China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 97 Week of 20 April 2026
(1) “Chungking Express” returns with a jazz twist this May
Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express will return in May through a two-night harbourfront event that pairs open air screening with live jazz inspired by the film’s aesthetics.
(2) “Ciao UFO” takes top prizes at Hong Kong Film Awards as “Sons of the Neon Night” glows
Ciao UFO won best film and best director at the Hong Kong Film Awards, while Sons of the Neon Night won the most awards of the night with eight wins.
(3) Microdrama Takes Center Stage at Australia’s Cairns Crocodiles Festival as Chinese-launched FlareFlow Data Shows Australia Outperforming Global Markets
China’s microdrama model is gaining traction in Australia, with Chinese COL Group bringing the fast growing format to Cairns Crocodiles as Chinese storytelling expands overseas.
(4) China’s lead streaming platform iQiyi goes all-in on AI content in big overhaul
iQiyi is undergoing a major overhaul by investing heavily on AI generated content and interactive entertainment on its streaming platform to revive growth as competition from short video platforms intensifies.
(5) Louis Koo calls awards outcome ‘a small matter’ after “Back to the Past” shut out at the Hong Kong Film Awards
“Back to the Past” went home empty handed despite 11 nominations, but its lead actor Louis Koo won praise after urging fans to focus on audience support rather than awards.
(6) From Malaysia to Hong Kong: Fish Liew’s journey of resilience and reinvention to Best Actress triumph
Fish Liew won Best Actress for “Someone Like Me”, capping a long journey from Malaysia to Hong Kong and cementing her place as a leading talent in local cinema.
(7) Henderson Land joint venture to operate Central Harbourfront Event Space
A Henderson Land joint venture has secured a five-year contract to manage the Central Harbourfront Event Space. The agreement introduces a strict penalty clause, requiring the operator to compensate the government if event frequency targets are missed. The move aims to maximize site utilization and boost Hong Kong’s “mega-event economy.”
(8) Film on Manila hostage crisis sparks debate over ‘secondary trauma’ in Hong Kong
Forthcoming film “Beyond Hostage Crisis”, which is based on the 2010 Manilla hostage crisis, has sparked debate in Hong Kong, with some fearing renewed trauma while others say the film helps preserve memory and draw lessons from tragedy.
(9) Outrage in China after streaming site debuts AI actor ‘database’
iQIYI triggered backlash after launching an AI filmmaking tool and actor likeness database, with critics warning it could sideline performers despite the company’s assurances.
(10) Japanese singer Fujii Kaze removes Hong Kong stop from world tour
Fujii Kaze’s unexplained Hong Kong cancellation disappointed fans and deepened concern over Japanese acts withdrawing from the city, raising fresh uncertainty over future major concerts.
(11) “The Devil Wears Prada 2” criticised for offending China with nerdy ‘Chin Chou’ character
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” has sparked backlash in China, where viewers say an Asian character’s name and portrayal echo racist stereotypes ahead of the film’s release.
(12) Hongkongers flock to theatres to snap up HK$30 Cinema Day tickets in advance
Hong Kong residents swarmed theaters on Wednesday to secure HK$30 tickets for the upcoming Cinema Day. While thousands queued for the steep discounts, many citizens are now calling for permanent family-oriented perks and exclusive local screenings.
(1) “Chungking Express” returns with a jazz twist this May
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Fans of “Chungking Express” will have a chance to revisit the mood and memory of Wong Kar-wai’s classic film this May through a special live cinema event in Hong Kong. Timed to coincide with the symbolic “May 1st pineapple can day”, a reference drawn from one of the film’s most memorable moments, the programme reimagines the beloved story in a more immersive setting.
