China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 98 Week of 27 April 2026
(1) British film “Dragonfly” soars with three top honors as Beijing film fest ends
The 16th Beijing International Film Festival concluded on Saturday, with the British drama “Dragonfly” sweeping the top honors. The film secured three Tiantan Awards, including Best Feature Film and a historic shared Best Actress prize. Meanwhile, legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
(2) Economic Watch: Global musicians go east as China becomes a major touring destination
International musicians are increasingly prioritizing China as a top-tier touring destination, fuelled by a booming live entertainment market and a surge in “concert tourism.”
(3) ViuTV marks 10th anniversary with surprise ‘Long Vacation’ remake
ViuTV has announced a Hong Kong remake of the classic Japanese drama Long Vacation to mark its 10th anniversary. The series will star Edan Lui and Ali Lee, the latter making her leading debut for the station. Production is set to begin later this year under official authorization from Fuji Television.
(4) Mainland music festival fizzle out due to poor sales and overlapping lineups: insiders
China’s music festival industry is facing a crisis as a wave of last-minute cancellations hits the mainland. Experts blame poor ticket sales, an economic downturn, and repetitive lineups for the slump. While organizers often cite “uncontrollable factors,” insiders suggest the market is suffering from a lack of diverse talent.
(5) Cinema Day attracted 201,000 film-goers. How does it stack up against last year?
Hong Kong’s Cinema Day achieved a record 201,000 admissions on Saturday, marking a new milestone for the government-backed initiative. While total footfall rose by 3.2 percent compared to last year, the average occupancy rate dipped slightly to 81 percent. The event continues to serve as a vital catalyst for local consumption and post-pandemic recovery.
(6) ‘Clearly me’: AI drama accused of stealing faces
A 26-year-old model from Hangzhou is suing the makers of an AI-generated microdrama after her likeness was allegedly stolen without consent. The series, which aired on ByteDance’s Hongguo app, featured a digital twin of the victim performing demeaning acts.
(7) Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen and Jet Li could star in a major Hong Kong film
A massive Hong Kong historical epic titled “1941” is currently in development, aiming to reunite the “Three Brothers” Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao for the first time since 1988. Produced by Teddy Chan and Chin Ka-lok, the film serves as a charity project to support the Hong Kong Stuntman Association and commemorate the 30th anniversary of the city’s handover.
(8) Tencent’s new ‘Pet TV’ symbolises the broadness of opportunities with China’s pet lovers
Tencent Video has launched “Pet TV,” a 24-hour streaming service tailored for cats and dogs. The initiative marks a significant shift in China’s pet economy, which is projected to reach 405 billion yuan by 2028. Beyond basic care, the sector is rapidly expanding into emotional entertainment and luxury lifestyle branding.
(9) Young musicians sign exclusive contracts with classical music label DG China
Deutsche Grammophon China (DG China) has announced the exclusive signing of two rising stars, guzheng virtuoso Yang Yang and pianist Ju Xiaofu. This partnership marks a historic milestone for the label, as Yang becomes the first traditional Chinese instrumentalist to join its prestigious roster under an integrated management model.
(10) Tony Leung Chiu-wai to Chair Jury at Shanghai Film Festival’s Golden Goblet Awards
Legendary actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai has been appointed Jury President for the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. The event, running from 12 June to 21 June 2026, will see Leung lead the Golden Goblet Awards. His appointment highlights Shanghai’s status as a global “City of Film” and celebrates his storied career.
(11) Michael Jackson biopic tops China’s box office
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has surged to the top of China’s box-office charts following its premiere last Friday. Starring Jaafar Jackson, who is the nephew of Michael, the film has ignited a massive wave of nostalgia across the country, bolstered by high-profile fan events and a soaring interest in the singer’s “King of Pop” legacy among younger generations.
(12) Reverend Derek Li, father of injured Hong Kong Mirror dancer Mo Li, dies
Reverend Derek Li Shing-lam, the father of paralyzed Mirror dancer Mo Li Kai-yin, has died following a period of undisclosed illness. For years, the Reverend was a pillar of strength for his son, documenting their arduous recovery journey through bi-weekly prayer letters that touched the hearts of the Hong Kong public.
