Ann Hui Dismisses Film Market Slump Concerns, Advises Industry to Stay Positive for 30 Years Running
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago6 MIN
Summary
Veteran Hong Kong director Ann Hui has dismissed the widespread complaint about a struggling film market, telling the industry not to be discouraged and to maintain a positive attitude. Speaking at the premiere of "Welcome to Dragon Restaurant" on the evening of September 7, 2026, Hui shared her philosophy that while the external environment cannot be controlled, mindset can be changed . She also offered her thoughts on the rising AI trend in entertainment, suggesting it can serve as a helpful tool rather than a threat to actors' livelihoods when used wisely .
Key Points
- Director Ann Hui (許鞍華) attended the premiere of "Welcome to Dragon Restaurant" on September 7, 2026, joined by Derek Tsang, Rebecca Zhu, Toby Chan, Kevin Hui, Jin Yip, and Gu Peiling
- Ann Hui recently received the Camellia Award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, which she said makes her happier because she is now older and it feels more justified
- Hui stated that complaints about a poor film market have been circulating for 30 years, yet the industry has continued to make films, urging her peers not to be so depressed
- She encouraged filmmakers to find suitable topics and themes to shoot during slow periods, noting that large-scale productions are not the only viable option
- On AI technology, Hui mentioned a recent TV drama combining AI and real actors, saying she would not resist using AI and believes it could help with tasks like voice work while stressing that the technology will not completely replace traditional filmmaking
- Derek Tsang revealed he is currently experimenting with AI short drama production and recently completed the film "Tian Guang Xi" with producer Stanley Kwan, while the upcoming Chinese New Year production stars Leon Lai and Charlene Choi under producer Keith Tsui
Why It Matters
Hui's decades-long perspective challenges the prevailing pessimism in Hong Kong's film industry and offers a pragmatic roadmap for navigating both market downturns and technological disruption . As industry veterans like Ann Hui and Derek Tsang begin experimenting with AI tools, their public endorsement could ease anxieties among actors and crew while paving the way for more innovative local productions .
Hui's decades-long perspective challenges the prevailing pessimism in Hong Kong's film industry and offers a pragmatic roadmap for navigating both market downturns and technological disruption . As industry veterans like Ann Hui and Derek Tsang begin experimenting with AI tools, their public endorsement could ease anxieties among actors and crew while paving the way for more innovative local productions .