Organised by local creative studio Gentle Pause in collaboration with jazz ensemble Fountain de Chopin, Jazzing Cinema combines an open-air screening with live musical performance over two nights. The event will be held at the K11 MUSEA Sculpture Park on the harbourfront, where scenes from the film will be shown alongside jazz interpretations inspired by its emotional tone and atmosphere. Rather than simply replaying the movie, the production aims to deepen its themes of longing, isolation and fleeting connection through music performed in real time.
More than 30 years after its original release, “Chungking Express” remains one of Hong Kong cinema’s most enduring works, remembered for its dreamlike style, urban loneliness and romantic melancholy. This new presentation draws on those qualities and turns a public outdoor space into a reflective setting where audiences can experience the film in a fresh but familiar way.
The event will take place on 1 and 2 May from 6pm to 7.30pm.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/screen-and-music/article/329523/Chungking-Express-returns-with-a-jazz-twist-this-May
(2) “Ciao UFO” takes top prizes at Hong Kong Film Awards as “Sons of the Neon Night” glows
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Sci-fi drama “Ciao UFO” claimed the top prize at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards, winning best film and best director on Sunday night. The awards ceremony took place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Directed by Patrick Leung Pak-kin, the film draws from a local urban legend about mysterious lights over Wah Fu Estate. It follows three childhood friends whose 1980s encounter with a supposed UFO continues to shape their adult lives. The story explores themes of memory, imagination and nostalgia in Hong Kong’s public housing landscape.
While “Ciao UFO” secured the highest honours, the dystopian crime thriller “Sons of the Neon Night” emerged as the night’s biggest winner. It took home eight awards out of 12 nominations, dominating the technical categories.
For the acting categories, veteran actor Tony Leung Ka-fai won best actor for his role in “The Shadow’s Edge”. Malaysian-born actress Fish Liew Chi-yu received best actress for her leading performance in “Someone Like Me”. Michelle Wai, last year’s best actress winner, won best supporting actress for her role in “Ciao UFO”. Singer-actor Alex To won best supporting actor for his performance in “Sons of the Neon Night”.
(3) Microdrama Takes Center Stage at Australia’s Cairns Crocodiles Festival as Chinese-launched FlareFlow Data Shows Australia Outperforming Global Markets
(Photo Credit: Variety)
Vertical microdramas, which are specifically created and formatted to be viewed on mobile devices in a vertical orientation, are currently popular in China’s microdrama sector. They are moving from niche mobile content into the heart of Australia’s mainstream screen conversation. A dedicated panel at the upcoming Cairns Crocodiles festival, a three-day event uniting advertising, marketing, and media leaders to celebrate creativity, will bring together platform executives, broadcasters and creators to explore the format’s rapid growth and future impact.
The session, titled “The Maestros of Microdramas,” features Tim Oh, general manager of Chinese digital content company COL Group International. It will examine how short-form vertical storytelling is changing audience habits, opening doors for brand integration and creating fresh creative opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Australia has outperformed other markets on the microdrama platform FlareFlow, which was launched by COL Group in 2025. Oh highlighted strong results in revenue per user, audience depth and user conversion. He noted that the country’s new-user payment rate sits near 20 percent, more than double the figure in most other developed markets. Despite claims that micro-dramas have yet to appeal to Australia, Oh claims that they have long arrived in the country and is working better there than anywhere else in the world.
Catherine de Clare, co-curator of the festival’s film and screen track, said the industry has often viewed vertical microdramas mainly as a mobile or platform trend rather than a storytelling evolution, but urges industry leaders to keep an open mind.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/microdrama-australia-cairns-crocodiles-1236725704
(4) China’s lead streaming platform iQiyi goes all-in on AI content in big overhaul
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
iQiyi, one of China’s leading video streaming platforms, is launching the most significant corporate overhaul in its 16-year history by embracing artificial intelligence as a core driver of content creation.
Previously China’s leading online streaming platform offering a vast library of TV shows, movies and other media, the company plans to transform its app and website into a social media-style destination filled with AI-generated films, shows and interactive experiences. As the centerpiece of this strategy, iQiyi officially launched Nadou Pro, an advanced AI tool which the company claims is capable of handling “nearly every stage of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to final video rendering”.
