China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 16 Week of 16 September 2024
Sandra Ng wins a filmmaking award and prepares for the Hawaii International Film Festival as “Love Lies” grosses over HK$3 million in first four days of its release.
(2) University Graduate Ellyn Ngai, 23, Crowned “Miss Hong Kong 2024”
Ellyn Ngai Lok-lam, 23, was crowned “Miss Hong Kong 2024” defeating 14 contestants as the award celebrated its 50-year legacy.
The “Legends in Motion” exhibition in Hong Kong, open until 27 September at Pacific Place in Hong Kong, features memorabilia from stars like Bruce Lee, BTS, Taylor Swift, and Michael Jackson, as well as Bruce Lee’s custom nunchaku and outfits from other iconic artists.
(4) Tencent Music Launches ‘Music Outreach’ Program, Showcasing Chinese Artists Globally
Tencent Music Entertainment has launched the “Global Music Outreach Initiative” to promote Chinese music internationally, kicking off in Singapore with live performances and the theme song “Hear It” by Tia Ray.
(5) Taiwan Acting Superstar Shu Qi Wraps Directorial Debut ‘Girl’
Shu Qi has completed production on her directorial debut, “Girl”, an original film she wrote and directed, with details of the plot and cast to be announced.
(6) Charlie Puth to Bring his “Something New” Tour to Macau in December
Charlie Puth will perform at the Venetian Arena in Macau on 14 December 2024 as part of his “Something New” tour, featuring hits from his acclaimed albums.
(7) Nicholas Tse Goes All Out in Martial Arts and Fight Scenes for New Mobile Game
Nicholas Tse displayed his martial arts prowess in a promotional video for the mobile game “Three Kingdoms Tactics” with his dynamic movements and dramatic flair.
(8) Jackie Chan Hong Kong Action Film ‘Project A’ is Coming to 4K and Blu-ray Soon
Jackie Chan’s iconic films “Project A” and “Project A: Part II” will be released in the US on 15 October by 88 Films, featuring high-definition formats and a limited-edition box set with exclusive artwork and special features.
(9) Chan Chi-chung Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with Josie Ho Post-Recovery as the Couple Shares Festive Photo
Josie Ho and her husband Chan Chi-chung celebrated their first Mid-Autumn Festival since Chan’s recovery from a severe accident as they shared their happiness on social media.
(10) Audemars Piguet Unveils “AP x Music 2024”
Audemars Piguet will host the “AP x Music 2024” festival at Tai Kwun in Hong Kong from 27 to 29 September, featuring immersive experiences, large-scale installations, and live music performances.
(1) Sandra Ng Receives “Spotlight on Hong Kong Filmmaker Award” at the Hawaii International Film Festival as “Love Lies” Tops Box Office
(Photo Credit: “Love Lies”)
In recognition of her significant contributions to the film industry, Sandra Ng had recently been announced the recipient of the “Spotlight on Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile Award” at the upcoming 44th Hawaii International Film Festival (“Festival”). This accolade celebrates Sandra’s outstanding achievements in cinema, and positions her among esteemed filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai and Peter Chan who were recipients in previous years. Sandra expressed her surprise and joy in receiving this honour.
Recently, the online romance film “Love Lies” (我談的那場戀愛), featuring Sandra, MC Cheung Tin-fu and Stephy Tang, has achieved remarkable success since its release. As of 15 September, just four days after its premiere, the film has grossed over HK$3 million, dominating the box office during the period.
The film will also be featured in the “Spotlight on Hong Kong” section of the upcoming Festival. Speaking about her first trip to Hawaii, Sandra expressed her excitement in getting to explore the beautiful scenery and hopes to engage in the local cultural experiences such as dancing with coconut shells. To show appreciation for the audience’s support for the film with its initial success, Sandra Ng had recently joined the cast at theatres in Hong Kong on 17 and 18 September during the Mid-Autumn Festival for fan meets.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3383400/%E5%90%B3%E5%90%9B%E5%A6%82%E7%8D%B2%E9%A0%92%E5%A4%8F%E5%A8%81%E5%A4%B7%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%9B%BB%E5%BD%B1%E7%AF%80%E7%84%A6%E9%BB%9E%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E5%BD%B1%E4%BA%BA%E7%8D%8E-%E6%88%91%E8%AB%87%E7%9A%84%E9%82%A3%E5%A0%B4%E6%88%80%E6%84%9B%E9%80%A3%E5%A5%AA%E5%9B%9B%E6%97%A5%E5%96%AE%E6%97%A5%E7%A5%A8%E6%88%BF%E5%86%A0%E8%BB%8D-%E4%B8%AD%E7%A7%8B%E9%80%A3%E7%92%B0%E8%AC%9D%E7%A5%A8%E8%88%87%E5%BD%B1%E8%BF%B7%E5%BA%A6%E4%BD%B3%E7%AF%80
(2) University Graduate Ellyn Ngai, 23, Crowned “Miss Hong Kong 2024”
(Photo Credit: Dickson Lee)
Ellyn Ngai Lok-lam, a 23-year-old university graduate, was crowned “Miss Hong Kong 2024” in a vibrant ceremony. Ngai outperformed 14 competitors, with Emily Leung Ka-ying, 22, and Amina Yeung Chi-jiu, 21, taking the first and second runner-up titles, respectively. Leung also won the “Miss Photogenic” award in recognition of her standout presence in the competition.
