China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 119 Week of 21 September 2026
(1) Edison Chen Makes Big-Screen Comeback in Malaysian Lunar New Year Film Temple of Divine Horses
Edison Chen officially marked his return to feature acting after a decade, joining Anthony Wong in Penang for the filming of director Goh Pei Chiek’s Lunar New Year film Temple of Divine Horses. The production highlights growing film co-production ties between Hong Kong cinematic talent and Southeast Asian creative hubs.
(2) Malaysia Emerges as Top Destination for Chinese Entertainment Exports
Anchored by deep Cantonese cultural ties and mutual visa-free policies, Malaysia has become a premier hub for Chinese concert tours. Aaron Kwok’s September 2026 ICONIC tour stop in Kuala Lumpur drew multi-generational audiences from across the country, highlighting the commercial potential of Hong Kong pop culture exports across Southeast Asia.
(3) Jason Zhang Launches Global Single “Game Changer” Under Planet Culture & UMG Strategic Partnership
Jason Zhang released “Game Changer”, the theme song for his upgraded 1982 World Tour. Produced alongside international musicians Bobby Colomby and Jesus Molina under his Universal Music partnership, the hard rock single premiered at his Hangzhou concert ahead of its global release.
(4) Gordon Lam and Fala Chen Share Behind-the-Scenes Insights at Asian Film Awards Academy’s International Film Camp 2026
Gordon Lam and Fala Chen shared insights on producing and directing at the International Film Camp 2026 in Macau. Lam advocated for casting veteran actors, while Chen detailed her transition to directing short film Bloodline, encouraging emerging creators as eight winning projects secured HK$300,000 in short-film funding.
(5) Peter Chan’s Reality Drama The Road Not Taken Earns Standing Ovation at 51st Toronto International Film Festival
Director Peter Chan debuted his family drama The Road Not Taken at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. Starring Zhou Xun and Lawrence Wang, the film earned a standing ovation at its world premiere ahead of its planned Mainland theatrical release in late 2026.
(6) Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Heritage Brings “Inspiring Asia Micro-Film Festival” to Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Heritage introduced the “Inspiring Asia Micro-Film Festival” to Hong Kong. Celebrating short films on intergenerational legacy, family stewardship, and social impact, the initiative connects family offices with regional creative talent to promote wealth legacy through digital storytelling.
(7) Hirokazu Kore-eda Discovered Hong Kong Cinema Through Wong Kar-wai; “Look Back” Lead Actresses Visit Choi Hung Estate
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda visited Hong Kong with actresses Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita to promote the live-action Look Back. Kore-eda cited Wong Kar-wai as his intro to Hong Kong cinema, visiting a Days of Being Wild pop-up, while the leads took photos at Choi Hung Estate.
(8) Jasmine Yen Debuts at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in the US Alongside International Stars
Singer Jasmine Yen attended the “iHeartRadio Music Festival 2026” in Las Vegas, making her debut at the major US music event. Dressed in a black gown, she mingled backstage with global stars including BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and Cardi B, expanding her international music presence.
(9) Ivana Wong Unveils Multi-Sensory “Conversations We Almost Had” Exhibition Concert and Debut Album Showcase in Hong Kong
Ivana Wong’s “Conversations We Almost Had” Exhibition Concert will run December 4–13, 2026, at WestK Freespace. Featuring her self-produced concept album, interactive audience elements, and the world premiere of the “Fat Bottle Café” pop-up, the event offers a multi-sensory exploration of communication philosophies.
(10) Twins Announce Two Additional Shows for “Side by Side Concert” After Initial Three-Night Ticket Sellout
Twins added two extra dates to their “Side by Side Concert” run after the initial three shows sold out instantly on September 22, 2026. Bringing the concert series to five nights, the sellout demonstrates the enduring commercial appeal and fan-economy strength of legacy Cantopop franchises in Hong Kong.
(11) Broadway Musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Adds Eight Final Shows in Hong Kong, Partners with The Peninsula for Immersive Hospitality Experiences
Broadway’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory added eight final shows at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for December 2026. Official partner The Peninsula Hong Kong introduced Willy Wonka-themed dining and staycation packages, demonstrating high-end cultural tourism synergies around major international theatrical IP.
