporary audiences.
Beyond the screenings and post-screening discussions, the Hong Kong delegation also met with Korean distributors, producers and film educators to explore future collaboration. Discussions covered the possibility of Korean adaptations of Hong Kong films, introducing more Hong Kong productions to Korean audiences, potential Hong Kong–Korea co-productions, and partnerships with Korean film schools on screenwriting and talent development, laying the groundwork for closer cooperation between the two film industries.
From restored cinematic classics to the sincere voices of a new generation of filmmakers, from cross-cultural musical performances to meaningful conversations between film professionals, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Seoul has become far more than a film showcase—it is a celebration of artistic exchange that bridges cities, cultures and languages. As Hong Kong stories continue to resonate with audiences in Seoul, the event once again demonstrates that sincere storytelling has the power to transcend borders and bring people together.
The Asian Film Awards Academy will continue to promote Hong Kong and Asian cinema through international platforms, enabling audiences around the world to discover Hong Kong through its stories, experience the enduring creative spirit of its filmmakers, and celebrate the cultural connections that cinema continues to inspire.
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 recognize 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 couldn’t have 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 (CCIDA)
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.
