Hong Kong Film industry Shines at Berlin Film Festival and EFM 2026
Hong Kong is making a important impact at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival and European Film Market (EFM), showcasing a diverse slate of films and solidifying its position as a key player in the global film industry. Veteran producer Bill Kong is leading the charge with a strong lineup from his Edko Films banner, including sequels, comedies, and thought-provoking dramas.
edko Films’ Diverse Slate at EFM
Bill Kong, renowned for his work on Oscar-winning films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and Zhang Yimou’s “Hero,” is presenting four commercial titles at the EFM. This demonstrates Hong Kong’s continued creative output and its ability to attract international attention.
“Cold War” Franchise Continues
Two sequels to the popular “Cold War” franchise, “Cold War 1994” and “Cold War 1995,” are among the highlights. Directed by Longman Leung and produced by Kong alongside Ivy ho, these films delve into a high-stakes kidnapping case and the political complexities surrounding the 1997 handover of Hong Kong.The films star Daniel Wu and Terrance Lau, with “Cold War 1994” currently in post-production.
Comedy and Drama Offerings
Edko Films is also showcasing “Night King,” a comedy-drama directed by Jack Ng. Starring Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng, the film centers on a divorced couple who must reunite to save their struggling nightclub. The story unfolds as a antagonistic takeover threatens their business, forcing them to collaborate with their hostesses in a final stand against a powerful conglomerate.
“Unidentified Murder” – A New Voice in Hong Kong Cinema
“Unidentified Murder,” a comedy-drama marking the directorial debut of Jack Lee Chun Kit (co-directed with Kwok Ka Hei),offers a unique narrative. the film follows an influencer couple whose staged prank takes a tragic turn, unraveling a mystery involving a decades-old child disappearance. The cast includes Ling Man Lung, Renci Yeung, and Peter Chan charm Man.
“Panda” Selected for Berlinale Forum
The Singapore-Hong Kong co-production “Panda,” directed by Zhang Xinyang, has been selected for the prestigious Forum section of the Berlin Film Festival. This selection underscores the growing collaboration between Singapore and Hong Kong in film production. The film explores themes of trauma, redemption, and “Chineseness” through a blend of classical literature and magical realism.Zhang Xinyang, a recipient of Jia Zhangke’s Next Talent Project scholarship in 2019, describes the film as an exploration of how “beauty is a means for us to resist alienation.”
A Long Journey to Recognition
“Panda” has garnered recognition through several film festivals, including winning awards at the Changjiang river Youth Film Festival, the Chongqing Youth Film Festival, and the HiShorts! Film Festival. It also received the Juries’ choice award at the Shanghai International Film festival’s Project Market in 2024. Producer Guo Xiao-Dong expressed honor at being the only Chinese film selected for the berlinale Forum, praising Zhang xinyang as a rising star in Chinese cinema.
Further Hong Kong Presence at EFM
Beyond Edko Films, Entertaining Power Co. is also contributing to Hong Kong’s presence at the EFM with “Pass and Goal,” a family drama directed by Jil Wong Pak Kei. The film stars Gigi Leung as a financial consultant who mentors a youth soccer team, and also features Rondi Chan, Sahal Zaman, and Chan charm Man.
Looking Ahead
The strong showing of Hong Kong films at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival and EFM signals a vibrant future for the industry. With a diverse range of projects and talented filmmakers, Hong Kong continues to be a significant force in international cinema, fostering collaborations and pushing creative boundaries.