Hong Kong's iconic shopping mall apm, under Sun Hung Kai Properties, recently marked a significant milestone—its 20th anniversary. To celebrate, the mall has organized a series of events, kicking off with an impressive "AI Mechanical Technology Showcase" in mid-March. The festivities continued with a star-studded premiere for the highly anticipated financial crime film "Goldfinger" on May 6, 2025, which attracted a massive crowd of fans eager to support their favorite stars.
Among those in attendance at the premiere were the film's leading actor, Andy Lau, and director Felix Chong, alongside Simon Yam. The event drew hundreds of fans, filling the mall to capacity as they gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars. Sun Hung Kai Properties executive director Woon Chi-yan also graced the occasion, raising a toast with the film's production team to commemorate both the mall's anniversary and the film's anticipated success.
"Goldfinger," which will officially hit theaters in Hong Kong on May 8, 2025, has already made waves in mainland China, grossing over 1.4 billion RMB since its release on May 1, 2025. This impressive box office performance has set high expectations for its debut in Hong Kong.
During the premiere, Andy Lau shared some humorous anecdotes about his personal life. He revealed that his 12-year-old daughter, Lau Hiu-Man, often boasts to her classmates about her famous father, but they find it hard to believe. "When asked if she wanted me to prove it, I just thought it was fun," Lau said with a chuckle. He and his wife, Carol Chu, have maintained a low profile regarding their daughter's life, ensuring she has her own space away from the limelight.
At the premiere, Lau expressed gratitude for the support he receives from his fans, who span a wide age range—from babies to seniors in their 90s. He remarked, "It's a wonderful feeling to see families come together to support me. It feels surreal." He also reflected on the challenges brought about by the pandemic in 2020, which allowed him more time to spend with his daughter, including helping her with online courses. "Even as a good father, I sometimes lose my patience," Lau admitted, recalling moments of frustration during their study sessions.
Simon Yam, another prominent figure at the premiere, took the opportunity to clarify the proper spelling of his name, insisting that the character '士' should be used. His humorous remarks lightened the mood among the attendees.
In addition to the premiere, Lau hinted at his future plans in the film industry. He expressed his desire to continue investing in movies, albeit with a more modest budget of around 4 to 5 million HKD each. He emphasized the importance of creativity over capital, stating, "I want to avoid letting finances dictate my artistic vision. I plan to work with new directors and actors to invigorate the industry."
As the Hong Kong film industry faces challenges, Lau remains optimistic. He humorously remarked, "If it's a cold winter, I'll just wear a down jacket and keep going!" His commitment to supporting local talent and fostering creativity within the industry is evident.
The premiere of "Goldfinger" not only showcased the film but also highlighted the enduring appeal of Andy Lau, a figure who has been a staple in the Hong Kong entertainment scene for over 40 years. His ability to connect with fans, both young and old, speaks to his status as a beloved cultural icon.
As the celebrations at apm continue, the mall's management is hopeful that the combination of star power and community engagement will keep the spirit of the anniversary alive. With a lineup of exciting events planned, including film screenings and interactive activities, apm is set to remain a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists alike.
In conclusion, as Andy Lau and his colleagues continue to pave the way for future generations of filmmakers and actors, their dedication to the craft and to their fans remains unwavering. With the success of "Goldfinger" and the ongoing celebrations at apm, the future looks bright for Hong Kong's film industry.
