Cinema as a Shared Language: Celebrating Hong Kong Cinema at TIFF 2026
Written by Fête Chinoise Editorial team
Photography: CCIDAHK, Fête Chinoise Ediotrial Team (Deborah Lau-Yu, Kayla lO)
On the evening of September 13th during the Toronto International Film Festival 2026, international film talents, industry leaders, and platform partners gathered at Malaparte at TIFF Lightbox for Hong Kong Night at TIFF 2026. The evening brought together global creators to celebrate Hong Kong cinema and its expanding footprint on the international stage.
From left: Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, Mr Bill WONG; director and acclaimed actress Fala CHEN; Head of Film Promotion Services of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Ms Irene YUEN; Suet-Ying CHUNG, lead actress of WE ARE BORN GOOD; and Leung-chueng YEUNG, director of WE ARE BORN GOOD.
The cinematic highlight of the evening was a spotlight on We Are Born Good, which was selected for TIFF’s competitive Discovery programme. Directed by debut filmmaker Leung-chuen Yeung and starring award-winning actors Suet-ying Chung and Wai-lun Yeung, the film captivated guests with its poignant, witty exploration of modern daily pressures and shared morality. Set against the iconic backdrop of Hong Kong’s Cha Chaan Tengs (traditional tea restaurants), the story uses a humble takeaway order to explore human connection—a setting and theme that readers and film lovers from all over the world can instantly relate to.
Leung Chuen Yeung and Suet Ying Chung speaking with Fête Chinoise.
Throughout the night, conversations naturally centred around the power of international collaboration. Actress and director Fala Chen shared her vision for fostering future co-productions between Hong Kong and global creative partners to help East Asian stories resonate even further with international audiences.
Fala Chen during media interviews.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance was acclaimed director, producer, and actress Sylvia Chang, who served on the prestigious TIFF Platform Competition jury this year, alongside director Feng-I Fiona Roan (Happily Ever After, The American Girl). We also had the pleasure of connecting with the Vancouver-based cast and crew of Rags 2 Richmond, as well as many esteemed Canadian producers who continue to pave the way for cross-Pacific artistic exchanges.
TIFF 2026 Platform Judge Sylvia Chang with Fête Chinoise Editor-in-Chief Deborah Lau-Yu.
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey with Fête Chinoise Editor-in-Chief Deborah Lau-Yu.
Rags 2 Richmond Crew with Fête Chinoise Editor-in-Chief Deborah Lau-Yu.
Rag 2 Richmond crew speaking with Fête Chinoise.
Director Leung-chueng YEUNG shares his experience of making WE ARE BORN GOOD at its Toronto International Film Festival premiere.
From left: Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey and Head of Film Promotion Services of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Ms Irene YUEN
The “Hong Kong Night” hosted by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) at the Toronto International Film Festival promotes international exchange and raises the profile of Hong Kong cinema and culture on the global stage.
The “Hong Kong Night” hosted by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) at the Toronto International Film Festival brought together 400 international film industry professionals, fostering exchange and promoting Hong Kong cinema and culture internationally.
Hong Kong film WE ARE BORN GOOD has its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, followed by a Q&A with director Leung-chueng YEUNG and lead actress Suet-Ying CHUNG.
Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey attends “Hong Kong Night” and exchanges views with director Leung-chueng YEUNG and Suet-Ying CHUNG.
Filmmakers from different countries gather at “Hong Kong Night” to exchange ideas and learn more about Hong Kong cinema and culture.
“Hong Kong Night” provides a platform for Hong Kong cinema and culture to connect with the international film community at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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