China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 68 Week of 15 September 2025
(1) Chloé Zhao’s Shakespeare family tragedy Hamnet wins top Toronto film prize
Beijing-born director Zhao, who won an Oscar with 2020’s Nomadland, won the Toronto People’s Choice award at the film festival in Canada
(2) Measure in Love | Busan Film Festival Tickets Sell Out in Record Time, Award-Winning Composer Wan Pin Chu Collaborates with JJ Lin on Soundtrack
The fantasy romance film Measure in Love, produced by Sylvia Chang and featuring a theme song by JJ Lin, set a Busan International Film Festival record by selling all 5,000 premiere tickets instantly ahead of its 2025 release.
(3) Actor Michael Hui shared stories of how childhood hardships turned into success
Beloved icon in Hong Kong cinema, Michael Hui Koon-man, recently shared his childhood memories that shaped his enduring philosophy of life.
(4) M+ Cinema’s autumn edition to spotlight restored HK classics, trailblazing women artists, and diaspora filmmakers
M+ Cinema will celebrate three restored Hong Kong classics, trailblazing women artists, and Hollywood’s Chinese diasporic filmmakers in its autumn screening program, running from October to December 2025.
(5) Wong Jing Revisits Edison Chen and Gillian Chung’s Photo Scandal, Reveals Large Portions of a Film Had to Be Cut That Year
Renowned filmmaker Wong Jing has recently launched a personal YouTube channel to discuss cinema history. In addition to covering influential figures in the film industry, such as James Wong, Patrick Tse, Run Run Shaw, Wong Tin-Lam, and Chow Yun-Fat, he also addresses significant events in film and entertainment.
(6) Old Clip Of Jessica Hsuan Confronting TVB Execs About Unfair Treatment Between Actors & Singers Goes Viral
Recently, an old clip of Jessica Hsuan’s appearance on TVB entertainment show K-100 in 1994 resurfaced and quickly went viral.
(7) William So’s Wenzhou concert pulled from ticket platform following complaint about past drug allegations
Hong Kong singer William So’s 2025 concert in Wenzhou was cancelled due to netizen backlash over his 2002 drug arrest, underscoring how past scandals continue to impact his career despite his efforts to rebuild his image as a family man.
(8) Wu Jing went from being a “national hero” to being ridiculed by the entire network. Why did he experience such a big reversal in public opinion?
Wu Jing, celebrated as a “national hero” after Wolf Warrior 2’s success, now faces public backlash due to shifting social attitudes and controversies like using an iPhone, which clashed with his patriotic image.
(9) How Hong Kong actress Carina Lau became a top film star and her best movies
Despite her many supporting parts, Lau’s ability to put her mark on her work means she’s always great to watch.
(10) Laurinda Ho and Shawn Dou Face Marriage Trouble Rumours, Attends Event Without Speaking to Media
Persistent rumors of marital issues between Laurinda Ho and Shawn Dou continue despite her claims of stability, fueled by their long separations and her recent silent appearance at a fashion event that avoided addressing speculation.
(11) Apple collaborates with Jackson Wang for the latest Shot on iPhone campaign
Jackson Wang’s iPhone 17 Pro-filmed Let Loose music video, endorsed by Apple CEO Tim Cook, sparked viral buzz in China, strategically leveraging his star power to counter Apple’s declining market share against local rivals like Huawei.
(12) Vincent Wong Snubbed By Guests While Performing At China Banquet
Hong Kong actor Vincent Wong, a two-time TVB Best Actor, faced awkward silence and disinterest from guests while performing at a Martell event in China, sparking divided online debates about celebrity dignity and career adaptation.
(1) Chloé Zhao’s Shakespeare family tragedy Hamnet wins top Toronto film prize
(Photo Credit: SCMP-Agence France-Presse)
Hamnet, a poignant period drama directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, claimed the top People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife Agnes, exploring their strained marriage amid plague-ridden Elizabethan England as Shakespeare pursues playwriting in London. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, Zhao described the source material as “like a poem”, framing the couple’s separation as an “inner civil war” between love and ambition. The story speculates that Agnes encouraged Shakespeare’s career move, while their son Hamnet’s name (historically indistinct from Hamlet) adds symbolic weight.
