China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 26 Week of 25 November 2024
(1) Golden Horse Awards: Hong Kong’s Chung Suet Ying Crowned Best Actress
Hong Kong actress Chung Suet Ying won Best Leading Actress at the 61st Golden Horse Awards for her role in “The Way We Talk,” where she celebrated the support of the hearing-impaired community during her acceptance speech.
(2) Taiwan Celebrates Historic Win at World Baseball Championship
The Chinese Taipei national baseball team made history by defeating Japan 4-0 to win the WBSC Premier12 championship, marking Taiwan’s first title in a senior international tournament and ending Japan’s 27-game winning streak.
(3) Angelababy Shines at Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association’s “VIRTUOSE: The Art of Haute Couture”
Angelababy dazzled at the recent Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association’s haute couture show, “VIRTUOSE: The Art of Haute Couture”.
(4) Black Myth: Wukong Takes Top Prize at Awards Gala
China’s first AAA video game, “Black Myth: Wukong”, won Ultimate Game of the Year and Best Visual Design at the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards, outpacing competitors like “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth”.
(5) Donnie Yen Inspires Young Filmmakers at Asia-Pacific Youth Micro Movie Festival 2024
The “Asia-Pacific Youth Micro Movie Festival 2024” opened in Tsim Sha Tsui with Donnie Yen as ambassador, who urged young filmmakers to embrace hard work and creativity despite industry challenges.
(6) Sir Alex Ferguson’s Star Horse Set to Chase Another Massive Payday in £4 million Hong Kong Race
Sir Alex Ferguson’s racehorse Spirit Dancer, fresh from a win in Bahrain, will compete in the £4 million Hong Kong Cup on 8 December, joined by rivals like The Foxes and Dubai Honour.
(7) Govt Unveils Arts and Culture Industry Blueprint
The Hong Kong government has launched a “Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development,” featuring 71 initiatives to enhance cultural exchange and other objectives.
(8) Hong Kong Studio to Draw on Panda Economy with New Character IP
Hong Kong art studio AllRightsReserved is launching characters inspired by the city’s giant pandas in the “Panda Go! Fest HK” initiative by offering free intellectual property rights to the government and Ocean Park.
(9) Confusion Erupts on Weibo Following “Jackie Chan’s Sudden Death” Misunderstanding
A recent wave of confusion on Weibo mistakenly linked the death of South Korean comedian Sung Yong, who shares the Chinese name “成龍” with Jackie Chan, leading to widespread alarm before his channel “Threecombo” confirmed the news and urged privacy for his family.
(10) Movie Fest in Australia Opens Doors to China Cooperation
The Australia China International Film Festival, which ended last Thursday in Adelaide, showcased collaboration between Chinese and Australian filmmakers and promoted cultural exchange.
(11) Raymond Lam’s Giant Oil Advert at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Set to Rival Osaka’s Running Man Attraction
Raymond Lam has recently featured in a local Chinese themed oil brand advertisement, akin to Japan’s “Glico Running Man”, that could become a cultural landmark in Hong Kong.
(12) Ballaholic Hong Kong Celebrates Two Years of Street Basketball Culture
Ballaholic Hong Kong celebrated its two-year anniversary with a new “red, white, and blue” collection and the “3on3 STREET” qualifiers, featuring streetball star Keita Suzuki and exclusive limited edition T-shirts at its flagship store.
(1) Golden Horse Awards: Hong Kong’s Chung Suet Ying Crowned Best Actress
(Photo Credit: CNA)
Hong Kong actress Chung Suet Ying received the Best Leading Actress award at the 61st Golden Horse Awards on Saturday for her role in “The Way We Talk” (看我今天怎麼說), a heartfelt film that delves into the love, friendship, and challenges faced by deaf individuals. In the film, Chung plays Sophie, a deaf character seeking to engage with the hearing world through a cochlear implant.
In her acceptance speech, Chung conveyed her hopes for her character to motivate those encountering difficulties to chase their dreams and discover new possibilities. In particular, she went on to use sign language on stage to express gratitude to the hearing-impaired community in Hong Kong for their invaluable support in integrating sign language into the film, and stressed that their contributions were essential for its completion. Chung’s win marked her first Golden Horse victory, triumphing over notable competitors including previous winners Sylvia Chang and Sandra Ng.
The Golden Horse Awards, often dubbed the Chinese-language Oscars, rank among the most prestigious film events in the Chinese-speaking realm. Amongst other awards, acclaimed director Lou Ye received the Best Director award for his docu-drama “An Unfinished Film”, which also won Best Picture, while Zhang Zhiyong took home the Best Actor award for his performance in the same-sex drama “Bel Ami.”
