To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) presents three editions of the programme series "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" in 2026. The second edition will screen six pivotal films selected by director Andrew Lau from his own career at the Cinema of the HKFA on September 5 and 6. Andrew Lau will also attend post-screening talks with film critic Thomas Shin or director Benny Lau to look back on his legendary filmmaking journey with audiences.
 
     Joining the Shaw Brothers in 1981 as a production assistant, Andrew Lau constantly observed different directors at work on set, studying lighting design and cinematography techniques. At the same time, he watched large quantities of film rushes, read books on cinematography. He continuously introduced and experimented with new shooting methods and techniques, thus rose in a short period to become a widely recognised outstanding cinematographer in the industry. In 1990, Andrew Lau directed his first feature film, formally establishing his dual identity as both director and cinematographer. He cemented his status as a leading commercial film director with the "Young and Dangerous" series in the late 1990s. Thereafter, he actively expanded into markets beyond Hong Kong, directing films such as "Daisy" (2006) in Korea and "The Founding of an Army" (2017) on the Chinese Mainland, continuing to create popular works with exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit.
 
     "Legendary Weapons of China" (1982), the first film in which Andrew Lau participated in its production, was directed and written by Lau Kar-leung. In the film, the three factions supported by the Boxers often battle one another, with its action sequences interspersed with numerous fantastical combat scenes. The main character, Lui Gung, played by Lau Kar-leung, is hunted by the Boxers and has to fight against his brother Lui Yung in a showdown in which they wield different kinds of Chinese weapons, and defeats all opponents with his authentic kung fu in the end.
 
     The classic kung fu comedy "Mr. Vampire" (1985) was Andrew Lau's breakthrough work as a cinematographer. The story follows a Taoist priest in repeated fierce battles against a vampire while his apprentice falls in love with a female ghost. In the scene where the female ghost floats from a sedan chair onto the young man's bicycle, Andrew Lau used over a hundred lights to illuminate the entire forest, combined with slow-motion photography and wire work, to visually create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere for this human-ghost romance.
 
     "City On Fire" (1987) tells the story of an undercover cop played by Chow Yun-fat who infiltrates a criminal gang and, in the process, develops a subtle bond of mutual respect with a gangster, played by Danny Lee. The film was directed by Ringo Lam, who, determined to innovate, clicked perfectly with Andrew Lau's unconventional approach to cinematography. From street shoots that tested their improvisation skills and extensive handheld camera work, to capturing colourful neon lights on high-speed film, Andrew Lau used his technique and sheer grit to inject a raw, urban vitality into the film.
 
     Directed by Wong Kar-wai, "As Tears Go By" (1988) tells the story of triad member Wah, played by Andy Lau, who, in order to save his sworn brother Fly, played by Jacky Cheung, is ultimately unable to end up with Ngor, played by Maggie Cheung. As cinematographer, Andrew Lau employed a more mature style and more layered imagery, capturing vividly the atmosphere of killing amid the city's neon lights, and the tranquil and romantic moments shared by Wah and Ngor away from the chaos of the outside world.
 
     Directed by Andrew Lau, "Young and Dangerous 3" (1996) is the third instalment in the film franchise. While the central plot revolves around triad rivalries, as the protagonist Chan Ho-nam inherits the territory of his predecessor, the story deliberately weaves in moral parables, reaffirming values such as respect for hierarchy and the triad codes of honour. Andrew Lau demonstrated highly efficient on-set direction when making the third instalment, deftly managing large group scenes and the dramatic tension of major set pieces at the same time, showing that his directorial skills had reached a high level of maturity.  
 
     Adapted from a comic series, "The Stormriders" (1998) chronicles the grievances and ultimate showdown between Wind, played by Ekin Cheng, Cloud, played by Aaron Kwok, and their master Lord Conqueror. The film marked Andrew Lau's first use of computer-generated imagery as a director. While exploring the technology, he repeatedly discussed character and scene designs with animation technicians, personally handling every detail. Drawing on his deep experience as a cinematographer, Andrew Lau successfully used computer-generated imagery to elevate the visuals of the original comic, establishing an important milestone for Hong Kong special-effects cinema.

     Tickets priced at $60 will be available from August 7 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please call 2739 2139 or visit the HKFA website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/andrew-lau-wai-keung/pe-event-2026-andrew-lau-wai-keung.html.

Ends/Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:20

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