(1) British film “Dragonfly” soars with three top honors as Beijing film fest ends
(Photo Credit: chinadaily.com.cn)
The 16th Beijing International Film Festival drew to a close this weekend, with the British production “Dragonfly” emerging as the night’s dominant force. The film, which explores the poignant relationship between an elderly widow and her younger neighbor, claimed three of the prestigious Tiantan Awards, including Best Feature Film and Best Screenplay. In a rare move for the festival, the Best Actress award was shared by the film’s two leads, Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough. Blethyn, who accepted the award at age 80, spoke emotionally about the universal power of cinema to challenge social preconceptions.
Local cinema also saw significant recognition, particularly the crime thriller “All the Good Eyes”, directed by Zheng Zhi. Set in Shenyang, the film earned lead actor Yu Hewei the Best Actor award, while his co-star Qiao Shan was named Best Supporting Actor. The film is scheduled for a wide release on the Chinese mainland on 23 May.
International talent was further celebrated as Dutch filmmaker Mike van Diem took home Best Director for the Dutch-Belgian-Austrian co-production “Our Girls”. Additionally, 14-year-old Portuguese actress Madalena Cunha made history as the youngest winner in her category, taking home Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Justa”, a Protugese film about events following the devastating fire in Pedrógão Grande in 2017.
The evening culminated in a moving tribute to Hong Kong filmmaker and martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 81-year-old martial arts icon, who has choreographed for martial arts classics including “Ip Man” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, described the honor as a career pinnacle and vowed to continue his work in the industry.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/26/WS69ed7737a310d6866eb4592c_4.html
(2) Economic Watch: Global musicians go east as China becomes a major touring destination
(Photo Credit: Xinhua)
The roaring success of Imagine Dragons’ “Loom World Tour” in March has highlighted China’s transformation into a cornerstone of the global music circuit. The American rock band performed eight shows across Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, drawing tens of thousands of fans and underscoring the country’s immense market appeal. This shift marks a departure from previous years when China was often viewed as a secondary stop. Today, Western household names are increasingly scheduling multi-city tours within China to engage a vast, dedicated fanbase.
Industry data provided by box office analyser Dengta Pro reveals a vibrant landscape in 2025, with over 350 overseas acts performing in China and international talent appearing at more than half of the nation’s music festivals. The momentum has carried into 2026, with groups like OneRepublic launching tours spanning five cities and Universal Music China teasing dozens of upcoming artist visits. Beyond first-tier hubs, tourism-centric cities such as Hangzhou and Sanya are also emerging as vital destinations, diversifying the live music scene with a mix of mainstream pop and indie performers.
This influx of talent is fuelling a lucrative “concert tourism” phenomenon. In 2025 alone, commercial performances drew 194 million attendees and generated 83.7 billion yuan in revenue. Large-scale events now act as economic engines, with fans often spending six times the cost of their tickets on local hotels, dining, and sightseeing. To capitalize on this, cities like Shanghai are integrating concert tickets with retail and hospitality discounts, effectively turning cultural events into broader drivers of urban consumption and cultural exchange.
News Source: https://english.news.cn/20260424/a9cdb14e60284c6c8a7b1ee71f7547a7/c.html
(3) ViuTV marks 10th anniversary with surprise ‘Long Vacation’ remake
(Photo Credit: “Long Vacation”, produced by Fuji Television, 1996)
ViuTV celebrated its 10th anniversary luncheon with the blockbuster announcement of a local adaptation of the 1996 Japanese hit TV show Long Vacation. The broadcaster confirmed it has secured official rights from Fuji Television and will begin filming in the second half of this year. This project aims to modernize the beloved story of a struggling pianist and a model who find solace in each other during career and romantic slumps.
The remake features a high-profile pairing of Edan Lui and Ali Lee in the iconic roles originally played by Takuya Kimura and Tomoko Yamaguchi. This production is particularly significant for Lee, as it represents her first major lead role since joining ViuTV from rival station TVB. Rounding out the primary cast is Anson Kong, who will portray the female lead’s younger brother. Producers have pledged to maintain the spirit of the original “long vacation” philosophy while infusing the script with distinct Hong Kong cultural elements.
In addition to the Japanese remake, ViuTV revealed plans for a Hong Kong version of the South Korean romantic comedy What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. Although licensing negotiations are still being finalized, the station has already cast Anson Lo and Ivy So as the lead office couple. These ambitious adaptations signal ViuTV’s continued strategy of leveraging popular international intellectual property to strengthen its local programming lineup.
