Award-winning actress and now celebrated director Hsu Chi has marked her multi-category nominations at the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) by gathering with long-time friends and collaborators from the city’s movie industry, including key figures behind the iconic Young and Dangerous series. The director-nominee recently shared moments from the heartwarming reunion, which she affectionately called a “pre-Lunar New Year dinner,” offering a rare glimpse into the enduring camaraderie among Hong Kong’s cinematic heavyweights.
Hsu Chi, who earned nods for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best New Director for her film The Girl, arrived in Hong Kong to reconnect with the tight-knit community that shaped her career. Her social media posts highlighted a dinner attended by the creative core of the ’90s cult classic Young and Dangerous, featuring director Andrew Lau Wai-keung, lead actor Ekin Cheng Yee-kin, veteran media personality Sandra Lam, and acclaimed composer Chan Kwong-wing.
Celebrating Cinematic Achievements and Nostalgia
The reunion served as an opportunity not only to celebrate the actress’s recent directorial success but also to acknowledge the ongoing career milestones of her peers. Hsu Chi playfully nicknamed director Lau, calling him “Milk Keung”—a reference highlighting their informal and long-standing friendship.
A notable part of the celebration involved congratulating Lau on the recent vinyl release of the original soundtrack for his iconic racing film, Initial D. Hsu Chi made sure to pose for a photograph with composer Chan Kwong-wing, who crafted the memorable music for both Initial D and Young and Dangerous, underscoring the deep professional connections in attendance.
Beyond the industry talk, the gathering was steeped in personal tradition and lighthearted fun. Hsu Chi shared an amusing anecdote about seeking a lucky red envelope, or “lai see,” from one of the attendees’ wives. Specifically, she requested New Year’s monetary gifts from Mrs. Lau, Lai On-yee, designated for the Year of the Horse. The actress humorously stated her intention to place the lucky money underneath her pillow, a traditional custom believed to bring good fortune and peaceful sleep throughout the coming year.
The Impact of The Girl
Hsu Chi’s nominations at the HKFA are particularly significant as they recognize her debut effort behind the camera, transitioning from a storied acting career to directing. Her film, The Girl, captivated critics and voters, showcasing her depth and versatility within the demanding landscape of Hong Kong filmmaking.
The gathering of figures like Lau and Cheng highlights the supportive ecosystem within the Hong Kong cinema industry, where veterans actively champion the entry of new talent, especially those who have roots in the established system. These traditional “tuan nian fan” (reunion dinner) gatherings often take on added importance in the entertainment sector, symbolizing unity and shared anticipation for future collaborative projects.
As the industry looks forward to the upcoming awards ceremony, Hsu Chi’s nominations stand as a powerful testament to the multifaceted talent within the Hong Kong film world, while her personal celebrations reinforce the enduring bonds that connect cinematic generations.
