Hong Kong Cinema Shines at 25th New York Asian Film Festival with Record 17 Films Screened

2026-07-22 00:51 Last Updated At：02:03

Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival

Hong Kong cinema is the undisputed star at this year's 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), where a record 17 films will be screened under the "Hong Kong Panorama" banner, presented with the support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) from July 10 to 26 (New York time).

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Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

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Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

The centrepiece event was the presentation of the NYAFF's Best from the East Award to actor Daniel Wu on July 20 (New York time), ahead of the special screening of "Cold War 1994", honouring a career that began in Hong Kong cinema before extending into Hollywood, television and the director's chair, and bringing with him the discipline, physicality and storytelling instinct for which Hong Kong film is known.

The New York ETO hosted a special reception for Wu and other attending Hong Kong film talents before the award presentation. Speaking at the reception, Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, congratulated Wu for his contributions to Asian cinema and bringing Hong Kong storytelling sensibility through his work across film and television globally.

Ms Ho also highlighted the deep ties between Hong Kong cinema and the NYAFF, noting that Hong Kong films have been a part of the festival's identity since its earliest editions. The New York ETO has supported the festival's "Hong Kong Panorama" since 2009, introducing New York audiences to the actors, directors and screenwriters shaping Hong Kong cinema.

This year's Hong Kong Panorama builds on that legacy, showcasing five North American premieres, alongside numerous special screenings and events, with a number of Hong Kong film talents attending the festival. Ms Ho said the expanded lineup reflects both the creative vitality of Hong Kong's film industry and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's continued commitment to supporting that industry on the world stage.

Several of this year's films received support and funding from the HKSAR Government, including "Afterpiece" (financed through the Directors' Succession Scheme that pairs seasoned filmmakers with emerging directors), "Bird of Paradise" (a winning film project in the higher education institution group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative (FFFI)), "Dog Day Evening" (financed by the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan)), and "Gamer Girls" (winning film project in the Higher Education Institution Group of the 6th FFFI).

Hong Kong actress Angela Yuen will receive the NYAFF's Screen International Rising Star Asia Award on July 21 (New York time), underscoring Hong Kong's strong pipeline of talent with international reach. Ms Ho congratulated Yuen for her outstanding performances on screen and on seeing her hard work and talent celebrated in New York.

This year's NYAFF's 2026 Filmmaker in Focus took audiences inside one of the most influential careers in Hong Kong cinema – the prolific and versatile director, Andrew Lau, who reflected on the craft, innovation and lasting impact of his incredible library of works, including NYAFF 2026 featured films "The Storm Riders", "Initial D" and his acclaimed new feature, "The Dumpling Queen".

In addition to Lau, Wu and Yuen, other Hong Kong filmmakers attending this year's NYAFF include actor Yukki Tai; actress Ng Wing-sze; screenwriter Annabelle Li; and directors Veronica Bassetto; Frankie Chung; Pang Ho-cheung, Keane T. K. Wong; Joey Wu; and Phillip Yung.

LegCo Members Continue Study Visit in Beijing, Deepen Understanding of Xi Jinping Thought and Communist Party History.

LegCo National Affairs Study Visit tours Museum of the Communist Party of China

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday (July 21) continued the National Affairs Study Visit (Study Visit) in Beijing. Members continued the Study Visit atthe National Academy of Governance, and participated in a seminar on "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" in the morning.

Members gained a profound understanding of the main content and worldview of "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", as well as the historical context of the country's rapid development as well as various breakthroughs and accomplishments achieved under this Thought in recent years.

As pointed out by President XI Jinping in his important speech delivered at the event on the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), promoting the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is an inherent requirement of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Under the country's staunch leadership and support, Hong Kong has successfully achieved the historic transitions from chaos to order as well as advancing from stability and prosperity. Members deeply appreciated that the CPC has always remained committed to its founding mission, striving for the people's well-being and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, while "putting the people first" is the core and most fundamental value. LegCo will assist Hong Kong to further integrate into and serve the overall national development by leveraging Hong Kong's strengths to contribute to the national needs. At the seminar, Members actively raised questions and exchanged views with the experts to further deepen their understanding of the importance of the Thought to the country's development in the new era.

In the afternoon, Members toured the Museum of the Communist Party of China (the Museum) for on-site learning. They gained a deep understanding of the century-long struggle of the CPC and the process of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. They also learnt about the work and achievements of the Museum as the national patriotism education demonstration centre. The Museum was built in less than three years and completed in 2021 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the CPC. Members experienced the Museum's immersive panoramic three-dimensional displays of historical scenes, as well as the interactive exhibits exploring the country's landscapes and natural scenery with the use of new technologies.

Members were impressed by the curation of the Museum and deeply resonated with the country's remarkable achievements under the CPC's leadership. They considered that the exhibition's design seamlessly combines solemn history with modern technology, which helps enhance the appeal and enables the public to thoroughly appreciate the hardship and greatness of the country's journey towards prosperity and strength. They believed that the Museum helps boost the sense of national pride and is particularly inspiring for the promotion of patriotic education in Hong Kong.

Members will continue with the Study Visit programme today (July 22), which includes attending thematic seminars.

Click here to watch the video highlight of yesterday's Study Visit.

Hong Kong Cinema Shines at 25th New York Asian Film Festival with Record 17 Films Screened

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