China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 50 Week of 12 May 2025
(1) Malaysia-Hong Kong Film Pact Set to Strengthen Regional Industry Ties
Malaysia’s Skop Productions and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Motion Pictures have signed a landmark MOU to boost regional film collaboration, marking a significant step in cultural diplomacy and creative industry growth.
(2) Fan Bingbing Starrer “Mother Bhumi” Nabbed by Rediance Ahead of Cannes Market
Rediance has acquired global rights to “Mother Bhumi,” a Malaysian drama starring Fan Bingbing, ahead of its Cannes Film Market debut.
(3) Sony Music Renews Multi-year Licensing Deal with Tencent Music Entertainment
Sony Music’s renewed TME pact boosts premium audio offerings amid Tencent’s SVIP growth and podcast ambitions, while global rivals like Spotify eye superfan monetization.
The Oscar-winning Brazilian drama “I’m Still Here” held its Beijing premiere, spotlighting themes of female strength and justice, with support from Brazilian First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva and Chinese actress Yao Chen.
(5) Zhang Ziyi Receives Gold Bridge Legacy Award, Shares Emotional Reunion with Director Ang Lee
Zhang Ziyi was honored with the Gold Bridge Legacy Award at the Oscars Museum’s Gold Gala, where her heartfelt reunion with director Ang Lee sparked widespread online celebration.
(6) Marvel’s “Spider-Man 4: New Day” to Begin Filming in 2025 with Daniel Wu Eyed for Villain Role
Marvel Studios is preparing a soft reboot of the Spider-Man franchise with “Spider-Man 4: New Day,” eyeing Daniel Wu for the villain role.
(7) Bomb Hoax Suspect Arrested Over Calls Made Ahead of Nicholas Tse Hong Kong Show
A 28-year-old woman was arrested for making false bomb threats at Nicholas Tse’s concert in Hong Kong, allegedly due to a personal conflict over tickets.
(8) Kara Wai Makes History with Grand Slam Win, Celebrated by Emperor Group in Star-Studded Banquet
Veteran actress Kara Wai became the first Hong Kong artist to win the prestigious Huabiao Award for Best Actress, completing a rare Grand Slam of major Chinese-language film awards.
(9) Soft Power at Centre of China-South Korea Thaw, with Benefits for K-pop Fans and Tourism
Cultural and travel exchanges between China and South Korea are rebounding, with K-pop concerts resuming and visa-free travel boosting tourism, despite lingering political tensions.
(10) Li Ka-shing Attends Mayday Concert at Kai Tak Sports Park, Reflects on Tech and Youth Empowerment
Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing made a rare public appearance at a Mayday concert at Kai Tak Sports Park, delighting fans and reaffirming his long-standing encouragement for youth to embrace technology and knowledge.
(11) Chairman of TVB Makes Personal Investment in Hong Kong’s Dominant Broadcaster
TVB executive chairman Thomas Hui has acquired a significant equity stake in the broadcaster’s parent company, signaling strong confidence in its long-term growth.
(12) Christy Chung Celebrates Mother’s Day with Heartfelt Photoshoot Featuring Her Three Daughters
Actress Christy Chung marked Mother’s Day with a touching family photoshoot alongside her three daughters, reflecting on motherhood and expressing gratitude to her own mother.
(13) Jockey Club to Transform into Global Sports Entertainment Brand
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has unveiled plans to evolve into a global sports entertainment brand, beginning with a high-profile partnership with Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment and pop group Now United.
(1) Malaysia-Hong Kong Film Pact Set to Strengthen Regional Industry Ties
(Photo Credit: Finas)
A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Malaysia’s Skop Productions and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Motion Pictures is being celebrated as a strategic move to enhance regional cooperation in the film industry. The agreement, announced by Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, is the first major collaboration following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia. It is seen as a cultural diplomacy initiative that strengthens diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
The partnership is supported by prominent Chinese government-linked entities such as Bauhinia Cultural Group and Sil-Metropole Organisation, signaling strong international investor confidence in Malaysia’s creative sector. The MOU stems from Malaysia’s participation in the Hong Kong Filmart in March and has already led to a co-production deal for a new international-standard film. The collaboration is expected to open new markets, promote technology and skills exchange, and reinforce Malaysia’s image as a premier filming destination.
