The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Yogyakarta, presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) in collaboration with the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), successfully concluded its run from November 30 to December 4 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Financially supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta, the event returned for its second edition to enthusiastic acclaim. Under the theme “Together We Dare to Direct,” the programme showcased a curated selection of Hong Kong films. A special highlight was the “Director Ann Selection,” featuring July Rhapsody, A Simple Life, and the documentary Keep Rolling directed by Man Lim Chung, offering a retrospective of the legendary filmmaker’s career. Together with screenings of The Remnant, Sons of the Neon Night, Four Trails, Another World, Someone Like Me, the restored classic The Killer, and the “Hong Kong Short Film Collection,” the Gala presented a comprehensive view of the heritage and innovation of Hong Kong cinema. A delegation including Ann Hui, acclaimed Hong Kong Film Awards-winning Art Director Man Lim Chung, Directors Mandrew Kwan, Robin Lee, and Ivan Cheung, and Still Photographer Quist Tsang travelled to Yogyakarta to engage deeply with local audiences, joining forces with AFAA to promote Hong Kong cinema to Indonesian film fans.

Ann Hui Masterclass Attracts Over 100 Fans; Heartfelt Confession Moves Audience

The highlight of the Gala, the “Ann Hui Masterclass,” took place on December 1 at Empire XXI Cinema, attracting over 100 film fans. Moderated by Indonesian new wave director Monica Vanesa Tedja, Hui reflected on her decades-long creative journey. When asked about her drive, she shared a heartfelt sentiment: “I don’t have much interest in traveling the world or other hobbies; cinema is my true source of joy. As long as I can walk, I will keep directing.” This poignant declaration moved the audience deeply. Reflecting on the trip, Hui shared: “I had a wonderful experience. Seeing so many young people, including the young teams from both Hong Kong and the Indonesian festival, dedicating their best efforts to arrange everything perfectly was deeply touching.”

Man Lim Chung Recalls “July Rhapsody”: Praises Karena Lam & Professionalism of Stars

In the post-screening Q&A for the restored classic July Rhapsody, Ann Hui and Man Lim Chung reunited on stage. Man, who served as the Art Director for the film, revealed it was his first collaboration with Hui. He recalled being nervous at the time due to his junior status. Both filmmakers praised Karena Lam, who was a newcomer back then, for her “unparalleled aura” which was perfect for the role.

Discussing working with superstars Jacky Cheung and Anita Mui, Man shared a little-known anecdote: “Audiences often wonder if stars refuse to wear ordinary or old clothes. On the contrary, they were incredibly cooperative. To capture the film’s weary atmosphere, they willingly wore the second-hand, worn-out clothes we bought without complaint, solely focused on presenting the best state for their characters.”

Filmmaker Forum Reveals WKW Secrets; Laughter Fills the Room

Another major highlight was the Filmmaker Forum titled “Something You Don’t Know About Hong Kong Film Industry,” which attracted nearly 100 students and fans in a lively atmosphere. Man Lim Chung entertained the crowd with anecdotes about working on Wong Kar Wai’s 2046, recalling a time when the director suddenly announced a shoot in Thailand with no script. Man had one week to prepare a massive circus set, only for the scenes to be cut from the final film. This challenging behind-the-scenes experience drew hearty laughter and applause from the students.

Quist Tsang on Visual Impact; Robin Lee Shares the Passion of “Four Trails”

Still photographer Quist Tsang shared her visual design concepts during the Sons of the Neon Night Q&A. “Since the film is black and white, I focused on retaining that base while adding splashes of bright red, like blood, for visual impact,” she explained. She also noted the risks of capturing action scenes, mentioning that following actors closely in combat often carries higher risks than controlled explosions.

Director Robin Lee (Four Trails) showcased Hong Kong’s breathtaking wilderness to the audience. He shared that the charm of documentary filmmaking lies in its “uncertainty,” revealing that the fastest runner in the film only confirmed participation three months before the race—an unpredictable plot twist that made the story even more precious.

Exploring Market Opportunities & Cross-Generational Bonding

Beyond cultural exchange, the event focused on industrial connections. At “Hong Kong Night,” Ms. Libera Cheng, Director-General of the HKETO in Jakarta, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Hong Kong SAR Government’s support for the film industry. Quist Tsang and emerging directors Mandrew Kwan and Ivan Cheung further explored the JAFF Film Market, actively exchanging ideas with local production companies and distributors to discover potential collaboration opportunities.

The trip also fostered unique bonds among the delegates. Mandrew Kwan (The Remnant ) shared: “In Hong Kong, we rarely get to spend quality time with seniors like Man Lim Chung. But here, running together and visiting the world heritage site Borobudur, we built a friendship that transcends generations.”

Anchored by the theme “Together We Dare to Direct,” the Yogyakarta edition demonstrated the spirit of Hong Kong filmmakers—from Ann Hui’s enduring passion to the new generation’s bold exploration of new markets. The event concluded amidst warm applause, marking another successful chapter in the cinematic dialogue between Hong Kong and Indonesia.