HONG KONG – Legendary filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow reunited with his cast at a special thank-you screening in Hong Kong on Saturday, days before his latest directorial effort, Kung Fu Women’s Football, hits theaters nationwide on April 13. The event, held at a major cinema in the city, drew hundreds of fans and featured appearances by stars including Carina Lau, Dilraba Dilmurat, Sisley Choi, Louis Cheung, Hu Yu’an, new “Sing girl” Yuki, and co-director Lam Tze-chung.
The screening marked an early celebration of the film’s release, with Chow and the ensemble greeting attendees and posing for photos. On Sunday, Lau took to social media to share a warm behind-the-scenes snapshot: she and Chow clasp hands, with her leaning affectionately against his chest while he wraps an arm around her. In the caption, she offered a succinct yet heartfelt endorsement: “Congratulations, Sing Jai. No need to say more. Thank you to every audience member supporting Kung Fu Women’s Football.”
The image instantly sparked nostalgia among fans, many of whom recalled the pair’s on-screen chemistry three decades ago in the 1996 comedy Forbidden City Cop. One widely shared comment referenced a classic line from that film, in which Lau’s character asks Chow’s, “Are you hungry? How about I cook you a bowl of noodles?” The callback underscores the enduring affection audiences hold for the duo’s earlier work.
Kung Fu Women’s Football marks Chow’s return to the director’s chair after his 2019 blockbuster The New King of Comedy and reprises his signature blend of slapstick martial arts and underdog sports narratives. The film follows a ragtag group of female footballers who use unconventional kung fu techniques to compete on the world stage. As with many of Chow’s projects, it combines comedy, social commentary, and visual spectacle.
The casting of Dilraba Dilmurat, one of China’s most bankable young actresses, and Hong Kong screen veteran Carina Lau has drawn significant buzz. Industry analysts project strong opening-weekend figures, especially in mainland China, where Chow’s films have historically performed well. Kung Fu Women’s Football is also expected to screen at international festivals later this year, with a potential global streaming release in the works.
Beyond the box office, Chow’s latest venture continues a tradition of uplifting female-centric stories in a genre often dominated by male leads. The film’s emphasis on teamwork and perseverance resonates with contemporary audiences seeking representation and empowerment on screen.
As the film premieres this week, Chow and his team are scheduled to embark on a multi-city promotional tour across Hong Kong, Macau, and select mainland Chinese cities. For fans of the director’s irreverent style and of the actors involved, Kung Fu Women’s Football promises a spirited return to form—and perhaps a few more classic lines to quote for decades to come.