The move comes as iQiyi seeks to reverse a prolonged sales slump caused by fierce competition from other short-video apps such as ByteDance’s Douyin. To counter the pressure, the company is also expanding into physical entertainment, including a new indoor theme park in Yangzhou to open in 2027.
iQiyi’s aggressive AI push mirrors growing experimentation with the technology across Hollywood, where studios are exploring ways to cut costs and boost efficiency.
News Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/chinas-netflix-iqiyi-goes-all-ai-content-big-overhaul
(5) Louis Koo calls awards outcome ‘a small matter’ after “Back to the Past” shut out at the Hong Kong Film Awards
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Despite entering the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards with 11 nominations, “Back to the Past” ended the night without a single win, leaving many fans disappointed and fuelling debate online. The film, being the legacy sequel of the popular television drama of the same name, had drawn particular attention because it brought back much of the original cast, including Jessica Hester Hsuan, Sonija Kwok Sin-nei and Joyce Tang Lai-ming.
After the ceremony, discussion quickly spread on social media. One fan wrote on social media platform Threads that the outcome felt unfair, and expressing sympathy to the hopeful cast that remained at the ceremony throughout the evening, only to leave empty-handed. The post struck a chord with other netizens, some of whom argued that the film had deserved at least one award.
As reactions grew, Louis Koo joined the conversation personally and sought to calm disappointed supporters. In the comments, he said the results were only “a small matter” and stressed that achieving awards are not the most important thing. Instead, he said that the team most valued the support of audiences and will continue working hard to make quality films.
His response soon drew widespread praise online. Many netizens described his remarks as gracious, humble and dignified, saying his attitude reflected generosity in the face of disappointment. Although “Back to the Past” did not take home any trophies, Louis Koo’s measured reaction appeared to leave a strong impression. For many observers, his words became one of the most memorable moments surrounding the film that night.
(6) From Malaysia to Hong Kong: Fish Liew’s journey of resilience and reinvention to Best Actress triumph
(Photo credit: The Standard)
Fish Liew Chi-yu reached a major career milestone at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards, winning Best Actress for her performance in “Someone Like Me”. The Malaysian-born actress triumphed in one of the night’s most competitive categories, marking a personal breakthrough. Visibly moved on stage, Fish Liew used her acceptance speech to thank the people who had supported her over the years, including her long-term partner, actor and director Lo Chun-yip. She also spoke candidly about the pressure of being seen as a frontrunner, saying the achievement represented both her deepest passion and her greatest fear.
In “Someone Like Me”, Fish Liew plays a woman with cerebral palsy in a role widely praised for its emotional control, sensitivity and quiet strength. The performance was seen as a defining turn in her career and helped establish her as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.
After moving from Malaysia to Hong Kong at 22 to pursue acting, Fish Liew spent years navigating financial hardship and uncertainty while taking on modelling work and minor screen roles. She gradually gained recognition through performances in films such as “Limbo” and “Anita”, the latter earning her Best Supporting Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Fish said Hong Kong had embraced her and given her not only a career, but also a sense of belonging and purpose.
(7) Henderson Land joint venture to operate Central Harbourfront Event Space
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Central Grand Limited (CGL), a joint venture between Henderson Land Development and concert organizer YW Company (better known as Yiu Wing), has won the tender to operate the Central Harbourfront Event Space. Beating out five other bidders, the group will take over the 3.7-hectare prime site starting July 1. This strategic partnership combines Henderson’s architectural expertise with Yiu Wing’s extensive experience in managing large-scale entertainment venues across the city.
The new tenancy agreement marks a shift toward stricter government oversight. For the first time, the operator faces a financial penalty for every day the site falls short of its committed event schedule. This clause was introduced following previous controversies, such as the failed AIA International Hot Air Balloon Festival, to ensure the site remains a vibrant hub for international festivals such as Clockenflap and the Wine and Dine Festival.