(4) Mainland music festival fizzle out due to poor sales and overlapping lineups: insiders
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
China’s music festival scene is experiencing a significant contraction, with at least 10 major events cancelled or postponed so far this year. High-profile festivals in Foshan, Guangzhou, and Wuhan have all been scrapped, often with organizers providing vague explanations regarding “unforeseen circumstances.” This trend represents a failure rate of roughly 20 percent for scheduled events between March and May, leaving many fans frustrated after being repeatedly “fooled” by sudden announcements.
Industry veterans point to a combination of economic cooling and strategic miscalculations. Production insiders suggest that organizers frequently cancel to cut their losses when ticket sales fall short of expectations. A deeper structural issue involves the over-reliance on a small pool of A-list celebrities. Atsing, a member of the Guangzhou-based band YuFeiMun, noted that the exorbitant fees paid to secure one A-list star could have been used to secure 20 smaller artists. This means that fewer artists get invited to music festivals, leading to overlapping lineups where the same artists appear across multiple festivals. This lack of variety has significantly diminished the appeal for younger audiences.
As the music festival market weakens, local authorities are reportedly shifting their tourism focus toward city football leagues to drive cross-city travel. However, professionals in the music industry view this wave of cancellations as a necessary period of reflection. They believe the current downturn could eventually force organizers to prioritize diverse, high-quality content over limited star power, potentially creating a more sustainable ecosystem for independent artists in the future.
(5) Cinema Day attracted 201,000 film-goers. How does it stack up against last year?
(Photo Credit: Edmond So / SCMP)
Hong Kong’s annual Cinema Day reached a record-breaking peak this past Saturday, drawing over 201,000 film-goers to theaters across the city. The Hong Kong Theatres Association reported that 52 commercial cinemas participated in the event, offering HK$30 tickets for a total of 1,694 screenings. While the total number of admissions surpassed the 194,755 recorded in 2025, the average occupancy rate saw a marginal decline, falling from 83 percent last year to 81 percent.
Despite the slight drop in occupancy, organizers described the atmosphere as vibrant, noting heavy participation from families, the elderly, and youth. The surge in cinema attendance also provided a significant boost to the broader economy, as nearby shopping malls and restaurants launched parallel promotions to capitalize on the increased foot traffic. Since its inception in 2023, the initiative has now collectively generated more than 600,000 admissions and HK$44 million in box office revenue.
The government continues to play a central role in the event’s success, with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency subsidizing tickets through the Film Development Fund. Officials emphasized that the primary goal remains cultivating a lasting cinema-going culture while revitalizing an industry that faced years of instability. By lowering the barrier to entry, authorities hope to reinforce the cinema as a central pillar of Hong Kong’s cultural life and long-term economic development.
(6) ‘Clearly me’: AI drama accused of stealing faces
(Photo credit: AFP)
Legal tensions over artificial intelligence have reached a boiling point in China’s entertainment sector as two individuals accuse the microdrama “The Peach Blossom Hairpin” of stealing their likenesses. Li, a model, and Baicai, a stylist, discovered their digital clones in the hit series after fans alerted them to the striking resemblances. Li expressed horror at finding her AI counterpart portrayed as a villain who mistreated animals and assaulted others, using specific aesthetics from photos she had posted years prior.
The controversy centers on Hongguo, a popular short-form drama app owned by TikTok parent ByteDance. While Hongguo eventually removed the series for rule violations, the platform has come under fire for allowing the content to remain active for several days despite initial complaints. ByteDance has since stated that it has cracked down on hundreds of non-compliant AI microdramas, yet victims argue that identifying the actual creators remains difficult due to opaque registration processes and the use of special purpose vehicles, which were dissolved immediately after production.
Legal experts suggest the case could constitute a severe infringement of both portrait and reputation rights. However, pursuing damages remains a hurdl: lawyers note that compensation for non-celebrities is often minimal because courts typically base payouts on commercial value. Beyond the courtroom, the victims fear permanent professional damage. Li noted that being “associated with controversy” could derail her modeling career, illustrating the profound personal risks posed by the industry’s pivot toward low-cost, AI-generated content.