News Source: https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202411240001
(2) Taiwan Celebrates Historic Win at World Baseball Championship
(Photo Credit: CNA)
In a groundbreaking achievement for Taiwanese baseball, the Chinese Taipei national team secured a 4-0 victory against Japan to win the WBSC Premier12 championship, marking Taiwan’s first title in a senior international baseball tournament. This momentous win has captivated global audiences and is hailed as a defining moment in the country’s sports history.
The game was tightly contested until the fifth inning, when catcher Lin Chia-Cheng hit a solo home run, followed by captain Chen Chieh-Hsien’s three-run homer, which established a commanding lead for Taiwan. The team’s pitching staff, including Lin Yu-Min, Chang Yi, Chen Kuan-Yu, and Lin Kai-Wei, held Japan to just four hits and no runs throughout the match.
Lin Yu-Min’s exceptional performance, along with Chen Chieh-Hsien’s impressive .625 batting average, earned Chen the tournament’s “Most Valuable Player” award. This victory not only snapped Japan’s 27-game international winning streak but also brought substantial financial rewards amounting to NT$300 million. The win signifies a new era for Taiwanese baseball as it inspires fans and reinforces the country’s presence on the global baseball stage.
News Source: https://taiwanenglishnews.com/taiwan-celebrates-historic-win-at-world-baseball-championship/#google_vignette
(3) Angelababy Shines at Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association’s “VIRTUOSE: The Art of Haute Couture”
(Photo Credit: am730)
The Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association held a stunning haute couture fashion show, “VIRTUOSE: The Art of Haute Couture,” at The Henderson in Central on Friday night. The event featured a star-studded guest list, including Karen Mok, Angelababy, international supermodel Coco Rocha, and local celebrities such as Kathy Chow and Qiqi.
Angelababy, who has recently faced controversy following her alleged attendance at a cabaret show in France, dazzled in a black high-slit evening gown on the evening. Moreover, Angelababy was honored with the “Ten Best Fashion Visionaries Award” for her contributions to fashion. In her remarks, Angelababy expressed her passion for fashion and excitement about continuing to influence the industry despite recent challenges.
Meanwhile, actress Chan Ying also graced the runway in a blue gown. She expressed her joy at returning to modeling after overcoming height-related obstacles, and noted that this event provided a refreshing experience compared to her previous visits to Paris Fashion Week, which highlights the distinctive charm of the Hong Kong fashion scene.
News Source: https://www.nmplus.hk/entertainment/%e9%a6%99%e6%b8%af%e6%99%82%e5%b0%9a-%e5%90%8d%e4%ba%ba%e6%b4%bb%e5%8b%95-%e9%ab%98%e7%b4%9a%e8%a8%82%e8%a3%bd%e6%9c%8d-aplt2-1255043/
(4) Black Myth: Wukong Takes Top Prize at Awards Gala
(Photo Credit: Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn)
China’s first AAA video game, “Black Myth: Wukong,” made headlines at the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards by winning both the Ultimate Game of the Year and Best Visual Design awards. Inspired by the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West”, the game outshone notable rivals, including “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” and “Silent Hill 2”, at the ceremony held in London on Thursday.
Since its inception in 1983, the Golden Joystick Awards have honored excellence in the gaming industry, with this year’s event witnessing over 12 million votes across 21 categories. In his acceptance speech, Feng Ji, the founder and CEO of Game Science, expressed his appreciation for the accolades and underscored the cultural importance of the game.
Launched on 20 August, “Black Myth: Wukong” achieved remarkable success, selling around 20 million copies in its first month, making it one of the fastest-selling titles in gaming history. With a peak player count exceeding 2 million on Steam and a stellar rating of 9.6 out of 10 from a reviewer, the game has garnered significant acclaim. Feng also teased upcoming surprises from Game Science, as he invited gamers to stay engaged for future announcements.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202411/23/WS674117c0a310f1265a1cf2b6.html
(5) Donnie Yen Inspires Young Filmmakers at Asia-Pacific Youth Micro Movie Festival 2024
(Photo Credit: East Week)
The “Asia-Pacific Youth Micro Movie Festival 2024” kicked off recently at the Golden Harvest Grand Ocean Cinema in Tsim Sha Tsui, with renowned actor Donnie Yen serving as the ambassador and guest of honor. In his address at the event, Yen shared key insights on entering the film industry, as he emphasised on the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams.
In his sharing, Yen described the film industry as a powerful platform for unity and stressed the need for fresh creativity from young talents. He acknowledged the challenges of breaking into the field but expressed optimism as he saw courage and passion in the young microfilm creators present. He encouraged those who dream to enter the industry to remain committed to their aspirations, and noted that both microfilms and larger productions require significant dedication and resources.