The Toronto award, uniquely chosen by public audiences rather than juries, solidifies Hamnet’s status as an Oscar frontrunner, continuing the festival’s trend of predicting Best Picture winners (Green Book, Nomadland). Second place went to Guillermo del Toro’s lavish Frankenstein adaptation, while third place was awarded to Wake Up Dead Man, the next installment in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out franchise starring Daniel Craig.
The top documentary prize sparked controversy with The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, which depicts an Israeli ex-soldier rescuing his family during Hamas’ October 7 attacks. Initially cut from the lineup for “technical reasons” before reinstatement amid protests, its premiere faced opposing demonstrations and heavy police presence. Meanwhile, Park Chan-wook’s thriller No Other Choice won the new International People’s Choice Award, highlighting the festival’s global reach beyond its high-profile narrative film winners.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3325517/chloe-zhaos-shakespeare-family-tragedy-hamnet-wins-top-toronto-film-prize
(2) Measure in Love | Busan Film Festival Tickets Sell Out in Record Time, Award-Winning Composer Wan Pin Chu Collaborates with JJ Lin on Soundtrack
(Photo Credit: Measure in Love)
The fantasy romance film Measure in Love (他年她日), produced by Golden Horse Award-winning actress Sylvia Chang, directed by emerging Hong Kong filmmaker Kung Siu-ping, and with Man Lim-chung as producer and art director, is set for release on October 3, 2025. This marks the first Hong Kong film under the “Legacy Project,” a collaboration between veteran producers and new directors. Starring Hsu Kuang-han and Angela Yuen, alongside actors like Jack Tan, Stephen Tung, and others, the film was selected for the world premiere in the “Open Cinema” section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival. Its 5,000 tickets sold out instantly, setting a record for the fastest sell-out at the festival.
The film’s original score is crafted by Wan Pin Chu, who recently won Best Original Film Music at the Hong Kong Film Awards for the Last Song. Zhu tailored the music to the film’s narrative, creating distinct melodies for characters, settings, and the concept of the “gravity wall”, with contrasting musical styles for two timelines: a cold, restrained tone for the “Good Day District” and warm, harmonica-infused melodies for the “Long Year District”. The romantic scenes between Hsu Kuang-han and Angela Yuen feature piano, strings, and English horn, enhanced by a children’s choir to evoke purity and expansiveness.
The film’s theme song, Blink of Eternity, was co-created and performed by Mandopop superstar JJ Lin, invited by Sylvia Chang. Lin, inspired by the film’s cross-temporal romantic narrative, worked with Zhu and lyricist Lin Yi-feng to craft a song that encapsulates the theme of “blink of eternity”. Despite a tight three-week production timeline, Lin delivered a heartfelt performance, blending restrained loneliness with emotional depth, aligning with the film’s exploration of love’s complexities. The song’s 138-second teaser MV went viral upon release, and its full version is set for September 25, 2025. With Zhu’s acclaimed compositions and Lin’s powerful vocals, the soundtrack is poised to amplify the film’s emotional and commercial impact, making it a standout cinematic love song for 2025.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E9%9B%BB%E5%BD%B1/60276533/%E4%BB%96%E5%B9%B4%E5%A5%B9%E6%97%A5-%E9%87%9C%E5%B1%B1%E5%BD%B1%E5%B1%95%E6%88%B2%E9%A3%9B%E7%A7%92%E6%AE%BA%E5%89%B5%E7%B4%80%E9%8C%84-%E9%87%91%E5%83%8F%E9%85%8D%E6%A8%82%E6%9C%B1%E8%8A%B8%E7%B7%A8%E5%AD%96%E6%9E%97%E4%BF%8A%E5%82%91%E4%BD%9C%E6%9B%B2
(3) Actor Michael Hui shared stories of how childhood hardships turned into success
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
In the new talk show “The Spirit of the Lion Rock”, hosted by Trade Development Council Chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang, the veteran actor reflected on how his past struggles with poverty inspired his work. As the show’s first guest, Hui revealed that his parents initially opposed his dreams of entering the entertainment industry considering its uncertain future. However, his innate love of performing and passion led him to a TV station for an audition, where his talent showed and paved the way for his hosting career. With the show’s rising popularity, Hui seized the emerging opportunities in film and music, quickly ascending to fame across Asia.
