Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2025 Launches in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 21 — The spotlight on Hong Kong cinema dazzled attendees last night as the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2025 officially commenced at The Exchange TRX. The event attracted a star-studded audience of industry professionals, fans, and media, celebrating the rich legacy and the promising future of Hong Kong’s film industry. Among the notable attendees were emerging talents such as Locker Lam, Chan Chun Fung, Ken Law, filmmaker Robin Lee, and director James Hung. However, it was the entrance of iconic actor Aaron Kwok, one of Hong Kong’s famed “Four Heavenly Kings,” that truly electrified the crowd. Enthusiastic fans arrived early, armed with handmade placards and chanting Kwok’s name, eager for a moment of connection with their idol. For many, this was not merely a chance to see a celebrity; it was a cherished experience, as numerous fans, like 49-year-old Cassandra, have grown up watching him. “If I had to sum him up in one word, it would be fantastic,” she expressed. “I admire his acting skills, his good looks, and even at nearly 60, his dancing and singing abilities are impressive.” Chan, 45, also shared her long-time admiration, noting that she has viewed nearly all of Kwok’s films and is particularly excited about the screening of My First of May at the festival. She mentioned that while Kwok’s presence is a significant draw, the film’s narrative about humanity resonates deeply with her as well. Bill Khong, 45, another dedicated fan of Hong Kong cinema for over 35 years, acknowledged Kwok as his favorite, commending both his singing and acting prowess. Devoted followers gathered at TRX, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary Aaron Kwok. — Photo by Raymond Manuel
My First of May: A Heartfelt Opening Film
As the gala unfolded, the highlight of the night was the screening of director Hung’s My First of May, which features Kwok in the lead role. The film tells the poignant story of Tang Suk Yin, a former squash athlete portrayed by Kwok, who faces the challenges of caring for his teenage daughter suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) after a career-ending injury forces him to confront his past neglect. Hung shared that the inspiration for the film stemmed from his personal experiences with friends battling chronic illnesses and rare diseases. “As someone who has taken on the role of a caretaker, I believe we must embrace our flaws and treasure the present moment,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of reconciling past mistakes with family and dedicating quality time to loved ones. Hung began crafting the screenplay during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic, a period when he sought to create something meaningful. He invested significant effort into developing the characters and their interactions, drawing inspiration from the resilience and hopes of his friends living with SMA and other chronic health issues. “Their dreams and strengths ignited a spark within me,” he explained. “I aimed to tell a story that crosses cultural and language divides—something that anyone can relate to and find inspiration in. That was the goal behind my writing,” he added.
Aaron Kwok’s Excitement for his Role
Kwok had previously expressed his enthusiasm about My First of May being selected as the festival’s opening film in Kuala Lumpur. When asked by Malay Mail about the challenges of embodying the character Tang, he noted that every role he takes on presents a unique set of challenges. “Each movie is a fresh opportunity for me,” he stated. “I strive to avoid repeating characters from my past or future performances. I wish to create new roles that offer different perspectives, infusing each film with a new style that I can share with my friends and audience.”
Cinema: A Collaborative Journey of Perseverance
This year’s gala, organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), carries a new motto, “Together We Dare,” with a focus on “To Endeavour” in Kuala Lumpur. This theme underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasizing the collective perseverance of directors, actors, and choreographers who work together to bring compelling stories to the big screen. Josie Lin, the executive director of AFAA, articulated, “We aim for the Kuala Lumpur edition to showcase the diverse spectrum of Hong Kong cinema.” Director James Hung and Aaron Kwok shared insights regarding their opening film, My First of May. — Photo by Raymond Manuel “From the opening films to forums and exhibitions, every aspect is interwoven with the spirit of ‘endeavour,’ reflecting a complete journey of creativity and determination.” Following the successful Bangkok edition, the gala has now made its way to Malaysia, featuring six acclaimed films, including My First of May, Fight For Tomorrow, Good Game, Four Trails, True Love, For Once in My Life, and I’m Livin’ It. This event promises to be a month filled with cultural exchange between Malaysia and Hong Kong, showcasing storytelling brought to life through the enchanting world of cinema.