In addition to Yen’s sharing, the festival includes a rich lineup of events designed to celebrate emerging filmmakers, such as panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. These activities aim to connect young creators with industry professionals and provide them with valuable insights into the filmmaking process. By showcasing innovative works from various countries, the festival seeks to inspire the next generation of filmmakers to tell their unique stories and engage with pressing social issues.
(6) Sir Alex Ferguson’s Star Horse Set to Chase Another Massive Payday in £4 million Hong Kong Race
(Photo credit: Sports Buddy)
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former manager of Manchester United, is an avid racehorse owner. Recently, his renowned racehorse, Spirit Dancer, is gearing up for his next challenge in Hong Kong after a triumphant performance in the Bahrain International Trophy. The seven-year-old, trained by Richard Fahey, secured this prestigious title for the second year running as it elevates his career earnings to over £2 million. Spirit Dancer is now poised to participate in the highly anticipated £4 million Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on 8 December.
Joining Spirit Dancer in the Hong Kong Cup will be Andrew Balding’s The Foxes, who was recently added to the lineup following his impressive victory in the Listed Churchill Stakes at Newcastle. Additionally, Dubai Honour is set to compete in the £2.4 million Hong Kong Vase, while Marco Botti’s Giavellotto prepares for the same event after placing third in the Irish St Leger.
Andrew Harding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club expressed excitement for the upcoming races by referring the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races as a key event on the global racing calendar. With a roster of 56 top-tier horses from around the globe, Harding emphasized the commitment to excellence in the sport and the thrilling competition expected on 8 December, which is set to be a remarkable day of racing in Hong Kong.
News Source: https://www.thesun.ie/sport/14221251/sir-alex-ferguson-horse-spirit-dancer-hong-kong/
(7) Govt Unveils Arts and Culture Industry Blueprint
(Photo Credit: RTHK)
The Hong Kong government has announced a comprehensive initiative aimed at establishing the city as a global cultural exchange center. The “Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development” outlines four primary objectives, namely: promoting Chinese culture, developing a variety of creative industries, enhancing platforms for cultural exchange, and refining the ecosystem that supports these sectors. The plan encompasses 71 initiatives, with approximately half already in progress and the remainder scheduled to begin next year.
The administration aims to increase the economic impact of creative industries from HK$122 billion in 2022 to HK$200 billion by 2034, while also raising employment in these sectors from over 220,000 to 264,000. Speaking at the press conference, Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Kevin Yeung noted that the blueprint is intended to evolve in response to societal and industry developments.
Moreover, notable initiatives include the creation of a museum in the Northern Metropolis, which aims to showcase local artists’ works in government facilities, and to promote Hong Kong’s pop culture on an international scale. Additionally, the blueprint calls for a reassessment of funding mechanisms for arts organizations to foster innovation and sustainability, all of which demonstrates the importance of community engagement in the growth of the arts and culture sector.
News Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1780865-20241126.htm
(8) Hong Kong Studio to Draw on Panda Economy with New Character IP
(Photo Credit: AllRightsReserved)
AllRightsReserved, a local art studio in Hong Kong, is making waves in the “panda economy” by introducing a new line of characters inspired by the city’s six giant pandas. These characters, under the initiative “Panda Go! Fest HK” , will be showcased through exhibitions and merchandise. The studio has offered the intellectual property rights to the Hong Kong government and Ocean Park for free, while requiring other businesses to obtain permission and pay an annual royalty fee of approximately 6% for commercial use.
Founder Lam Shu-kam pointed out the widespread affection for giant pandas, as he spoke about the studio’s goal of promoting animal sustainability. This project comes on the heels of Ocean Park’s pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, which gave birth to a pair of twin cubs back in August. The new characters will embody the bears’ unique characteristics, including long eyelashes and their signature black eye patches.
In addition to character promotion, AllRightsReserved plans to host an exhibition featuring 2,500 panda sculptures crafted from recycled plastic at various sites throughout December – an initiative that aims to raise awareness for panda conservation while engaging the local community. As the park gears up for a busy month with the introduction of the new pandas An An and Ke Ke, experts suggest that further partnerships could enhance the overall panda-themed experience in Hong Kong.
News Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3287936/hong-kong-studio-draw-panda-economy-new-character-ip
(9) Confusion Erupts on Weibo Following “Jackie Chan’s Sudden Death” Misunderstanding
(Photo Credit: Sing Tao Headline)
A recent surge of alarm on Weibo regarding “Jackie Chan’s sudden death” has led to widespread confusion, which ultimately turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. In fact, the trending news referred to Sung Yong, a 35-year-old South Korean comedian known for his work with the YouTube channel “Threecombo”, and not the iconic martial artist Jackie Chan – the confusion arose as both Sung Yong and Jackie Chan share the same Chinese name (“成龍”) which had stirred concerns across the internet. Sung Yong’s passing was confirmed by the channel on November 22, just days after he had appeared in one of the videos.