Addressing the challenges facing the film industry today, Hui emphasized the need for innovation, referencing his recent work in “The Last Dance” as an example of Hong Kong’s untapped cinematic potential.
Describing the current film industry as being in an “ice age”, Hui remained optimistic, believing that it can reclaim its former glory by embracing the Lion Rock Spirit amid challenging times. Featuring in-depth dialogues with ten guests spanning across different sectors, the show is set for broadcast every Saturdays. Notable guests include cycling superstar Wong Kam-po, billionaire Michael Kadoorie, popular idol Keung To from local boy group Mirror, and martial arts superstar Donnie Yen Chi-tan, all exemplifying the “Lion Rock Spirit” characterized by tenacity, flexibility, determination, and innovation.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/311502/Making-lemonade-from-tree-bark-Actor-Michael-Hui-turns-childhood-hardships-into-success
(4) M+ Cinema’s autumn edition to spotlight restored HK classics, trailblazing women artists, and diaspora filmmakers
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
This season, M+ has transformed its Moving Image Centre into a welcoming social space, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the museum’s cinematic offerings and relax in the redesigned lounge.
A highlight is the M+ Restored program, which aims to preserve the city’s rich cinematic heritage by restoring nine feature films. The autumn edition will feature the first three films restored, including The Arch (1968) by T’ang Shushuen, The System (1979) by Peter Yung, and Love Massacre (1981) by Patrick Tam. These landmark works embody the pioneering spirit of the Hong Kong New Wave, a groundbreaking movement that emerged in 1979 and redefined cinematic language and aesthetics in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the Rediscoveries program honours Chinese diasporic pioneers in Hollywood who struggled to overcome prejudice in the American film industry and forged new paths for future generations. This series starts with Daughter of Shanghai (1937), in which the lead actress, Anna May Wong, challenged stereotypes in the studio system during the 1920s and 1930s. It will also screen the groundbreaking all-Asian cast musical Flower Drum Song (1961), starring Nancy Kwan, and Enter the Dragon (1973), which launched Bruce Lee to global fame.
Other screenings include Year of the Dragon (1985), Chan is Missing (1982), and the documentary Golden Gate Girls (2013), which celebrates Esther Eng’s legacy as the first female Chinese director in the United States. In tribute to the experimental spirit of women artists, Dream Rooms: Women Artists on Film will be presented in dialogue with the new special exhibition, “Dream Rooms: Environments by Women Artists 1950s–Now.”
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/311581/M-Cinemas-autumn-edition-to-spotlight-restored-HK-classics-trailblazing-women-artists-and-diaspora-filmmakers
(5) Wong Jing Revisits Edison Chen and Gillian Chung’s Photo Scandal, Reveals Large Portions of a Film Had to Be Cut That Year
(Photo Credit: HK01/ YouTube@Xiaokanjianghu )
In a recent episode aired on September 13, Wang Jing brought up the legendary Cantopop duo Twins, comprising Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung, who took the entertainment world by storm. However, he highlighted the devastating impact of the 2008 indecent photo scandal involving member Gillian Chung, which he described as a deeply unfortunate and unjust event that caused her significant personal and professional harm. Wong revealed that someone had shown him the leaked photos at the time, but he refused to view them out of respect for Chung, whom he considered “like a younger sister”.
The scandal led to abrupt cancellations of Chung’s scheduled projects, including her role in the film Forever Enthralled (starring Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi), where all her scenes were cut. Wong emphasized that her agency, Emperor Entertainment Group, played a critical role in her recovery by fiercely supporting her and lobbying for her reinstatement in the industry. Within a year, even mainland Chinese audiences and producers began recognizing her as a victim rather than a perpetrator, allowing her gradual return to filming and music.
