*The Last Dance* becomes highest-grossing Hong Kong film

Hong Kong's film industry is bouncing back after the pandemic, with locally produced movies achieving record box office sales. One notable success is Emperor Motion Pictures' "The Last Dance," which became the highest-grossing Hong Kong film of all time since its release in November 2024, earning over $20 million. The film has also performed well internationally, particularly in the UK and Malaysia. On April 4, a director's cut will be released in several regions, which is expected to boost its earnings even further. Additionally, "The Last Dance" leads the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards with 18 nominations. Directed by Anselm Chan, the film is about a wedding planner and a Taoist priest who start a funeral business. It explores themes of family, death, and cultural traditions while keeping a humorous tone, especially with performances by comedians Dayo Wong and Michael Hui. Cecil Yow, COO of Emperor Motion Pictures, emphasized that successful films need relatable characters rather than just flashy special effects. He noted how the film's themes resonate with audiences, reflecting changing preferences in Hong Kong cinema. Despite the success of "The Last Dance," overall box office sales in Hong Kong fell by 6% in 2024 due to factors like streaming popularity and a struggling economy. Yow believes that there is still an audience for theatrical releases, but filmmakers must focus on meaningful and relatable stories. He acknowledges that exploring new ideas can be risky, especially in uncertain economic conditions. However, the reactions to "The Last Dance" suggest that viewers are craving more depth in storytelling. Looking ahead, Emperor Motion Pictures plans to develop more films that deliver strong messages and feature a compelling cast. While they still have big-budget action films in production, they aim to balance these with comedies that also carry substance. Yow also expressed interest in international collaborations, particularly with talent in Taiwan and potential partnerships in Europe.