Azmir emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s vision to attract private investment and reduce reliance on public funding in the creative industry. He also highlighted the recent box office success of “Blood Brothers: Bara Naga,” co-produced by Skop Productions, which earned RM45 million in just 11 days. Mandarin Motion Pictures, known for the “Ip Man” franchise, has also enjoyed strong performance in the Malaysian market, further validating the potential of this cross-border collaboration.
News Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/05/13/malaysia-hong-kong-film-pact-set-to-strengthen-regional-industry-ties/
(2) Fan Bingbing Starrer “Mother Bhumi” Nabbed by Rediance Ahead of Cannes Market
(Photo Credit: Janji Pictures/Volos Films Italia/Pow Lai Xiang)
Beijing-based sales company Rediance has secured worldwide distribution rights for “Mother Bhumi,” a new drama directed by acclaimed Malaysian filmmaker Chong Keat Aun and starring Chinese actress Fan Bingbing. The film follows Hong Im, a widowed farmer who juggles her daily work in the paddy fields with her role as a village ritual healer. Her world begins to unravel when she uncovers unsettling truths about her late husband’s death, forcing her to confront emotional turmoil while protecting her children.
The film also features Taiwan’s Bai Run-yin and Hong Kong’s Natalie Hsu as Hong Im’s children. Chong, known for his award-winning films “The Story of Southern Islet” and “Snow in Midsummer,” continues to gain international recognition for his unique storytelling. Rediance CEO Meng Xie praised both Chong’s artistic evolution and Fan Bingbing’s transformative performance, calling the film a “masterful work” poised to resonate with global audiences.
Produced by Malaysia’s Janji Pictures and Southern Islet Pictures, alongside Italy’s Volos Films Italia, “Mother Bhumi” boasts an international production team, including editor Walter Fasano of “Call Me by Your Name.” The film is part of Rediance’s Cannes slate, which also includes “Imago” and “Lili,” showcasing the company’s commitment to bold, cross-cultural cinema.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/fan-bingbing-mother-bhumi-rediance-cannes-market-1236393874/
(3) Sony Music Renews Multi-year Licensing Deal with Tencent Music Entertainment
(Photo Credit: T. Schneider/Shutterstock)
Sony Music Entertainment has renewed its multi-year licensing agreement with Tencent Music Entertainment (TME), China’s dominant music streaming operator, enhancing TME’s premium “SVIP” tier with 360 Reality Audio technology. The deal, disclosed in TME’s Q1 2025 earnings, follows Universal Music’s 2024 renewal and fuels TME’s push for high-fidelity monetization. TME’s SVIP subscribers now pay $1.58 (RMB 11.4) monthly for immersive audio, Dolby Atmos tracks, and perks like concert access, driving a 7.5% average revenue per paying user increase for TME.
TME is diversifying its content through partnerships with Asian labels (Emperor Entertainment, Rock Records) and K-pop giants (YG, Starship), while negotiating a $2.4 billion acquisition of podcast platform Ximalaya—part-owned by Sony Music since a 2020 $50M investment. The Ximalaya deal aims to expand TME’s audio dominance beyond music, aligning with its 50% SVIP user engagement in premium sound.
As TME solidifies its ecosystem, Spotify’s planned “Music Pro” tier ($5.99 add-on) threatens competition with AI remixes and hi-fi features. TME CEO Cussion Pang emphasized “high-quality growth” through exclusives, while industry watchers note the strategic stakes in China’s $2B+ music market—now a battleground for immersive tech and superfan monetization.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-renews-multi-year-deal-with-tencent-music-entertainment12/
(4) Oscar-Winning Brazilian Film “I’m Still Here” Premieres in Beijing, Celebrating Global Cultural Dialogue
(Photo Credit: Sina)
The Brazilian film “I’m Still Here,” winner of the Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards, premiered in Beijing on 12 May. Brazilian First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva attended the event, sharing a heartfelt letter from lead actress Fernanda Torres to Chinese audiences. She praised the film’s emotional depth and its portrayal of women’s resilience and pursuit of justice, calling it a story with universal emotional resonance. The film is set for nationwide release in China on 16 May.