(12) 13th Silk Road International Film Festival Opens in Xi’an with Record 2,130 Global Entries and Egypt as Guest Country
The 13th Silk Road International Film Festival opened in Xi’an with a record 2,130 entries from 139 nations. Featuring Egypt as Guest Country of Honor and Hong Kong cinematographer Peter Pau as Jury President, the event highlights expanding Belt and Road cinematic collaborations and international film exchanges.
(1) Edison Chen Makes Big-Screen Comeback in Malaysian Lunar New Year Film Temple of Divine Horses
(Photo Credit: RedNote)
Actor Edison Chen has officially returned to film acting after a ten-year hiatus, joining Hong Kong Film Award-winning actor Anthony Wong in Penang, Malaysia, for the commencement of principal photography on the upcoming Chinese New Year feature Temple of Divine Horses (神馬廟). Directed by Malaysian filmmaker Goh Pei Chiek, the production held its ceremonial blessing and filming launch, confirming Chen’s involvement after initial promotional teasers obscured his identity.
The project marks a high-profile creative reunion between Chen and Wong, who previously shared screen time in iconic Hong Kong cinema classics including Initial D and the Infernal Affairs trilogy. Industry observers highlight that Chen’s return to feature film production underscores expanding co-production corridors between Hong Kong talent and Southeast Asian film infrastructure, particularly as Malaysia positions its historical and urban locations to attract regional Asian commercial projects.
Production on Temple of Divine Horses is currently underway across key locations in Penang, targeting a wide theatrical release across Greater China and Southeast Asian markets during the 2027 Chinese New Year holiday season.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E9%9B%BB%E5%BD%B1/60391101/%E9%99%B3%E5%86%A0%E5%B8%8C%E6%B7%A1%E5%87%BA%E5%BD%B1%E5%A3%8710%E5%B9%B4%E6%AD%A3%E5%BC%8F%E5%BE%A9%E5%87%BA-%E5%A4%A5%E9%BB%83%E7%A7%8B%E7%94%9F%E7%8F%BE%E8%BA%AB%E5%A4%A7%E9%A6%AC%E6%8B%8D%E7%82%BA%E6%96%B0%E6%88%B2%E9%96%8B%E9%8F%A1?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(2) Malaysia Emerges as Top Destination for Chinese Entertainment Exports
(Photo Credit: 朱燁 / Wen Wei Po)
Malaysia has solidified its standing as a top-tier destination for Chinese performance and concert exports, driven by deep-rooted Sinophone cultural foundations and favorable bilateral policies. Cantopop and Cantonese language traditions serve as vital emotional touchpoints within Malaysia’s multicultural landscape, frequently resonating beyond the ethnic Chinese community to Malay and Indian demographics. Furthermore, mutual visa-free entry policies, high-density direct flights, and competitive travel costs between China and Malaysia have lowered cross-border travel barriers for concertgoers and tour productions.
Demonstrating this trend, Hong Kong pop icon Aaron Kwok brought his ICONIC World Tour to Kuala Lumpur’s Unifi Arena in September 2026, following legs in Hong Kong, the United States, Indonesia, and Mainland China. On-site observations highlighted multi-generational audience demographics spanning seniors, families, young couples, and children. Attendees noted that classics such as “I Love You Forever” and interactive renditions of “Baby Shark” facilitated intergenerational cultural transmission. Additionally, fans traveled from across the country—including couples driving four hours from Johor Bahru—underscoring the enduring romantic appeal and regional mobility associated with classic Hong Kong pop music.
The success of major concert tours in Malaysia reflects broader commercial opportunities for Greater Bay Area creative industry exports across Southeast Asia, leveraging shared heritage and accessible tourism infrastructure to expand regional market reach.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202609/19/AP6aad984ee4b01d54a283ce4d.html
(3) Jason Zhang Launches Global Single “Game Changer” Under Planet Culture & UMG Strategic Partnership
(Photo Credit: Music Label)
Chinese pop star Jason Zhang released his new single “Game Changer” (破局者), serving as the theme song for the upgraded edition of his Jason Zhang 1982 “Heading to FUTURE LIVE” World Tour. Zhang personally managed the songwriting, composition, and production, collaborating with prominent international musicians following a strategic partnership established in June between his label, Planet Culture, and Universal Music Group.