Under the “two-envelope” tender process, the government prioritized technical quality over price, weighing the proposal’s merit at 70 percent. Beyond hosting commercial shows, CGL is required to keep the grounds open to the public for free leisure activities when no major events are scheduled. The operator has also committed to a “robust vetting process” for event organizers and must provide permanent food and beverage facilities near the promenade. This project aligns with Henderson’s massive HK$63 billion redevelopment of the adjacent “land king” site, further cementing the developer’s influence over the Central waterfront.
(8) Film on Manila hostage crisis sparks debate over ‘secondary trauma’ in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: AFP)
A new Hong Kong film inspired by the 2010 Manila hostage crisis has triggered mixed reactions online, with some people questioning whether revisiting the tragedy could reopen old wounds, while others argue the story still holds value as a reminder of a painful chapter in the city’s history. Titled “Beyond Hostage Crisis”, the 90-minute film was released in Malaysia earlier this month and is scheduled to open in Hong Kong on 28 May. It stars recent Hong Kong Film Awards best actress Fish Liew Chi-yu and is based on the bus hijacking in Manila that ended with eight Hongkongers killed after a 12-hour siege.
The 2010 incident remains deeply etched in the city’s memory because many Hongkongers watched the crisis unfold live on television. On social media, some users said they had no desire to relive the trauma through a film, while others raised concerns about possible secondary trauma for survivors and the families of victims. Some critics said Hong Kong was still carrying emotional scars from more recent tragedies and questioned whether such a production was necessary at this moment.
Others defended the film, saying it could help younger generations understand an event they did not experience firsthand and encourage reflection on loss, trauma and the lessons of the past. One survivor, Yik Siu-ling, who was injured in the attack, praised the film in a March interview, describing it as moving and worth watching.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351071/film-manila-hostage-crisis-sparks-debate-over-secondary-trauma-hong-kong?pgtype=live
(9) Outrage in China after streaming site debuts AI actor ‘database’
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The Chinese streaming platform iQIYI has sparked a massive social media outcry following the debut of an initiative that integrates artificial intelligence into film production. The company had earlier introduced Nadou Pro, a tool that allows filmmakers to generate and edit content using AI prompts. A senior executive revealed that over 100 celebrities had already joined a database to connect with AI creators interested in using their digital likenesses.
The announcement immediately triggered a wave of “iQIYI went nuts” trending topics on Weibo. Fans and actors alike expressed outrage over the potential displacement of human performers. Public anger was further fuelled by comments from iQIYI Chief Executive Gong Yu, who suggested that traditional human-led productions might eventually become “intangible cultural heritage,” a term often reserved for historical relics.
In response to the criticism, iQIYI leadership described the situation as a “misunderstanding.” Senior Vice President Liu Wenfeng clarified that the platform does not currently license images directly. Instead, he emphasized that actors maintain full control and must confirm every shot or scene where their likeness is used.
Despite these assurances, legal experts remain skeptical about the long-term implications. Critics warn that once an artist’s image is used to train AI models, it becomes difficult to prevent data leaks or unauthorized secondary use. As the Chinese entertainment industry continues its rapid pivot toward automation, the debate over the warmth and soul of literature versus technical efficiency remains a central conflict for the digital age.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/china/article/329819/Outrage-in-China-after-streaming-site-debuts-AI-actor-database
(10) Japanese singer Fujii Kaze removes Hong Kong stop from world tour
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The sudden cancellation of Fujii Kaze’s Hong Kong performance has left fans disappointed and industry observers searching for answers. On Tuesday 21 April, the artist’s official website updated his “Prema World Tour” itinerary to show that the Hong Kong date was removed without explanation. In its place, a new concert in Seoul was scheduled for early 2027. Originally announced in December, the Asian leg of the tour still includes stops in Bangkok and Kaohsiung.
