THE WAY WE DANCE delights audiences at 37th HKIFF world premiere

Young local director Adam WONG first caught attention with his 2004 feature debut

, and continued to champion the spirit of independent filmmaking with his low budget but critically acclaimed 2007 romantic comedy

, nominated for Best New Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Conceived in 2008, his latest work

is an empowering tale about aspiring street dancers and the courage to dream, taking audiences to different corners of Hong Kong, from college campuses to industrial buildings to public housing estates. Selected for the 37 th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the film had its world premiere tonight at Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Director Adam Wong, producers Saville CHAN and Roddy WONG, scriptwriter CHAN Tai-lee, composer Day TAI, choreographer Shing MAK, as well as cast members Cherry NGAN, Babyjohn, Lokman, Janice FAN and Tommy Guns Ly all attended the premiere and revealed behind-the-scenes stories.

Director Adam WONG spent three years auditioning over 500 dancers. He said, “I had the first burst of inspiration in the yard outside a convenience store near The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A few years back, I didn’t have my own office, and I used to hang out there with my partner to discuss our screenplays. Every now and then, a bunch of people would show up and start dancing. Later I realised that the school had stopped offering the dance group a place for rehearsals, and they decided to practice outdoors. That open space soon turned into a celebrated place for dance battles, where avid lovers of street dance from outside the school, even overseas, would come and join the fun. Their passion moves me deeply, and if youth means anything at all, it means the relentless pursuit of dreams that these young people best exemplify.”

Actress Cherry NGAN said, “This is my first time to play the female lead. While I certainly felt pressure, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with an inspirational cast and crew that whole-heartedly enjoyed the shooting. We were able to overcome challenges together precisely because we all loved and believed in this uplifting story. And we were lucky enough to have renowned break-dancer Tommy Guns come all the way from the States to join us for the project – seeing him dance is an eye-opening experience!” 

Running from 17 March to 2 April, the 37 th HKIFF screens over 300 titles from 68 countries and regions, 57 of which are world, international or Asian premieres. The full programme can be viewed at

www.hkiff.org.hk. Tickets are now available at

www.urbtix.hk online and all URBTIX outlets.