Fan Bingbing, Lee Kang-Sheng Star as Hong Kong’s HAF Unveils 15 Work-in-Progress Projects, Alumni Head to Berlin

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The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFF) has revealed a list of 15 developing films, which will be presented as work-in-progress at the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF). This selection features both well-known directors and rising stars from various parts of Asia.

The upcoming presentations for the projects are scheduled at the enlarged HKIFF Industry Project Market, which takes place from March 17th to 19th, coinciding with Hong Kong’s FilMart. These projects will be added to the list of 25 projects that were previously announced as being in development.

Among the standouts this season are creations by esteemed filmmakers that I can’t wait to see, such as “A Woman Builds” by Golden Horse winner Huang Ji, collaboratively directed with Otsuka Ryuji. This film delves into a Chinese woman’s journey to construct a home amidst being apart from her Japanese family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qiu Jiongjiong, who won Locarno’s Special Jury Prize for “A New Old Play,” is back with “Fuxi: Joy in Four Chapters,” a humorous yet somber tale about Sichuan cuisine, starring Lee Kang-Sheng from “Stranger Eyes.

Notable among other projects are “Mother Bhumi,” led by Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing, a mystery revolving around a widowed farmer dealing with her husband’s demise, “White Flowers and Fruits” by Sakamoto Yukari, a supernatural tale set in a boarding school produced by Yamamoto Teruhisa from “Drive My Car,” and “The Ink-Stained Hand and the Missing Thumb” by Yashasvi Juyal, a drama focusing on migrant workers.

The lineup features several first-time directorial efforts, such as “Pangku” by Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, delving into the contentious custom of lap-sitting in coffee shops, and Tribeny Rai’s “Shape of Momo,” which was awarded the highest accolade at India’s NFDC Film Bazaar WIP lab.

Among the genres available are “Moonglow,” directed by Isabel Sandoval and set in 1970s Manila, starring her alongside Arjo Atayde, and “Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts” by Wang Tong. This film presents a dark romance between a zookeeper, played by Wan Qian, and a serial killer, portrayed by Qu Chuxiao.

Two films you’ll find are “Moonglow,” starring its director Isabel Sandoval along with Arjo Atayde, set in 1970s Manila, and “Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts,” featuring a twisted romance between a zookeeper (played by Wan Qian) and a serial killer (Qu Chuxiao). Both are directed by Wang Tong.

The youth-oriented lineup features “Ah Girl” by Ang Geck Geck, which centers around a seven-year-old child dealing with the challenges of divorced parents, as well as “Girlfriends” by Tracy Choi, where Jennifer Yu and Fish Liew play leads in a love story that unfolds across Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Additionally, we have Gong Yiwen’s “Her First Taste,” which presents genuine teenage feelings through an untrained cast in a documentary style, and Li Jing’s “Name and Hair,” which follows a teenager’s journey to alter her identity.

Completing the lineup of works in progress are new filmmakers’ creations: Emetjan Memet’s “Good Drink Pub,” a romantic comedy set in Xinjiang, revolving around a pub owner who is smitten with love, and Liu Xing’s “Say My Name,” featuring Yoyo Tse and Jack Tan. This captivating film explores the themes of identity fraud and romance.

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The WIP collection is rounded off by two intriguing new films: Emetjan Memet’s “Good Drink Pub,” a romantic comedy unfolding in Xinjiang, focusing on a heartbroken pub owner, and Liu Xing’s “Say My Name,” starring Yoyo Tse and Jack Tan. The plot revolves around the entwined themes of identity deception and romance.

The forum has demonstrated its strength within the industry, as four projects by its alumni are creating a stir across Europe. Huo Meng’s “Living the Land” is vying for Berlin’s Golden Bear award, while Jun Li’s “Queerpanorama” and Min Kyu-dong’s “Pag-wa” are being showcased in the Panorama and Special sections respectively. Most recently, Li Dongmei’s “The Fruit” debuted in Rotterdam’s Tiger Competition.

The projects will showcase their upcoming features during open presentations at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, giving industry experts a sneak peek of innovations from the region.

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2025-02-10 10:16