This development follows a worrying trend for local music enthusiasts. Kaze is now the third major Japanese act to pull out of the city recently, following similar cancellations by Koda Kumi and the rock band ONE OK ROCK. These successive withdrawals have fueled speculation about the stability of upcoming performances by other high-profile Japanese artists such as LiSA and Vaundy.
Public attention is specifically focused on Japanese pop duo YOASOBI. Their planned stop in the city is a landmark event, as they are expected to be the first Japanese act to headline the main stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park.
At 28, Fujii Kaze has become a powerhouse in the Asian music market by blending jazz, soul, and pop. His previous shows in Hong Kong were massive successes that sold out almost instantly. This latest cancellation marks a significant blow to a fanbase that has grown rapidly over the last two years
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/entertainment/article/329928/Japanese-singer-Fujii-Kaze-removes-Hong-Kong-stop-from-world-tour
(11) “The Devil Wears Prada 2” criticised for offending China with nerdy ‘Chin Chou’ character
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios)
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” has ignited a firestorm of criticism in China ahead of its April 30 premiere. The controversy centers on a newly released clip featuring an Asian assistant played by Helen J. Shen. Chinese social media users allege that the character’s name, “Jin Chao,” bears a suspicious phonetic resemblance to a notorious racial slur. While some defend the name as a common Chinese moniker, online hearsay misidentifying the character as “Chin Chou” has further exacerbated public anger.
Critics have also attacked the film for relying on outdated “nerdy Asian” tropes. The character’s awkward fashion sense, which is ironic being a worker in the fashion industry, and the self-emphasis on her identity as a “Yale graduate with a 3.86 GPA” are seen by many as a regression into harmful stereotypes. This backlash is particularly notable given the original 2006 film’s legacy in China, where it earned an 8.2 rating from over 800,000 users and was praised for its empowering career themes.
This incident mirrors previous cultural friction, such as the debate over Marvel’s “Shang-Chi”, which was never released in mainland China due to its links to the “yellow peril” caricature. While lead stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway recently enjoyed a warm reception during their Shanghai promotional tour, the current sentiment has shifted. Thousands of potential viewers are now calling for a boycott, claiming the production has offended the Chinese public.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3350984/devil-wears-prada-2-criticised-offending-china-introducing-chin-chou-nerdy-character?pgtype=live
(12) Hongkongers flock to theatres to snap up HK$30 Cinema Day tickets in advance
(Photo Credit: Sam Tsang / SCMP)
Crowds of eager film-goers, including housewives and young families, formed long queues across Hong Kong on Wednesday to take advantage of the HK30″CinemaDay”promotion. At several locations, such as Star Cinema in Tseung Kwan O, residents began lining up nearly two hours before sales officially opened at noon. With standard prices generally hovering around HK$100, the heavily discounted rate for this Saturday’s screenings has proven to be a significant draw for the public.
The initiative was launched in 2023 by the Hong Kong Theatres Association with government backing to revitalize an industry battered by years of pandemic-related disruptions. Over the past three years, the event has successfully driven over 600,000 admissions and generated HK$44 million in box office revenue. This year, the promotion offers approximately 39,400 seats at the flat HK$30 rate, covering a wide variety of genres including popular animated features such as “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”.
Despite the success of the one-day event, many residents are urging authorities to implement more frequent incentives. Parents in the queue suggested that the government should introduce targeted discounts for festivals like Children’s Day to encourage family activities. Meanwhile, regular cinema-goers noted that while the current prices are competitive with the mainland, the city would benefit from exclusive events such as appreciation screenings of curated classics. As the industry continues its recovery, the high demand highlights a strong public appetite for more affordable and diverse cinematic experiences.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350982/hong-kong-residents-flock-theatres-buy-advanced-hk30-cinema-day-tickets?pgtype=live
