Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy and co-organised by the Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University, the seminar “From an Internet Sensation to an Actress: A Conversation with AFA Youth Ambassador LIN Min Chen” was held successfully at Tsang Chan Sik Yue Auditorium, HKBU on 3 February. AFAA was honoured to invite Ms. LIN Min Chen, Youth Ambassador of the 16th Asian Film Awards, and producer and screenwriter Ms. Mani MAN as the guest speakers, and director and screenwriter Mr. Sunny CHAN as the guest host.

LIN made her acting debut with Vampire Cleanup Department, a 2017 horror-comedy produced by MAN. The two subsequently collaborated on the 2021 film One Second Champion, which was a critical and box-office success. MAN shared, “Min Chen’s character in One Second Champion was originally Japanese, but we decided to cast a Mandarin-speaking actress at last, as the Japanese market was too distant. The character always puts on a happy face, but deep down she is not as optimistic as she seems to be. Min Chen’s image had always been positive and joyful, so I wanted to see her in this role.” On casting Asian actors for Hong Kong productions, she said, “Having actors from different regions helps the promotion and distribution of Hong Kong films across Asia.”

Talking about her career plans, LIN said, “I hope to get more interesting and challenging roles, so I can polish my acting skills!” While Table for Six director Sunny CHAN shared interesting anecdotes on set, LIN also explained how she prepared for her role and improved her Cantonese. The audience cheered and applauded when CHAN revealed that he was considering making a sequel to the hugely popular comedy.

In the Q&A session, the audience enthusiastically showered LIN with questions. When asked about which Hong Kong actor she would like to collaborate with, LIN said, “I would like to collaborate with Mr. Chow Yun Fat. He has got unique charisma. I always go hiking and have noodles, but I still haven’t bumped into him yet.” 

Before closing the seminar, CHAN reminded the audience to stay tuned to the 16th Asian Film Awards Ceremony, which would be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum on 12 March 2023. As captured by the group photo, the seminar concluded in a joyous atmosphere.