The mix-up was particularly striking given Sung Yong’s recent engagement with his audience, which left many netizens shocked and distressed. Founded in 2018, ‘Threecombo’ has gained popularity for its comedic content, though it has unexpectedly found itself at the center of this recent misinformation storm.
In response to the outpouring of tributes for Sung Yong, ‘Threecombo’ has appealed for privacy and urged the public to avoid speculation about the circumstances of his death. Instead, they encourage fans to focus on celebrating his contributions to comedy.
(10) Movie Fest in Australia Opens Doors to China Cooperation
(Photo Credit: Xinhua)
The Australia China International Film Festival wrapped up on last Thursday in Adelaide as it showcased a range of films, including the historical drama “The Last Emperor’s Secret”, which delves into China’s imperial history and its contemporary implications. This selection aimed to enhance Australian viewers’ understanding of modern Chinese culture.
During the opening ceremony, Li Dong, the Chinese Consul-General in Adelaide, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange through film. Meanwhile, Tony Coombs, CEO of Harvest Pictures Group, highlighted how storytelling can bridge cultural divides and encourage collaboration between filmmakers from Australia and China.
The festival also spotlighted emerging filmmakers, which provided a valuable platform for new talent alongside seasoned directors. Speaking about the special event, chairperson of the festival Yu Lu expressed pride in the varied lineup, and recognised the event’s role as a bridge of friendship and cultural dialogue between the two nations.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202411/25/WS6743bf28a310f1265a1cf4aa.html
(11) Raymond Lam’s Giant Oil Advert at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Set to Rival Osaka’s Running Man Attraction
(Photo Credit: AM730)
Raymond Lam, the Hong Kong singer and actor, and Tony Wu, also an actor have collaborated with radio DJ Bonnie Wong on a vibrant advertisement for a popular oil brand which embraces a lively local Chinese theme. Notably, the commercial features a martial arts sequences, with Lam posing as a flying eagle with dramatic, fiery wings, making it a visually striking image.
Recently, large posters for the advertisement have been displayed throughout the city, including a massive billboard at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry. This bold imagery has drawn attention and sparked discussions among viewers, many of whom see it as a potential new attraction in Hong Kong, reminiscent of the famous “Glico Running Man” in Osaka which has long been one of the most popular photo spots in Japan, and has thus added a playful twist to the oil brand’s advertisement.
Fans are hopeful that this advertisement will become a must-visit photo spot, much like its Japanese counterpart. With its engaging design and dynamic performances, the advertisement may potentially transform into a popular cultural landmark in the city.
News Source: https://www.am730.com.hk/%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/%E6%9E%97%E5%B3%AF%E5%B7%A8%E5%9E%8B%E8%97%A5%E6%B2%B9%E5%BB%A3%E5%91%8A%E7%8F%BE%E5%A4%A9%E6%98%9F%E7%A2%BC%E9%A0%AD-%E6%9C%89%E6%9C%9B%E6%8C%91%E6%88%B0%E5%BF%83%E9%BD%8B%E6%A9%8B%E8%B7%91%E8%B7%91%E4%BA%BA/510165
(12) Ballaholic Hong Kong Celebrates Two Years of Street Basketball Culture
(Photo Credit: Ballaholic)
Ballaholic Hong Kong has championed street basketball by engaging local communities through competitions and events. Their “blhlc HKG” City Edition initiative not only brings streetball excitement to players but also aims to create opportunities for them on the international stage, with each item in the collection telling a unique story of the city.
To commemorate its two-year anniversary, Ballaholic has launched a special collection inspired by the “red, white, and blue” colors, featuring designs that blend traditional elements with modern flair. The jerseys display the number “2” and “GAME TIME,” to symbolise the brand’s future plans for the 2024-25 season for the brand.
In addition, Ballaholic has hosted the men’s open “3on3 STREET” qualifiers at Yee Wo Street Park last weekend, where top teams competed for a chance to advance to the Hong Kong regional finals in February 2025. Renowned Japanese streetball player Keita Suzuki also showed up to the event and joined in for a “1v1 JAM SESSION,” offering fans an exciting glimpse into the unique style of street basketball. To celebrate the event, limited edition anniversary T-shirts are available exclusively at Ballaholic’s flagship store, along with the new blhlc HKG Oval Logo Tee previously announced at the Hypefest show.
News Source: https://hypebeast.com/hk/2024/11/ballaholic-hong-kong-2nd-anniversary
