The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards celebrated the action thriller “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” on Sunday, as the film dominated the ceremony by capturing eight prestigious awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
The movie, which chronicles the gritty landscape of Kowloon Walled City in the 1990s, has resonated powerfully with audiences, drawing 1.59 million viewers since its May 2024 premiere and breaking box office records.
The film’s international acclaim is noteworthy, having been shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival and selected as Hong Kong’s representative for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
While “Twilight of the Warriors” stole the spotlight, “The Last Dance” also made significant waves, securing five awards despite initially leading with 18 nominations. Actress Michelle Wai Sze-nga claimed her first Best Actress award, while Anselm Chan Mou-yin and Cheng Wai-kei won Best Screenplay.
The ceremony unfolded against a challenging backdrop for Hong Kong’s film industry, marked by declining cinema attendance and widespread theater closures. Industry leaders continue to explore strategies to reinvigorate the sector by leveraging the city’s rich cinematic heritage.
In a notable recognition of emerging talent, Hong Kong-born British filmmaker Robin Lee won Best New Director for his documentary “Four Trails,” which explores an ultramarathon traversing the city’s four hiking trails spanning 298 kilometers.
The awards ceremony not only celebrated artistic achievement but also signaled the resilience of Hong Kong’s film community in challenging times.