During recent music exchanges in the United States arranged by Universal Music, Zhang collaborated with legendary producer Bobby Colomby—known for his work with Michael Jackson—and emerging musician Jesus Molina, both of whom contributed to the track’s production. Built on a hard rock foundation with intricate guitar, bass, and drum arrangements, the song debuted live during the Hangzhou leg of his tour before its global digital release. The single serves as a personal manifesto about breaking constraints and reshaping self-identity.
Additionally, Zhang has taken on the role of overall tour director for this leg, overseeing updates across set design, visual production, and setlists. The announcement follows international recognition for his previous “Star Shift” stage design at Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), which won the Gold Award for Interior Exhibition at the 2026 French Design Awards.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202609/18/AP6aac4729e4b01d54a283a93b.html
(Photo Credit: Ming Pao)
Veteran actor-producer Gordon Lam and actress Fala Chen delivered masterclasses at the Asian Film Awards Academy’s “International Film Camp 2026,” held in Macau from September 18 to 22, 2026. Both industry figures shared their personal journeys navigating behind-the-scenes filmmaking, script development, and directorial transitions with emerging Asian creators.
Gordon Lam discussed his motivations for producing, citing a desire to revitalize the Hong Kong film industry by leveraging underutilized veteran talent. Pointing to his critically acclaimed production Time (殺出個黃昏)—which starred veteran actor Patrick Tse—Lam emphasized that seasoned performers remain irreplaceable “treasures” when provided with tailored scripts and roles. Meanwhile, Fala Chen detailed her transition to writing and directing, sharing insights from her four-year drama study hiatus in New York and the making of her self-written, self-directed short film Bloodline (血脈). Encouraging the camp’s participants—particularly emerging female filmmakers—Chen emphasized that compelling storytelling relies on exploring authentic human conflict and emotion.
The event concluded with the announcement of eight winning film venture projects, each receiving HK$300,000 in production funding to shoot short films under the theme “Stranger Encounters” for an upcoming Asian touring showcase.
(5) Peter Chan’s Reality Drama The Road Not Taken Earns Standing Ovation at 51st Toronto International Film Festival
(Photo Credit: Wen Wei Po)
Hong Kong director Peter Chan’s latest feature film, The Road Not Taken (明天，會更好), celebrated its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) within the Special Presentations unit. Screened at the Princess of Wales Theatre before an audience of over 1,700 attendees, the film received a sustained standing ovation, earning acclaim from critics and audiences as one of the standout Chinese-language cinema entries of recent years.
Marking Chan’s return to realistic family drama following Dearest and Leap, the film stars Zhou Xun and Lawrence Wang alongside Tian Zhuangzhuang and Vicky Chen. The narrative explores intimate family dynamics, adult resilience, and life reconciliations under personal crises. Chan noted that the English title, inspired by Robert Frost’s classic poem, mirrors the Chinese title by emphasizing that personal agency and perseverance define life’s path. The premiere also reunited Chan with Zhou Xun for their third collaboration over a twenty-year span, following Perhaps Love.
The film’s reception at TIFF highlights the global reach of Hong Kong creative talent and realistic Chinese storytelling. Supported by cross-border distribution plans, The Road Not Taken is scheduled for theatrical release across Mainland China before the end of 2026, further establishing international festival platforms as key stepping stones for premier Asian cinematic productions.
(6) Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Heritage Brings “Inspiring Asia Micro-Film Festival” to Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: MediaOutReach Newswire)
The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Heritage (HKAWH) announced that it is bringing the regional “Inspiring Asia Micro-Film Festival” to Hong Kong for the first time. The initiative bridges wealth stewardship, family governance, and creative storytelling across Asian markets by encouraging filmmakers, content creators, and family enterprise leaders to produce short films exploring intergenerational legacy, societal impact, and philanthropy.
The festival serves as a platform to showcase short-form cinematic narratives that reflect core Asian family values, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. By hosting the event in Hong Kong, HKAWH aims to connect family office principals, next-generation wealth successors, and regional creative talents, creating a multi-disciplinary space where art meets family governance and capital allocation. Selected entries will compete across categories focusing on impact investing, cultural preservation, and social innovation.
