Organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, the Hong Kong Film Gala - Vietnam Stop will take place in Ho Chi Minh City.

This inaugural event carries the theme Together we dare to be powerful, symbolizing Hong Kong cinema’s drive to evolve and diversify.

The program includes an opening ceremony and four film screenings, promising Vietnamese audiences an authentic and vibrant cinematic experience from Hong Kong.

The highlight of the event will be the appearance of Sammo Hung and Louis Koo at the opening ceremony.

Sammo Hung, a legendary martial arts icon, is a director and actor behind numerous classics such as Encounters of the Spooky Kind, Wheels on Meals, and Ip Man 2. He is widely credited with elevating Hong Kong action cinema to global prominence.

Louis Koo rose to fame through popular TVB dramas like The Return of the Condor Heroes and A Step into the Past, later transitioning successfully to the big screen with standout roles in Protégé, Overheard, and Paradox. He has won Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Asian Film Awards.

In addition to acting, Koo is an active film producer and is known for supporting emerging talent in the film industry.

A showcase of martial arts, documentary, and drama

The opening film will be the action blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, directed by Soi Cheang. The film revisits the legendary Kowloon Walled City of the 1980s and 1990s and has captivated audiences across Asia with its intense fight choreography and emotional depth.

Three other featured films include Stuntman, a deep dive into the world of Hong Kong action cinema; the documentary Four Trails, which explores the extreme Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge; and Last Song for You, a romantic drama.

Director Bill Leung of Stuntman will participate in a Q&A session with the audience following the screening.

According to Vivienne Li, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy, Vietnam’s rapidly growing cinema market is deeply impressive. She expressed hope that the gala will allow Vietnamese audiences not only to enjoy the thrill of Hong Kong action films but also to appreciate the relentless creativity of its filmmakers.

Huy Minh