Wong Jing underscored his personal bond with Chung, having directed her in multiple films, and expressed anguish over her ordeal, stating, “Seeing a sister suffer like that was heartbreaking”. His refusal to engage with the leaked photos reflected a protective ethical stance rather than “false righteousness”. The incident and its resolution highlighted broader issues of privacy, gender bias, and industry solidarity, ultimately showcasing how persistent advocacy and shifting public perception can facilitate redemption for artists caught in public scandals.
(6) Old Clip Of Jessica Hsuan Confronting TVB Execs About Unfair Treatment Between Actors & Singers Goes Viral
(Photo credit: Jessica Hsuan/Instagram, TVB)
Former TVB actress Jessica Hsuan, 55, who starred in some of the broadcaster’s biggest hits like A Step Into The Past (2001) and Square Pegs (2003), is well-known for being frank.
A resurfaced 1994 clip from TVB’s K-100show featuring a 24-year-old Jessica Hsuan has gone viral, capturing the actress, then a newcomer, boldly confronting network executives about systemic bias favoring singers over actors. She detailed unequal treatment: actors were relegated to supporting roles despite heavy workloads, while singers often arrived hours late without repercussions. Her candid remarks, highlighting frustrations like “waiting three to four hours just for singers to show up”, drew applause from peers like Roger Kwok and Louis Koo, underscoring widespread industry discontent.
TVB’s General Manager Leung Man Cheuk dismissed the criticism as a “misconception”, arguing that the blurring lines between singers and actors (e.g., Ekin Cheng’s dual role) made strict categorization impractical. He noted the singer roster had expanded from 20 to 200+ while actor numbers stagnated, implying resource allocation challenges. Hsuan’s defiance, however, resonated deeply, netizens now hail her as a “workplace warrior role model”, praising her unwavering integrity and courage to challenge power structures early in her career.
Decades later, Hsuan’s stance remains celebrated: ViuTV host Johnny Hui praised the clip as “powerful”, while fans applauded her “goddess spirit”. The actress, now 55 and a 2025 Star Awards Best Actress winner, responded humorously: “Thanks to the company for not shelving me back then”. The incident not only reflects enduring issues of equity in entertainment but also highlights Hsuan’s consistent fearlessness—a trait that defined her career in hits like A Step Into the Pastand Square Pegs.
(7) William So’s Wenzhou concert pulled from ticket platform following complaint about past drug allegations
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
William So, a 57-year-old Hong Kong singer, faced the cancellation of his So Live 2025 tour concert scheduled for October 6 at Wenzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium due to public backlash. Netizens revisited his 2002 drug-related arrest in Taiwan, prompting complaints to Wenzhou authorities, which led to the event’s cancellation. The incident highlights the lingering impact of past controversies on So’s career, despite his efforts to rebuild his public image.
In June 2002, So was arrested in a Taipei nightclub after police found six and a half ecstasy pills on him and nearby, during a raid involving Taiwanese actress Anya and others. So, appearing disheveled and dazed, denied habitual drug use, attributing his state to alcohol and sleeping pills. He was sentenced to 11 days of rehabilitation, a significant blow to his career, causing him to pause activities in Hong Kong and Taiwan and shift focus to mainland China.
After a five-year hiatus, So made a comeback in 2007 with a Taiwan concert and the album Embrace, later returning to Hong Kong’s music scene. His 2014 marriage to Anita Fung and the birth of their son, Jazz, in 2017 helped him cultivate a positive image as a family man. The Wenzhou concert cancellation underscores how past scandals continue to challenge his career, despite his successful reinvention over the years.
(8) Wu Jing went from being a “national hero” to being ridiculed by the entire network. Why did he experience such a big reversal in public opinion?