The debut aligns with Hong Kong’s broader policy goal to strengthen its position as a global family office and wealth management hub, while simultaneously bolstering its role as a regional center for cultural and creative exchanges under the HKSAR’s economic development roadmap.
(7) Hirokazu Kore-eda Discovered Hong Kong Cinema Through Wong Kar-wai; “Look Back” Lead Actresses Visit Choi Hung Estate
(Photo Credit: am730)
Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda visited Hong Kong alongside lead actresses Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita to promote the live-action feature film adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga Look Back.
During a dedicated filmmaker sharing session hosted by Time Still Turns the Pages director Nick Cheuk, Kore-eda shared that his appreciation for Hong Kong cinema was originally inspired by the films of Wong Kar-wai. Taking advantage of his trip to Hong Kong, Kore-eda stopped by a pop-up exhibition dedicated to Wong’s classic Days of Being Wild, as well as the movie exhibition held at Harbour City. Meanwhile, actresses Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita explored local spots and visited Hong Kong’s famous Choi Hung Estate to take photos and connect with the city’s unique architectural backdrop.
Addressing the film’s production background, Kore-eda discussed his long-standing commitment to building a gentle, non-confrontational set environment, rejecting the harsh working habits common during his early days in television. Both Deguchi and Makita expressed gratitude for the supportive filming conditions in Akita. The delegation closed by sharing encouraging words for local creative talents, urging aspiring artists to stay true to their passion and find fulfillment in the process of creation itself.
(8) Jasmine Yen Debuts at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in the US Alongside International Stars
Hong Kong singer-songwriter Jasmine Yen expanded her music career onto the global stage by attending the “iHeartRadio Music Festival 2026” in Las Vegas, United States. Marking her first invitation to one of America’s most influential annual music events, Yen was selected to represent emerging Asian pop talent following her radio promotion for her single “Roll with Me.”
Yen appeared on the red carpet in a black sparkling low-cut strap dress featuring blonde wavy hair, drawing significant attention from international media. The star-studded festival lineup featured global acts including Korean pop group BTS, girl group LE SSERAFIM, American rapper Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and rock band Muse.
During the festival, Yen engaged with various international artists and music producers backstage, several of whom praised her vocal talent and expressed interest in potential future collaborations. Established in 2011, the iHeartRadio Music Festival broadcasts across over 150 radio channels and streaming platforms including Disney+ and Hulu. Yen’s presence at the festival highlights her growing international footprint and marks a major milestone in her musical journey.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3618177/
(Photo Credit: Bastille Post)
Singer-songwriter Ivana Wong announced details for her upcoming tour chapter, the “Conversations We Almost Had” (話・說) Exhibition Concert, marking the debut showcase for her first concept album in nine years. Continuing her creative exploration from The Canvas Series, the multi-disciplinary project merges music, video, and large-scale interactive installations at Freespace in WestK (West Kowloon Cultural District) from December 4 to December 13, 2026, before touring to Shanghai.
Written, composed, arranged, produced, and performed entirely by Wong, the self-titled concept album Conversations We Almost Had examines the psychological weight and friction of human communication. The lead single, “YES BUT NO” (releasing in late September), explores ideological opposition and the challenges of honest expression in relationships. Designed as an immersive experience, the concert breaks traditional performance boundaries by incorporating interactive elements where audience participation directly shapes Wong’s on-stage performance.
Additionally, the event will host the world’s first “fatBottle Café” pop-up, themed around the whimsical world of fatBottle—an artistic character and brand created by Wong as a multidisciplinary artist. Featuring Wong’s curated “Boffee” specialty coffee alongside limited-edition merchandise and physical music releases, the pop-up adds a distinct lifestyle layer to the event, offering fans a holistic sensory experience across visual, auditory, and culinary domains.
(10) Twins Announce Two Additional Shows for “Side by Side Concert” After Initial Three-Night Ticket Sellout
(Photo Credit: TWINS)
Iconic Hong Kong pop duo Twins (Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung) announced the addition of two extra shows to their upcoming “Side by Side Concert” series, bringing the total run to five performances in response to overwhelming ticket demand. All tickets for the original three shows sold out instantly upon going on public sale on September 22, 2026.