Ngai, who graduated from City University of Hong Kong, spoke to the press about her ambitions in the entertainment industry particularly in acting and hosting, and noted the importance of participating in charity works as Miss Hong Kong to understand the challenges faced by the low-income communities.
This year’s Miss Hong Kong pageant, themed “Proud to be a Woman,” featured an all-female lineup of emcees, judges, and performers, many of whom are former titleholders. The event took place at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O and introduced interactive elements allowing online viewers to vote and comment on contestants. With its rich 50-year history, the pageant had been the birthplace of the careers of prominent figures in Asian entertainment, including Cannes Film Festival best actress Maggie Cheung and socialite Michele Reis.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278628/university-graduate-ellyn-ngai-23-crowned-miss-hong-kong-2024?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
(3) BTS Outfits, Bruce Lee’s Nunchaku and Taylor Swift’s Gold Boots are on Display in a Pre-Auction Exhibition in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
This month, Hong Kong is hosting “Legends in Motion”, an exhibition showcasing memorabilia from iconic figures such as Bruce Lee, BTS, Taylor Swift, and Michael Jackson. Organized by Julien’s Auctions, the event is located at Pacific Place in Admiralty and runs until 27 September.
Among the 40 items on display, a highlight is a pair of custom-made nunchaku used by Bruce Lee in his 1972 film “Fist of Fury”, estimated to sell for HK$156,000 to HK$234,000 at auction. Other notable pieces include a wooden dummy for practicing wing chun, a martial art Lee studied under grandmaster Ip Man, and the shorts and training gloves he wore while filming “Enter the Dragon” in 1973.
The exhibition also features memorabilia from other stars, including outfits worn by BTS in their music video “Life Goes On”, Taylor Swift’s autographed boots from her “Fearless” Tour, and a denim jacket worn by Michael Jackson at the Bambi Awards in 2002. All items will be auctioned at Island Shangri-La on 28 September, marking Julien’s Auctions’ first sale in Hong Kong.
News Source: https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/entertainment/bruce-lee-taylor-swift-bts-hong-kong-juliens-auction
(4) Tencent Music Launches ‘Music Outreach’ Program, Showcasing Chinese Artists Globally
(Photo Credit: Tencent Music Entertainment)
Tencent Music Entertainment (“TME”) has announced the “Global Music Outreach Initiative” aimed at promoting Chinese music internationally. The initiative launched in Singapore from 13 to 17 September, featuring live performances, music sessions, and industry forums designed to showcase Chinese artists.
Coinciding with the build up to the Singapore Grand Prix Weekend, TME presented performances by several Chinese acts, including Liu Lian and the band Sir Deer, while also engaging with local universities to foster cultural exchanges. To mark the launch, TME partnered with People’s Daily to create a theme song, “Hear It” featuring singer-songwriter Tia Ray.
The initiative is part of TME’s broader strategy to promote Chinese music globally. The company reported a 27.7% year-on-year revenue increase in music services for the second quarter, reflecting the growing significance of China in the global music market. The country now ranks as the fifth largest music market globally, driven largely by its huge streaming platforms.
(5) Taiwan Acting Superstar Shu Qi Wraps Directorial Debut ‘Girl’
(Photo Credit: Getty Images/official poster of “Girl”)
Taiwanese actress Shu Qi has officially wrapped production on her directorial debut, “Girl”, an original story that she both wrote and directed. Expressing her excitement about the completion of filming, Shu Qi stated in a prepared statement, “I am so happy that the filming is wrapped. I look forward to sharing this film with audiences everywhere.”
While specific details about the film’s plot and cast remain undisclosed, it is known that Shu Qi does not appear in the film. The project is financed by CMC Entertainment, Wow Momentum, J.Q. Pictures, and Aranya Pictures, with Mandarin Vision producing and handling international sales.
Known for her impressive career in Asian cinema, Shu Qi has starred in numerous acclaimed films and has earned multiple awards, including the “Golden Horse Film Awards” and the best actress prize at the Asian Film Awards for her role in “The Assassin”. Shu Qi’s contributions to the industry also extend beyond acting; she has served as a jury member at prestigious film festivals such as the Venice Film Festival in 2023, and was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences earlier this year, all of which are reflections of her significant impact on the filmmaking industry.
News Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/asia/shu-qi-taiwan-actor-girl-directing-debut-1236147090/
(6) Charlie Puth to Bring his “Something New” Tour to Macau in December
(Photo credit: Official Instagram of Charlie Puth)
Charlie Puth is set to perform in Macau on 14 December 2024 as part of his “Something New” tour, with the concert to be held at the Venetian Arena. This event provides a great opportunity for fans to see the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter live, especially for those who missed his show in Hong Kong last year or are eager for an encore of his popular hits.