Based on true events, “I’m Still Here” tells the story of a mother navigating personal and familial reconstruction amid societal upheaval. Through restrained storytelling and powerful emotion, the film captures the quiet strength of ordinary women under immense pressure. Lead actress Fernanda Torres, who plays Eunice, made history as the first Brazilian woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama, earning acclaim for her nuanced and compelling performance.
Chinese actress Yao Chen also appeared at the premiere, reflecting on Brazil’s vibrant culture and the realism of its cinema. She expressed admiration for Torres’s letter and emphasized the importance of using film to share authentic Chinese stories with the world. Director Walter Salles greeted Chinese audiences via video, while the film’s release marks the first project under Hai Ying Film’s “Beloved Cinema Project,” aimed at bringing award-winning global films to Chinese audiences.
News Source: https://finance.sina.cn/2025-05-12/detail-inewiqhr0947403.d.html?vt=4&pos=108
(5) Zhang Ziyi Receives Gold Bridge Legacy Award, Shares Emotional Reunion with Director Ang Lee
(Photo Credit: Weibo @章子怡)
Zhang Ziyi was awarded the prestigious Gold Bridge Legacy Award during the Gold Gala at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. The event became a viral sensation when director Ang Lee embraced Zhang for nearly 20 seconds and kissed her on the cheek, prompting her to joyfully declare, “That’s love.” The emotional moment, dubbed the “hug of the century,” quickly trended online, generating over 30 hot search topics and more than a billion views.
Zhang later reflected on her long-standing emotional connection with Ang Lee, revealing that during the original filming, she often lingered on set hoping for a hug from the director—one he gave to other cast members but not her. After confronting him in tears, Lee reassured her of his appreciation, though the long-awaited hug didn’t come until a wrap party. Their bond deepened over the years, with another touching embrace at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, and now again at this milestone event.
In a heartfelt post, Zhang expressed how this latest embrace felt like a silent affirmation from Lee, making up for moments missed 25 years ago. Fans flooded social media with calls for the two to collaborate again, praising Zhang’s legacy and her continued impact on global cinema.
News Source: https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121478/8731701?zh-cn
(6) Marvel’s “Spider-Man 4: New Day” to Begin Filming in 2025 with Daniel Wu Eyed for Villain Role
(Photo credit: Tencent)
Marvel Studios has officially announced “Spider-Man 4: New Day,” a soft reboot of the franchise that will move away from multiverse elements and return to a more grounded narrative within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, with a production budget of $200 million. Filming is scheduled to begin in the UK in August 2025, with a North American release set for 31 July 2026.
According to reports from REDACTEDSpider and confirmed by MaxBlizz, Marvel is in talks with Daniel Wu to play the villain “Mr. Negative,” with concept art already revealed. While the casting is not yet finalized, Wu is reportedly the top choice. The film will also introduce three new characters, including two villains. Liza Colón-Zayas and Sadie Sink have joined the cast in undisclosed roles, adding to the anticipation.
The story picks up after “Avengers 5: The Kang Dynasty,” with Peter Parker attempting to resume a normal college life before being drawn back into action by a new threat. Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man, promising a fresh emotional journey. The film will focus on deeper character development and realism, while multiverse elements will shift to “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
News Source: https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250511A0473Z00
(7) Bomb Hoax Suspect Arrested Over Calls Made Ahead of Nicholas Tse Hong Kong Show
(Photo Credit: Elson Li)
Hong Kong police arrested a 28-year-old clerical worker for allegedly making five false bomb reports ahead of Nicholas Tse’s concert at Kai Tak Stadium on 27 April. The woman claimed to have found suspicious items resembling bombs at the venue, prompting police to conduct thorough searches. No explosives were found, and the concert, which drew over 40,000 attendees, proceeded without disruption.