News Source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260424-clearly-me-ai-drama-accused-of-stealing-faces
(7) Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen and Jet Li could star in a major Hong Kong film
(Photo Credit: The Macao News)
The Hong Kong film industry is preparing for what could be its most ambitious ensemble project in decades. Titled “1941”, the historical epic is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Hong Kong and aims to recapture the “golden era” of 90s action cinema. Producer Teddy Chan revealed that the film is a non-profit endeavour intended to raise funds for the elderly members of the Hong Kong Stuntman Association. Because of the charitable nature of the project, many of the industry’s biggest stars have reportedly waived their usual multimillion-dollar fees to participate.
The potential cast list reads like a “who’s who” of global martial arts and cinema. Most notably, negotiations are underway to bring Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao back to the screen together, a reunion that hasn’t occurred since the 1988 classic “Dragons Forever”. Other legends targeted for appearances include Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Wu Jing, and Andy Lau. The production also hopes to feature iconic cast members from hit franchises like “Young and Dangerous” and “Infernal Affairs”, alongside a younger generation of talent to represent the future of the industry.
Co-directed by Chin Ka-lok and Wong Hoi, the film is slated to begin production at the end of this year, with some filming scheduled for the Greater Bay Area to accurately recreate 1940s Hong Kong. While final contracts are pending script approval from investors, the project follows a long tradition of star-studded “benefit films” in Chinese cinema, such as 2009’s “The Founding of a Republic”. “1941” is currently scheduled for a high-profile release in 2027 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Hong Kong handover.
News Source: https://macaonews.org/life/arts-culture/1941-hong-kong-film-chan-yen-li/
(8) Tencent’s new ‘Pet TV’ symbolises the broadness of opportunities with China’s pet lovers
(Photo Credit: Tencent)
Tencent Video’s debut of “Pet TV” highlights the dramatic evolution of China’s pet economy, transforming animals from simple household pets into central lifestyle anchors. Currently in a trial phase for “VIP” members, the service offers 24-hour programming meticulously adapted to pets’ unique physiology. Content features higher frame rates for cats and specific color grading for dogs, aiming to reduce separation anxiety and curb destructive behavior while owners are away.
This move reflects a broader national trend where pet consumption has surpassed basic necessities like food and veterinary care. China’s urban pet market has grown sixfold over the last decade, reaching an estimated $24 billion and attracting unconventional players. Liquor giant Kweichow Moutai is reportedly exploring insect-protein pet food utilizing distillery by-products, while bakery chain Holiland recently launched a dedicated line of “human-friendly” pet birthday cakes. These offerings tap into a growing demand for rituals and social display among young, urban pet owners.
The fashion and hospitality sectors are also pivoting to accommodate this “parent-child” dynamic. Adidas Originals has introduced pet streetwear collections in China, while restaurant chains like Haidilao have experimented with pet-friendly dining zones. For tech giants like Tencent, Pet TV is more than a novelty; it is a strategic tool to capture attention in a slowing video market. By addressing the emotional well-being of animals, brands are successfully embedding themselves into the nuanced, full-lifestyle ecosystems of China’s 126 million urban cats and dogs.
News Source: https://chinaskinny.com/blog/pet-tv-china
(9) Young musicians sign exclusive contracts with classical music label DG China
(Photo Credit: chinadaily.com.cn)
In a significant move to bridge traditional heritage and contemporary classical music, DG China, Universal Music Greater China’s label for classical musicians, has entered into long-term exclusive agreements with two of the country’s most promising young talents. The partnership is designed as a “full-spectrum” model, covering everything from global recordings and artist management to repertoire development and brand collaborations.
Yang’s signing is particularly notable because she becomes the first Chinese traditional instrumentalist to secure an exclusive full-service contract with DG China. A master’s student at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, she represents a younger generation of performers seeking to bring traditional Chinese instruments into a more contemporary setting. In addition to her guzheng performance, she is active in composition, arranging, production and singing, and has also built a large following among younger audiences online.
Ju, meanwhile, becomes DG China’s first signed pianist. Educated at Juilliard and now continuing his studies in Hannover, Germany, he has performed at major European venues including the Wiener Musikverein, the Salzburg Festspielhaus and the Berlin Philharmonie. He has also earned attention for his interest in contemporary repertoire, including Chinese premiere performances of works by Philip Glass and Olivier Messiaen.
Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, noted that both artists possess the “musical integrity” and potential to resonate far beyond the domestic market. By providing 360-degree career support, DG China aims to elevate these young musicians into enduring global figures, reinforcing Hong Kong and Mainland China’s roles as vital hubs for classical innovation.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/14/WS69ddd519a310d6866eb43520.html
(10) Tony Leung Chiu-wai to Chair Jury at Shanghai Film Festival’s Golden Goblet Awards
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival has named actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai as the president of the jury for its prestigious Golden Goblet Awards. The festival is scheduled to run from 12 June to 21 June 2026. Leung, a titan of Sinophone cinema, expressed his honor in a video message, describing Shanghai as the historic vessel where the Chinese “film dream” first set sail.
Leung’s career spans over four decades and includes more than 100 screen credits. He has collaborated with world-renowned directors such as Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou, and Ang Lee. His filmography includes iconic performances in “In the Mood for Love,” which earned him the Best Actor award at Cannes, and the martial arts epic “Hero.” Known for his controlled interiority and emotional depth, Leung has consistently resonated with international audiences across various genres.
This appointment adds another accolade to Leung’s illustrious journey. In 2023, he became the first Chinese actor to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice International Film Festival. Directors and critics alike have long praised his ability to elevate the quality of every production he joins. As he takes the helm in Shanghai, his leadership is expected to bring a high level of artistic scrutiny to one of Asia’s most significant competitive film platforms.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/tony-leung-chiu-wai-chair-jury-shanghai-film-festival-1236731916/
(11) Michael Jackson biopic tops China’s box office
(Photo Credit: chinadaily.com.cn)
China’s box office has found its latest sensation in “Michael”, a sweeping biopic that chronicles the life of Michael Jackson from his Jackson 5 roots to the pinnacle of his 1988 Bad tour. Produced by the team behind the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the film’s dominance in the charts underscores the enduring power of Jackson’s influence in China, where he remains a titan of global pop culture despite never having performed a solo concert on the mainland during his lifetime.
The film’s release was marked by a lavish special screening at Beijing Perfect World Cinema, organized by IMAX and the Michael Jackson Chinese Fan Community. The event featured a blue-carpet reception and the unveiling of a life-size, family-authorized statue of the singer. Fans were treated to live tribute performances of the moonwalk and the “gravity-defying lean,” culminating in an emotional, spontaneous sing-along of “Heal the World” inside the IMAX theater. Attendees praised the immersive large-format experience for its ability to recreate the sheer scale of Jackson’s stadium performances.
While some die-hard fans noted that the film’s narrative focuses more on Jackson’s rise than on some of his later complexities, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Keen Zhang, president of the Michael Jackson Chinese Fan Club, noted that the film serves as both a “soundtrack of our lives” for older fans and a vital introduction for a new generation. By utilizing IMAX’s visual and audio technology to bridge the gap between the past and present, Michael has successfully turned a cinematic release into a major cultural event across the mainland.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/27/WS69ef26d6a310d6866eb45c80_1.html
(12) Reverend Derek Li, father of injured Hong Kong Mirror dancer Mo Li, dies
(Photo Credit: K. Y. Cheng ./ SCMP)
The Christian Ministry Institute confirmed the passing of its former president, Reverend Derek Li Shing-lam, on Saturday. The Reverend became a household name in Hong Kong for his tireless advocacy for his son, Mo Li, who was severely injured during a 2022 Mirror concert. While the exact cause of death has not been released, Derek Li had recently shared on social media that he was battling illness, reporting symptoms of fever and exhaustion.
Since the tragic accident at the Hong Kong Coliseum, where a massive video screen fell and paralyzed his son, the Reverend used his platform to provide regular updates on Mo’s progress. Only last month, he expressed poignant concerns about his own failing health and whether he could continue to support his son on the long road to recovery.
His passing comes at a critical juncture in the family’s legal battle. The Reverend was scheduled to appear at a civil claim trial on 4 May to determine the compensation owed by his son’s employer and dance studio, Studiodanz. Although Mo Li recently achieved a milestone by moving independently in a wheelchair, his father’s death marks a profound loss for a family that has spent years in the public eye seeking justice and healing. The news has triggered a massive outpouring of condolences from citizens moved by his unwavering parental love.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351424/reverend-derek-li-father-injured-hong-kong-dancer-mo-li-has-died?pgtype=live
