The festive season officially launched in Sha Tin last night as the cast and crew of the highly anticipated Lunar New Year film, A Starry Family Affair (alternative working title for《金多寶》), gathered for its premiere. Director Wilson Yip (alternative name for 翁子光), alongside lead actors Edan Lui (呂爵安), Nina Paw (金燕玲), Hanna Chan (鍾雪瑩), Jerry Li (李尚正), Mayanne Mak (楊詩敏), and Zoie Au (盧頌恩), greeted fans and discussed the heartwarming family comedy ahead of its wide release.
The celebratory evening offered insights into the film’s emotional core and the cordial competition among simultaneous holiday blockbusters. Veteran actress Nina Paw, known for her captivating dramatic roles, shared her anticipation, noting that she had brought tissues, anticipating the film’s emotional impact. She confirmed plans to reserve a screening for celebrity friends like Sussie Wong and close family, underscoring the film’s appeal as a communal viewing experience.
Confidence Amid Lunar New Year Blockbusters
Edan Lui, a key player in the production and a member of the popular idol group MIRROR, expressed strong confidence in the film’s quality. He acknowledged widespread fan support, including reports of dedicated group bookings. When asked about his Valentine’s Day plans, which coincides with the promotional push, Lui stated he was prioritizing the film, confirming plans to join co-stars for meet-and-greet events scheduled for the romantic holiday. He clarified that rumors of inviting other celebrities, such as Lin Ming Chen, were unfounded, noting, “She is very busy. I am focused on distributing complimentary tickets to my friends instead.”
The conversation inevitably shifted to the robust competition from other Lunar New Year releases, particularly the high-profile film The Night King, starring comedic icon Dayo Wong. Nina Paw, however, dismissed any notion of a box office feud. “I don’t approach this with a competitive spirit,” she stated. “Dayo Wong and I are good friends. We must support each other to ensure the film market can thrive and achieve ‘a hundred flowers blooming.'”
This climate of friendly rivalry naturally led to playful questions about box office incentives. Lui, often referred to as the film’s ‘sex appeal’ catalyst, was pressed on whether he would reprise his role as the “sexy lead” by revealing his physique should the film meet performance targets. Lui deflected the spotlight onto his co-star, Jerry Li. “Jerry is actually the center of the Lin family story,” Lui joked. “If he agrees to show off his physique, then I will happily follow suit!”
Blending Comedy with Emotional Depth
A surprise element of A Starry Family Affair is its contemplative closing track, “Fortune’s Grace” (alternative working title for 《萬幸》), performed by Edan Lui, with lyrics co-written by Hanna Chan and Jerry Li. Chan noted the unique collaboration between the three actors in crafting the heartfelt lyrics.
“Our writing was deeply emotional, completely devoid of any comedic elements,” Chan explained.
Lui concurred, admitting he initially expected a lighter, upbeat tune, but the director ultimately opted for a more sentimental theme to complement the family narrative. He emphasized that the song’s deeply personal production—written and performed by the cast—reflects the collaborative spirit of the movie. “We hope everyone loves it. If the box office is strong, we promise to perform it live at our promotional events,” Lui pledged, prompting an enthusiastic response from Nina Paw, who immediately cheered, “Yes, I want to see Edan sing it and show off his muscles!”
Finally, Lui addressed a circulating online curiosity: an AI-generated cartoon version of A Starry Family Affair that replaced him with actor Louis Koo (古天樂) as the protagonist. Lui took the incident in stride. “That is absolutely fine,” he remarked good-naturedly. “Mr. Koo is a vital spiritual figure in cinema. Besides, I haven’t formally joined the fictional Lin family yet.”
The premiere sets the stage for a compelling holiday cinema season, offering audiences a timely dose of humor and familial connection. The film’s success will be a barometer for the continuing health and diversity of the local entertainment industry.
