EVENTS

Asian Film Awards Academy PresentsHong Kong Film Gala Presentation Makes Its Vietnam DebutTwo Legendary Hong Kong Stars Sammo Hung and Louis Koo to Headline the Opening Ceremony Hong Kong Action Blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In Opens the EventTogether We Dare to be PowerfulFour Hong Kong Films to Showcase the Diversity and Strength of Hong Kong Cinema

(October 20, Ho Chi Minh City)

Co-organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, with financially supported from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), and Film Development Fund of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation - Vietnam will take place from 6 to 8 November 2025 at Galaxy Cinema, Thiso Mall Sala, Ho Chi Minh City.

Making its Vietnam debut, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation adopts the theme “Together We Dare to be Powerful,” symbolising the courage, creativity, and resilience of Hong Kong filmmakers in breaking boundaries and driving the diversity of Asian cinema. The event will feature an opening ceremony and four screenings, inviting Vietnamese audiences to experience the pulse and imagination of Hong Kong cinema.

The opening film will be the highly acclaimed Hong Kong action epic Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, directed by Soi Cheang, a Hong Kong Film Awards-winning filmmaker. Set in the legendary Kowloon Walled City of the 1980s, the film blends breathtaking martial arts sequences with a gripping human story, igniting box-office success across Asia and marking a new milestone in Hong Kong action cinema.

To mark this special occasion, Sammo Hung, one of the film’s leading stars and a legendary figure in Hong Kong action cinema, will attend the opening ceremony in person. Widely recognised as one of Asia’s most influential action directors and actors, Hung’s iconic works include Encounters of the Spooky Kind, Wheels on Meals, Heart of Dragon, and Ip Man 2. Known for his masterful martial arts choreography and innovative cinematic vision, he was instrumental in bringing Hong Kong action films to the international stage and establishing the “Hong Kong action” genre as a global icon. Both behind and in front of the camera, Hung’s contributions have shaped generations of filmmakers, making him a true legend of Hong Kong cinema.

Also joining the ceremony is renowned Hong Kong actor Louis Koo. Rising to fame through classic TVB series such as The Return of the Condor Heroes and A Step into the Past, Koo has since become one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated leading men, starring in acclaimed films including Protégé, Overheard, and Paradox. The latter earned him both the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Asian Film Awards for Best Actor. Beyond acting, Koo actively produces and finances local film projects, nurturing emerging directors and young talents, embodying the enduring spirit and strength of Hong Kong cinema.

In addition to the opening film, the programme will feature three distinctive titles showcasing the diversity of Hong Kong filmmaking: the action-industry drama Stuntman, the documentary Four Trails, and the touching drama Last Song for You. Stuntman director Herbert Leung will also attend the post-screening discussion to share his creative insights with Vietnamese audiences.

Tickets are now available — movie fans should not miss this rare opportunity to experience Hong Kong cinema on the big screen.

Since its launch, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has toured multiple Asian cities, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, and Jakarta, bringing Hong Kong films to audiences across the region. The Vietnam edition marks an important milestone in this journey, representing Hong Kong cinema’s continued reach toward new horizons of diversity and international collaboration.

Josie Lin, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy, remarked“Vietnam’s film market has grown at an impressive pace, with young, passionate audiences who love Asian cinema. Bringing the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation here for the first time is a meaningful cultural milestone for us. We hope this event allows local audiences to experience the power of Hong Kong action films, while also discovering the creativity and perseverance that define our filmmakers.”

She added, “Together We Dare to be Powerful is more than just a slogan — it is an invitation to the Asian film community to use cinema as a shared language of courage, imagination, and strength.”

Event Details

Screening Dates: November 6-8, 2025Venue: Galaxy Cinema, Thiso Mall SalaTicketing: Available at the cinema box office or online at Galaxycine.vnCo-Organised by: Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in SingaporeFinancially Supported by: Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) and Film Development Fund of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR Supported by: Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV) andTrigger Film AcademyCinema Partner: Galaxy CinemaSpecial Thanks: MediaQuiz International Culture Company Ltd.

Screening Line-upTwilight of the Warriors: Walled InDirector: Soi CHEANG Cast: Sammo Hung, Louis KOO, Raymond LAMSet in the eighties inside the dangerous and enigmatic Kowloon Walled City, which was a de facto Chinese enclave within British colonial Hong Kong, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In follows troubled youth CHAN Lok-kwuna, who accidentally enters the Walled City, discovers the order amidst its chaos, and learns important life lessons along the way. In the Walled City, he becomes close friends with Shin, Twelfth Master, and AV. Under the leadership of Cyclone, they resist against the invasion of villain Mr. Big in a series of fierce battles. Together, they vow to protect the safe haven that is Kowloon Walled City.

STUNTMANDirector : Albert LEUNG & Herbert LEUNG Cast: Terrance LAU. TUNG Wai, Philip NGLEE Sam was the undisputed king of stunt choreography during the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema in the 80s. After a devastating stunt accident, he stepped away from the industry for 30 years. Now, an old friend and veteran director has persuaded Sam to return as the stunt choreographer for the director's last film, which stars Wai—Sam's former stunt crew member who has since become a famous action star. Their contentious history, marked by Sam's demanding personality and Wai's ambition, complicates their collaboration.

Four TrailsDirector : Robin LEEAt the time, they said it couldn't be done. In 2012, Andre BLUMBERG set off by himself, to run all four of Hong Kong's iconic ultra distance trails in just four days. 298km and over 14,500m of climbing later, one of the hardest ultra marathons in the world - the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge - was born. With the 2021 edition of the challenge as the backdrop, “Four Trails” takes you on a journey from when the concept was first was conceived to it's current format. Under 60 hours to be deemed a 'Finisher' and under 72 hours to be a ‘Survivor’, unsupported and with an ever-evolving set of rules. It takes a deep dive into the famous four trails that make up the challenge and you will both laugh and cry as the astonishing stories of those who dare attempt such a feat unfold.

Last Song For YouDirector: Jill LEUNG Cast: Ekin CHENG, Ian CHAN, Natalie HSUThat summer, young HA Man Huen and young SO Sing Wah crossed paths through a shared love of music, wondering just how far this love could take them. Years later, musician SO unexpectedly encounters his first love HA, in a hospital during troughs of their lives. Struck by how much he has changed, ailing HA decides to send him to a journey as a parting gift, hoping this will reignite his life.

Screening Schedule

ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMYThe Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), a non-profit organisation, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognise Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives. Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professional. Masterclass Series - in conversation with filmmakers, Asian Cinerama - Film Roadshow, and International Film Camp - a groundbreaking initiative aims to nurture and empower the next generation of Asian filmmakers, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes could not have held successfully without the financial support of Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), and Film Development Fund (FDF) of the HKSAR Government. The AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organisations.Website：www.afa-academy.com