A unique confluence of budding acting talent and local sports celebrity officially launched the short film “He and She @ Wong Tai Sin” today, marking a cinematic tribute to one of Hong Kong’s most culturally significant districts. The premiere ceremony took place outside the iconic Wong Tai Sin Temple, celebrating the directorial work of Patrick Kong (Yip Lim-sum).
The micro-movie features reigning Miss Hong Kong, Lovelle Ngai Lok-lam, alongside local squash athlete Ho Ka-hei. While the production serves as a notable entry point for both central figures into cinematic roles, Ngai attended today’s outdoor screening event, sharing her experiences with enthusiasm, while co-star Ho was notably absent, offering his apologies via a pre-recorded message citing a recent leg injury.
Familiar Ground for Celebrated Director
Director Patrick Kong, known for his nuanced portrayals of urban romance, revealed a deep personal connection to the project. He accepted the invitation to helm the film immediately, explaining that he was raised and educated in the Wong Tai Sin district, giving him an intimate knowledge of its back alleys and bustling atmosphere.
Kong praised his leading lady, Ngai, who convincingly secured the protagonist role of “Ah Bo” after a competitive selection process. He likened the casting process to a rigorous Miss Hong Kong vetting, where candidates’ demeanor and conversation skills were closely evaluated. Ngai ultimately prevailed over approximately five other contenders.
The director expressed his delight with Ngai’s performance, describing her as a “youthful Ah Bo.” He noted that the casual wardrobe adopted for the film brought her closer to her actual age and highlighted her naturally cheerful disposition. Interestingly, Kong pointed out that Ngai is the “first Miss Hong Kong champion” he has collaborated with to embody the character of Ah Bo in his extensive filmography.
Ngai Navigates New Role
For Lovelle Ngai, the transition from pageant stage to film set presented a steep learning curve. Despite her confident on-screen introduction to the male lead—a scene where she proactively strikes up a conversation—Ngai insisted that such boldness is far removed from her real-life persona.
“If someone tried to approach me that way in reality, I would likely be too shocked and immediately leave,” she confessed to reporters.
The actress shared a specific challenge during production: filming a scene inside the temple involving the practice of fortune-telling by drawing lots. Lacking previous acting experience, she recounted frequent mistakes and numerous retakes (NGs) until Director Kong personally stepped in to demonstrate the required emotion and action, a moment she described as particularly impactful.
Beyond acting, Ngai articulated a desire to dedicate her energy to her burgeoning career. She pitched herself as a potential tourism ambassador, keen to introduce Hong Kong’s varied districts to a wider audience. While enjoying her current professional trajectory, the single star confirmed she is not currently seeking romance or focusing on personal relationships.
Expanding Horizons Amid Industry Shifts
The premiere provided a backdrop for Kong to discuss the current state of Hong Kong’s film industry. He acknowledged that the market remains sluggish, necessitating greater caution when developing new features.
In response to these market dynamics, Kong has already diversified his creative output. Last year, he explored various formats, including micro-movies, online channel programs, and stage productions. Looking ahead to the current year, the veteran filmmaker plans to strategically pivot towards online short dramas, and he is reportedly immersed in script development for these new ventures. This focus reflects a growing trend among experienced directors to leverage digital platforms to reach wider audiences while maintaining creative output.
