A curated selection of nine Hong Kong films exploring sports, coming-of-age journeys and personal reinvention launched in Chengdu last week as part of the “Hong Kong Week 2026@Chengdu” program. The festival, titled “Waves of Light: The New Power of Hong Kong Cinema,” opened at the Chengdu Palais Cinema with cast and crew from several featured films meeting local audiences and media.
Opening night saw the mainland premiere of “Wave Breakers,” a surfing-themed drama directed by Feng Zhiqiang and starring Jeffrey Hui and Janis Yeung. Feng described the film as the first Cantonese-language feature about wakesurfing, drawing a parallel between the dynamics of surf and the currents of online public opinion. After the screening, Hui surprised the crowd by singing the film’s theme song, “Waves,” a cappella.
Yeung, attending Chengdu for the first time, said the audience’s warmth exceeded expectations. “Everyone was so enthusiastic and lovely. And Chengdu’s spicy hotpot truly lives up to its reputation—very spicy but so satisfying,” she said with a laugh. Hui said the trip was unforgettable, adding that he gained valuable insights from conversations with veteran actors Francis Ng and Chin Ka-lok.
Stories of perseverance and focus
Francis Ng, star of “Men on the Dragon”—a film about a middle-aged dragon boat team’s competitive journey—spoke about the sport’s deeper meaning. “The concentration required in competition is something that brings genuine joy,” Ng said. “You can’t slack off; you can only focus. Especially nowadays, when people have so many distractions, that kind of focus is even more precious.”
Chin Ka-lok, known for his work in the motorcycling drama “Chariot of Fire,” called the film personally significant and shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes with the Chengdu audience.
A platform for emerging talent
The festival lineup spans traditional martial arts, water sports, and even esports, reflecting Hong Kong cinema’s diverse creative energy. Directors and actors from five productions attended the opening, including “Mama’s Style” director Wu Chui-yi and actor Joey Chung, as well as “Reverse the First Half” director Wong Pak-kei.
For younger performers like Hui and Yeung, the event offered a rare chance to introduce themselves to mainland viewers. Yeung emphasized the importance of showcasing Hong Kong’s new generation of actors, while Hui expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with both the audience and veteran industry figures.
Broader cultural exchange
The film festival is a flagship component of Hong Kong Week 2026@Chengdu, an initiative designed to deepen cultural ties between the special administrative region and mainland China. By presenting stories that resonate across borders—whether through the grit of competitive sports or the vulnerability of personal growth—the event positions Hong Kong cinema as both a creative force and a bridge between cultures.
Organizers said they hope the program will spark further dialogue and collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland filmmakers. With sold-out screenings and lively post-show exchanges, the Chengdu edition appears to have made a strong case for the continued vitality of Hong Kong’s film industry.