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Wu Jing’s career soared with Wolf Warrior 2(2017), which shattered Chinese box office records (5.68 billion yuan) and cemented his status as a “national hero”. His portrayal of a patriotic, resilient action star resonated deeply during a period of rising national confidence, positioning him as a symbol of China’s rejuvenation and cinematic prowess. Transitioning from a Hong Kong film supporting actor to a director and cultural icon, Wu Jing embodied a “new era Chinese hero” narrative that celebrated individual perseverance and national pride.
As social anxieties grew amid economic pressures and youth disillusionment with “involution” (overwork without proportional rewards), Wu Jing’s success story began to alienate the public. His quotes about stunt risks (“I jumped over a building”) and professionalism (“Tanks don’t have rearview mirrors”) were reinterpreted as symbols of excessive grind culture. The collapse accelerated with perceived contradictions in his patriotic image, notably his use of an iPhone, sparking outcry over hypocrisy. Netizens argued that a “national hero” should align all actions with nationalist ideals, turning his once-inspiring narrative into a target of ridicule.
Wu Jing’s trajectory highlights the volatility of digital-era fame, where heroes face rapid deconstruction amid shifting societal values. His fall underscores broader tensions: public figures molded into symbolic icons risk backlash when personal behavior clashes with manufactured narratives. Ultimately, his story reflects China’s evolving social landscape, where collective dreams of upward mobility have given way to skepticism toward elitist success myths. Wu Jing’s challenge now lies in navigating this transformed climate, adapting his legacy to an era that demands authenticity over idealized heroism.
News Source: https://min.news/en/entertainment/ab0e2230229a76c7c282334f0e373c79.html
(9) How Hong Kong actress Carina Lau became a top film star and her best movies
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong actress Carina Lau Ka-ling has maintained a prolific career since the mid-1980s, transitioning from TVB light comedies to critically acclaimed dramatic roles. Her breakthrough came with Wong Kar-wai’s Days of Being Wild (1990), where her portrayal of a lovelorn dancer earned a Hong Kong Film Award nomination and showcased her ability to convey tragic depth. While early works like Rich and Famous (1987) and TV melodrama Looking Back in Anger (1989) established her range, she avoided action genres—unlike peers Maggie Cheung and Anita Mui—focusing instead on comedies like La Brassiere and dramatic collaborations with auteurs like Jiang Wen (Let the Bullets Fly).
Lau’s adaptability shone under visionary directors: Wong Kar-wai highlighted her melancholic sophistication in Days of Being Wild and Ashes of Time, while Stephen Chow leveraged her natural comedic timing in Forbidden City Cop, where her improvisational chemistry became a hallmark. Her readiness for challenging roles extended to Jacob Cheung’s Intimates (1997), where she portrayed a lesbian relationship with nuanced delicacy—a bold choice for a top-tier star at the time. These collaborations refined her reputation as an actress who elevated both mainstream and arthouse projects, whether in leading or supporting capacities.
Born in Suzhou, China, Lau’s accented Cantonese and “educated, sophisticated” demeanor initially marked her as an outsider, but her dedication won over Hong Kong audiences. Despite rarely headlining films until later works like Infernal Affairs II (2003), she consistently stole scenes with her arresting presence—whether in Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Flowers of Shanghai or Stanley Kwan’s Centre Stage. Her career symbolizes a bridge between mainland Chinese roots and Hong Kong cinema, embodying a blend of stoic resilience and emotional transparency that ensures her enduring relevance across decades of cinematic evolution.
(10) Laurinda Ho and Shawn Dou Face Marriage Trouble Rumours, Attends Event Without Speaking to Media
(Photo Credit: IG@laurinda_ho)
Laurinda Ho, daughter of the late casino tycoon, and Shawn Dou have faced persistent rumours of marital issues in recent years. Since their April 2023 wedding in Bali, the couple’s busy schedules have led to long periods apart, which the public has interpreted as signs of marital problems.
Laurinda Ho has stated on social media that, despite infrequent meetings, they maintain daily contact via video calls or phone, asserting their relationship remains stable. However, Shawn Dou’s absence from her birthday family photo and their rare joint appearances have reignited speculation about a troubled marriage, keeping the rumours a focal point for media and fans.
