Hong Kong Cinema Shines at New York Asian Film Festival with Star-Studded Awards and Premieres

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York

Hong Kong cinema is taking centre stage at this year's New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with the "Hong Kong Panorama" series, a curated showcase of 10 dynamic films being presented with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO).

A star-studded award presentation was held prior to the North American premiere of "Last Song For You" this evening (July 14, New York time) at the esteemed Film at Lincoln Center. The film's lead actor, Ekin Cheng, was honoured with the prestigious Star Asia Award, recognising his legendary contributions across film, television, and music, as well as his enduring impact on Hong Kong's popular culture.

Cheng's co-star Natalie Hsu received the Screen International Rising Star Award, highlighting her breakout performances and her bright future on the global stage.

The New York ETO hosted a special reception before the award presentation in honour of the visiting Hong Kong film talent participating in this year's Festival. Among them are actors, directors, and creatives whose work is helping to shape the next chapter of Hong Kong cinema.

Speaking at the reception, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the lineup for this year's Festival. "This year we're proud to showcase 10 diverse Hong Kong films, from romantic comedies and crime thrillers to powerful action dramas. Over half of them are having their North American premieres right here at NYAFF - proof that Hong Kong cinema continues to innovate, inspire, and resonate across borders," she said.

Ms Ho added that four of these films are marking directorial debuts. They are: Jill Leung's "Last Song For You"; Jack Lai's "Possession Street"; Trevor Choi's "Smashing Frank"; and "Valley of the Shadow of Death" by Jeffrey Lam and Antonio Tam.

"Three films, 'Last Song For You', 'Papa' and 'Possession Street', were made possible with support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund. It's this mix of rising talent and strong institutional backing that keeps our film industry vibrant, evolving, and ready for the world stage," she added.

Ms Ho went on to extend warm congratulations to the honourees. She praised Cheng for his 37-year career and for helping shape the cultural DNA of Hong Kong entertainment, and lauded Hsu as a gifted and dynamic artist representing the bold future of Hong Kong cinema.

To further honour Cheng's legacy, the NYAFF held a special retrospective screening of his iconic film "Young and Dangerous", celebrating the blockbuster's 30th anniversary and its enduring impact on a generation of filmmakers and audiences.

In addition to Cheng and Hsu, a stellar delegation of Hong Kong filmmakers are attending this year's NYAFF. They include actor George Au actress Hedwig Tam, directors Oliver Chan, Trevor Choi, Jack Lai, Jeffrey Lam, Jill Leung, Antonio Tam, Adam Wong, and composer Chan Kwong-wing - all showcasing the creative talent propelling Hong Kong cinema into the future.

Adding to this year's celebration, acclaimed Chinese-American actress Lisa Lu was presented with both the Trailblazer Award and the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her groundbreaking career and indelible contributions to cinema across the United States, and Greater China including Hong Kong.

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong cinema's cultural legacy celebrated in New York Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong highlighted as "super-connector" at 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) reaffirmed Hong Kong's unique role as a global business gateway at the 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference, held on January 28 (Hong Kong time).

The Conference, themed "TransPacific Economic Diversification: New Investment Opportunities", was held in a hybrid format connecting Hong Kong, Canada, and Asia, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to explore emerging trade and investment prospects between Asia and Canada. The annual Conference is a signature initiative of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, jointly presented with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and supported by Toronto ETO and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK).

In his opening speech, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, described Hong Kong as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder", highlighting the city's distinct advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle. These include its highly internationalised business environment, world-class professional services, common law system aligned with international practices, and simple and competitive tax regime, all of which position Hong Kong as a natural bridge between the Chinese Mainland and global markets.

Mr Wong noted that, despite global trade challenges, during the first 11 months of 2025, Hong Kong's exports and imports of goods both grew by over 14 per cent. Hong Kong also reclaimed its position as the world's leading initial public offering venue, raising approximately US$35 billion, contributing to a year of economic growth expected to reach 3.2 per cent.

He also pointed out that Hong Kong's competitiveness continues to receive strong international recognition. In 2025, Hong Kong was ranked the world's freest economy by the Canadian-based Fraser Institute, third globally in terms of competitiveness, as well as among the global financial centres.

Looking ahead, Mr Wong highlighted initiatives announced in the latest Policy Address to further strengthen Hong Kong's role as a "super-connector". These include the establishment of a new task force to support Mainland enterprises in expanding overseas through Hong Kong and the launch of the "Economic and Trade Express" platform, which brings together the efforts of the overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to assist overseas companies in accessing Asian and Chinese Mainland markets via Hong Kong.

As Hong Kong will help create more opportunities for businesses, he encouraged Canadian and international entrepreneurs to leverage the strengths of Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for growth, innovation, and transpacific economic diversification.

The 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference included six panel discussions with over 30 speakers from leading companies in different sectors. The Deputy Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Toronto Office, Ms Grace Lau, shared insights at the panel themed "Diversified Entrepreneurs - New Investment Opportunities".

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong highlighted as "super-connector" at 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images