Puth first rose to fame through viral song covers on YouTube and quickly made a name for himself with chart-topping singles like “See You Again” featuring Wiz Khalifa, and “Attention”. His debut single “Marvin Gaye” featuring Meghan Trainor also achieved significant success. He has also released several notable albums, including “Nine Track Mind” and “Voicenotes”, both of which produced hits such as “We Don’t Talk Anymore”. In 2022, he released his third studio album, “Charlie”.
In addition to his singing career, Puth is an accomplished songwriter, having collaborated with various artists, including Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo, and John Legend. His upcoming Macau concert is part of a tour that will also include performances in Kaohsiung, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo, making it an exciting opportunity for fans to indulge in his music and performance.
News Source: https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/charlie-puth-macau-concert-something-new-tour-2024-date-venue-ticket-prices-details/
(7) Nicholas Tse Goes All Out in Martial Arts and Fight Scenes for New Mobile Game
(Photo Credit: “Three Kingdoms Tactics”)
Nicholas Tse, renowned for his commitment to his acting roles, recently featured in a promotional video for the mobile game “Three Kingdoms Tactics” (三國志・戰略版). In the three-minute clip, Tse demonstrated a range of martial arts skills which showcased his lightning-fast movements as he wielded sticks and threw punches.
One of the highlights from the video featured Tse standing on a mountaintop, sipping from a glass and dramatically tossing it aside, embodying the theme of giving it his all.
Fans reacted positively to Tse’s performance, praising his style and commitment. Many took to social media to express their admiration, with comments praising his impressive presence and skill. Tse’s ability to go all out in both acting and advertising continues to captivate his audience.
News Source: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20240916/bkn-20240916000158814-0916_00862_001.html
(8) Jackie Chan Hong Kong Action Film ‘Project A’ is Coming to 4K and Blu-ray Soon
(Photo Credit: “The Project A Collection”)
Jackie Chan’s iconic martial arts films “Project A” and “Project A: Part II” are set to be released in the US on 15 October on home formats by distributor 88 Films. Fans can anticipate a deluxe limited-edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray and a Special Edition Blu-ray box set, both arriving on the same release date. This marks an exciting opportunity for audiences to experience these classic films in high definition.
In “Project A”, Chan portrays a hero who battles a band of pirates, leading him to form an unlikely alliance with a thief, a Navy admiral, and a police officer. The sequel, “Project A: Part II”, follows Chan as he goes undercover within the Hong Kong police force to investigate a corrupt police chief linked to organized crime. Both films feature a stellar cast, including Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, and are renowned for their elaborate stunts, particularly the memorable “Clock Tower Stunt” scene by Chan.
The upcoming limited-edition box set will include new artwork by Kung Fu Bob, a book with critical essays on both films, six replica lobby cards, and a double-sided foldout poster. Special features will include both the Hong Kong and extended Taiwan cuts of “Project A”, along with a new interview with stuntman Mars, archival interviews with the cast and crew, and newly translated subtitles, providing fans with a comprehensive viewing experience.
News Source: https://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2024/09/11/project-a-blu-ray/
(9) Chan Chi-chung Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with Josie Ho Post-Recovery as the Couple Shares Festive Photo
(Photo Credit: Official Instagram of Josie Ho)
Josie Ho, the daughter of the late gambling tycoon Stanley Ho, and her husband Chan Chi-chung have been happily married for over 20 years. In a recent online appearance on Carol Cheng’s show, Ho revealed that Chan suffered a severe accident in Australia at the end of 2022, resulting in a torn aorta. After enduring multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery, Chan is now back to good health.
Recently, the couple shared their joy on social media as they celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Chan appearing vibrant and healthy. This year’s festive celebration holds special significance for the couple as it marks the first Mid-Autumn Festival since Chan’s recovery. Fans flooded the post with well-wishes, expressing their hopes for the couple’s continued happiness and good health.
In a previous interview on the mainland program “Lu Yu Has a Date,” Ho praised her husband as innocent and pure, noting that her father had spoken highly of Chan’s character. Ho also revealed that Chan made significant sacrifices to be with her, including distancing himself from many female friends and turning down acting opportunities.
(10) Audemars Piguet Unveils “AP x Music 2024”
(Photo Credit: Tai Kwun)
Audemars Piguet is set to host the “AP x Music 2024” festival from 27 to 29 September at Tai Kwun in Central Hong Kong, merging the worlds of luxury watchmaking and musical artistry. This three-day event will feature immersive experiences, large-scale installations, and live performances that celebrate music’s universal language.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Audemars Piguet’s cultural heritage by creating their own musical compositions inspired by the sounds of Switzerland and Hong Kong. The festival will also include an immersive light and sound installation, to enhance the overall experience. In the evenings, the festival will transform into an open-air concert, showcasing local and international artists, including emerging talents from Asia such as Youngr and Mina Okabe.
In addition to outdoor performances, the festival will host energetic DJ parties indoors, featuring state-of-the-art audio and lighting technology. With a longstanding commitment to music, highlighted by collaborations with the Montreux Jazz Festival, Audemars Piguet aims to create a unique cultural celebration that is accessible to all.
News Source: https://hashtaglegend.com/audemars-piguet-unveils-ap-x-music-2024-a-cultural-symphony-in-hong-kong