On 17 September 2025, Laurinda Ho made a rare public appearance at a fashion launch event in Central, Hong Kong, captivating attendees in a stunning evening gown that highlighted her elegance. Her presence drew significant attention, but she chose not to engage with the media, leaving the event without granting interviews. This decision further amplified curiosity about her personal life, particularly in light of the ongoing marriage trouble rumours, as her silence offered no clarification to quell public speculation.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/60277483/%E4%BD%95%E8%B6%85%E8%93%AE%E8%88%87%E7%AB%87%E9%A9%8D%E7%B6%B2%E5%82%B3%E5%A9%9A%E8%AE%8A-%E5%87%BA%E5%B8%AD%E6%B4%BB%E5%8B%95%E6%9C%AA%E6%9C%89%E6%8E%A5%E5%8F%97%E5%90%84%E5%A4%A7%E5%AA%92%E9%AB%94%E8%A8%AA%E5%95%8F?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(11) Apple collaborates with Jackson Wang for the latest Shot on iPhone campaign
(Photo Credit: DAO Insights)
Chinese singer-rapper Jackson Wang sparked significant online buzz by releasing the music video for his new song Let Loose—filmed entirely on the unreleased iPhone 17 Pro. Announced on his Weibo account (30.9 million followers) with the hashtags #ShotoniPhone and #iPhone17Pro, the campaign was personally endorsed by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who praised the “dynamic camera work” and creativity. Wang served as both writer and director, aligning with Apple’s long-standing “Shot on iPhone” strategy, which previously featured artists like The Weeknd and Olivia Rodrigo to showcase camera capabilities.
The collaboration quickly trended on Chinese social media, with the hashtag #Jackson Wang’s new music video shot on iPhone gaining widespread attention. Fans humorously questioned if purchasing an iPhone 17 would “include Jackson Wang as a free gift,” reflecting his influential status. By choosing Wang, a Hong Kong-born global artist—Apple not only highlighted Asian talent but also reinforced the iPhone’s cultural relevance in key markets through celebrity-driven authenticity and technical demonstration.
Apple’s partnership with Wang is widely interpreted as a strategic move to counter declining market share in China, where domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi are gaining traction. Counterpoint Research reported a 12.6% drop in Apple’s smartphone sales in China from 2023 to 2024, making high-visibility campaigns targeting young, trend-sensitive consumers critical. By leveraging Wang’s massive fanbase and cultural credibility, Apple aims to rejuvenate its brand appeal and demonstrate the iPhone 17’s advanced features in a competitive and increasingly nationalist market.
News Source: https://daoinsights.com/news/jackson-wang-apple-collaboration/
(12) Vincent Wong Snubbed By Guests While Performing At China Banquet
(Photo Credit: 8 days)
Since departing TVB in 2023, Hong Kong actor Vincent Wong, has expanded his career in mainland China through dramas, variety shows, and corporate events. A recently circulated video showed him performing at a Martell cognac-branded banquet, where he sang Ekin Cheng’s classic “Willing To Replace You” in a tuxedo, a scene that sparked intense online discussion due to mixed audience reactions, with some guests enthusiastically recording and shaking his hand while others ignored him entirely.
Online responses were polarized: some netizens expressed sympathy, calling it “heartbreaking” that a two-time TVB Best Actor was “treated like a nobody” and humorously questioning if he had “huge debts”, while others defended his choice, emphasizing there is “nothing wrong with earning an honest living through hard work”. Many clarified the context, Vincent was attending as a paid brand ambassador for Martell, not as a casual entertainer, reflecting his professional adaptability beyond traditional acting roles.
The performance underscored the evolving nature of celebrity engagements in China’s entertainment industry, where actors increasingly leverage their fame for brand partnerships and live events. Vincent’s willingness to embrace such opportunities, despite public scrutiny, highlights both the challenges and realities faced by Hong Kong artists expanding their careers mainland, balancing prestige with practicality in a competitive and rapidly changing market.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/vincent-wong-perform-china-banquet-snubbed-guests-847516