Chief Inspector So Chi-bing stated that the reports were determined to be hoaxes following risk assessments and investigations. The suspect was arrested in Kowloon City on 14 May and is expected to appear in Kwun Tong Court. Authorities believe the motive stemmed from a personal dispute over concert tickets, and that the woman acted alone. The incident is considered isolated, but police condemned the act as irresponsible and disruptive.
The case also served as a test of the police force’s preparedness at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, with officials highlighting the effectiveness of their coordination and emergency drills. Authorities urged the public to avoid unofficial ticket sources to prevent similar conflicts and emphasized the serious consequences of making false reports, which waste public resources and create unnecessary panic.
(8) Kara Wai Makes History with Grand Slam Win, Celebrated by Emperor Group in Star-Studded Banquet
(Photo Credit: on LINE)
Kara Wai has made history by becoming the first Hong Kong actress to win the “Outstanding Actress” award at the 20th Huabiao Awards for her role in “I Love You!,” completing a Grand Slam of top honors across the Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Horse Awards, and now the national-level Huabiao Awards. To celebrate this milestone, Emperor Group Chairman Dr. Albert Yeung hosted a lavish banquet attended by stars including Stephy Tang, Vincy Chan, Rachel Chau, and Elena Kong, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere.
During the celebration, Wai and Yeung shared a humorous and heartwarming moment by exchanging bouquets of roses, drawing laughter and applause from guests. Wai expressed deep gratitude to Emperor Entertainment and her longtime manager Mani Fok, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her career. She also addressed her recent health concerns, vowing to continue giving her best performances and not to let age or challenges slow her down.
Wai took the opportunity to inspire younger artists, encouraging them to stay determined and strive for excellence. Dr. Yeung praised her achievements and even predicted a future Oscar Lifetime Achievement Award for her. The evening was filled with joy, pride, and admiration for Wai’s remarkable journey and enduring dedication to her craft.
News Source: https://today.line.me/hk/v2/article/l2X23mL
(9) Soft Power at Centre of China-South Korea Thaw, with Benefits for K-pop Fans and Tourism
(Photo Credit: Netflix)
After years of strained relations, cultural ties between China and South Korea are showing signs of recovery. The long-standing Dream Concert is set to be held in mainland China for the first time this September at the Sanya Sports Centre, signaling a major step forward for K-pop’s return. Although a separate concert by boy band Epex was delayed, several Korean artists have recently performed in China, reflecting a gradual easing of the unofficial ban imposed after the 2016 THAAD missile defense dispute.
Despite the previous restrictions, Chinese fans remained deeply engaged with Korean pop culture through unofficial channels. Shows like “When Life Gives You Tangerines” gained popularity even though Netflix is blocked in China. Fans expressed excitement over the return of live performances and the growing availability of K-pop merchandise. The cultural enthusiasm never truly faded, and the current thaw is being welcomed by both fans and artists.
Adding to the momentum, China’s visa-free policy for South Korean travelers, introduced in late 2024, has led to a surge in tourism. While many South Koreans enjoy their visits, they note that positive cultural exchanges don’t necessarily erase political concerns. Still, the renewed openness is fostering deeper people-to-people connections.
(10) Li Ka-shing Attends Mayday Concert at Kai Tak Sports Park, Reflects on Tech and Youth Empowerment
(Photo Credit: Lifestyle)
Li Ka-shing, the 96-year-old founder of CK Hutchison Holdings, made a surprise appearance at the Mayday concert on 11 May at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park. It marked his first visit to the venue and a rare outing to a public entertainment event. Dressed casually in a white outfit and blue vest, Li arrived in an electric wheelchair, waving to fans and drawing excitement from the crowd. He watched the concert from a private box and appeared cheerful, chatting with companions before leaving around 9 p.m.
When asked about recent business matters, including the sale of the Panama port, Li did not respond, with his longtime associate, Solina Chau, stepping in to remind reporters that he is now retired. Despite stepping back from business, Li remains engaged with societal developments. His presence at the concert underscored his continued interest in youth culture and public life.