Celebrating their long-standing career and deep bond with fans across Cantopop history, the “Side by Side Concert” marks Twins’ major return to the Hong Kong live music stage. Organizers confirmed that the ticketing platform experienced heavy traffic during the opening minutes, reflecting sustained fan-economy momentum and strong commercial appetite for classic Hong Kong pop IP. To accommodate missed buyers and regional fans traveling from the Greater Bay Area and overseas, the management team approved two additional weekend performance dates.
The sold-out concert series highlights the ongoing commercial viability and revival of legacy Cantopop franchises in Hong Kong’s live event market. Alongside major international tours across Asia, Twins’ multi-night concert run reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a core entertainment venue hub for high-capacity pop concerts.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202609/22/AP6ab2802de4b01d54a2845867.html
(11) Broadway Musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Adds Eight Final Shows in Hong Kong, Partners with The Peninsula for Immersive Hospitality Experiences
(Photo Credit: hket)
The hit Broadway musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (朱古力獎門人) announced a final extension of eight additional shows from December 1 to December 6, 2026, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre following high ticket demand for its initial November run.
To capitalize on cross-sector commercial synergies between international performing arts and luxury tourism, official hospitality partner The Peninsula Hong Kong is rolling out a series of Willy Wonka-inspired culinary and staycation packages. The hotel’s offerings include a specialized “Golden Ticket” afternoon tea, themed dining menus, interactive pastry workshops, and luxury room bundles packaged with premium musical tickets.
The extended performance run and luxury retail integration highlight Hong Kong’s strategic position as a premier destination for international theatrical IP in Asia. By combining world-class stage productions with high-end cultural tourism packages, organizers and hospitality partners are driving cross-border leisure travel and expanding event-based consumer spending across the Greater Bay Area and regional markets.
News Source: https://inews.hket.com/article/4198271/STAGE%EF%BD%9C%E9%9F%B3%E6%A8%82%E5%8A%87%E3%80%8A%E6%9C%B1%E5%8F%A4%E5%8A%9B%E7%8D%8E%E9%96%80%E4%BA%BA%E3%80%8B%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E7%AB%99%E5%8A%A0%E9%96%8B%E5%85%AB%E5%A0%B4%E3%80%80%E5%8D%8A%E5%B3%B6%E9%85%92%E5%BA%97%E6%8E%A8%E5%A5%87%E5%B9%BB%E9%A4%90%E9%A3%B2%E4%BD%8F%E5%AE%BF%E9%AB%94%E9%A9%97%C2%A0?mtc=20033#google_vignette
(12) 13th Silk Road International Film Festival Opens in Xi’an with Record 2,130 Global Entries and Egypt as Guest Country
(Photo Credit: Silk Road International Film Festival)
The 13th Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF) officially opened in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, under the theme “Silk Road Connects the World, Light and Shadow Shine on Chang’an.” Jointly hosted by China Media Group and the People’s Governments of Shaanxi and Fujian Provinces, this edition drew a record-breaking 2,130 film submissions across 139 countries and regions.
The festival features a five-day program including the “Golden Silk Road Awards,” the 2026 Xi’an International Virtual Reality Film Exchange, and Belt and Road film industry forums. A total of 23 nominated titles—including the Hong Kong–Mainland co-production IOU (請不走的門神), The Embers (餘燼), and joint international entries—will compete for ten major categories. Oscar-winning Hong Kong cinematographer Peter Pau serves as Jury President for the Golden Silk Road Awards.
Marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, the 13th SRIFF introduced a “Guest Country of Honor” mechanism featuring Egypt. Highlighting cross-cultural exchange, Egyptian actor and Cairo International Film Festival President Hussein Fahmy appeared alongside Chinese actor Jin Dong to promote Sino-Egyptian cinematic ties. The event underscores Hong Kong’s active participation in regional film co-productions and cultural diplomacy across the Belt and Road framework.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202609/21/AP6ab03b9ae4b01d54a284154c.html