Li has long advocated for young people to embrace technology and lifelong learning. In a 2018 press conference, he emphasized the importance of gaining knowledge and staying curious, stating, “Knowledge changes destiny.” His appearance at the concert served as a reminder of his enduring influence.
News Source: https://www.etnet.com.hk/www/tc/lifestyle/eatandplay/entertainment/94815
(11) Chairman of TVB Makes Personal Investment in Hong Kong’s Dominant Broadcaster
(Photo Credit: Yik Yeung-man)
Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong’s leading free-to-air broadcaster, has undergone a notable shift in ownership as executive chairman Thomas Hui To made a personal investment in the company. Hui acquired shares in Young Lion Holdings, TVB’s ultimate parent company, from non-executive director Kenneth Hsu Kin. While the exact number of shares and transaction value were not disclosed, sources indicated Hui paid a premium above market price, reinforcing his confidence in TVB’s future.
The move was approved by the Communications Authority and finalized on 9 May 2025. Hui described the acquisition as a strategic decision reflecting his belief in TVB’s continued growth and market value. Under his leadership, TVB has seen a turnaround, reporting HK$295 million in EBITDA for 2024, a significant improvement from a HK$140 million loss the previous year. The company also narrowed its net loss by HK$272 million, driven by a 14% rise in advertising revenue and renewed interest from corporate clients.
Following the transaction, Kenneth Hsu resigned from his board position, citing health and retirement plans. He expressed support for TVB’s direction and praised its consistent industry leadership. Hui, who became executive chairman in March 2023, is now positioned as a key figure in shaping the broadcaster’s future.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3309803/chairman-tvb-makes-personal-investment-citys-dominant-broadcaster
(12) Christy Chung Celebrates Mother’s Day with Heartfelt Photoshoot Featuring Her Three Daughters
(Photo Credit: Dimsum Daily)
Canadian-Hong Kong actress Christy Chung celebrated Mother’s Day on 11 May with a special family photoshoot featuring her three daughters—Yasmine (27), Jaden (16), and Cayla (15). The intimate gathering captured their close bond and radiant energy, with Yasmine sharing highlights on Instagram. One playful moment showed Yasmine covering her mother’s eyes, humorously referencing a past Mother’s Day oversight. The post quickly drew praise from fans, who admired the family’s beauty and warmth.
During the celebration, Chung shared a heartfelt video message dedicated to her own mother, thanking her for her kindness and late-night support. She also reflected on her own journey as a mother, crediting her daughters for helping her grow stronger and more curious about life. “Thanks to my children, I’ve become a superhero,” she said, emphasizing how motherhood has shaped her perspective and resilience.
Chung expressed pride in her daughters’ achievements—Yasmine is an actress and former Miss Chinese Vancouver runner-up, while Jaden and Cayla, currently studying in Beijing, have built strong online followings. Despite their busy lives, the Mother’s Day shoot offered a rare and meaningful moment for the family to reunite, highlighting the enduring love and connection between mother and daughters.
(13) Jockey Club to Transform into Global Sports Entertainment Brand
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced a bold new initiative to transform itself from a world-class racing institution into a global sports entertainment brand. Already renowned for its Group 1 races and elite horses, the Club aims to broaden its appeal by integrating racing, equestrian sports, and entertainment. This strategic shift is designed to attract a wider, younger audience both in Mainland China and internationally, reinforcing Hong Kong’s image as Asia’s premier tourist destination.
As a first step, the Club has partnered with Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment, known for creating “American Idol” and managing the global pop group Now United. The collaboration will include a talent search in Hong Kong for a new Now United member, with the winner receiving training at the Academy of Pop. The group will also film a reality series and music videos in Hong Kong, sharing content with their 40 million global followers. Live performances at the Club’s racecourses, including the prestigious LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, are also planned.
This initiative comes amid a surge in racecourse tourism, with a record 143,000 visitors this season. Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasized the importance of leveraging entertainment and lifestyle content to deepen engagement and expand the Club’s global footprint, especially ahead of the Year of the Horse in 2026.
