The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival will be held from June 12 to 21. The film “Act Four” will have its world premiere as the opening film of the festival.
“Act Four” begins with a dilemma: Owen, a once-glorious stage director, falls into depression after more than a decade of creative drought. His former lover, Su Manling, re-enters his life with old feelings, while his wife Tracy hovers on the edge of crossing boundaries. To regain his dignity, he decides to write, direct, and star in a new work. However, during the audition for the lead actress, he is deeply drawn to an amateur named Hannah, gradually sliding into a dangerous zone between drama and reality. As Owen must play the roles of “director,” “husband,” “former lover,” and “creator” under the gaze of four women, and as rehearsals become rehearsals for real life, the theater is no longer a sanctuary but a mirror revealing true faces.
Notably, this film was born from the “Passing the Torch Plan” launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Using government funding as leverage, the plan invites veteran filmmakers to collaborate with new directors, injecting institutional strength into the intergenerational transmission of Hong Kong cinema. As producer, a veteran filmmaker passed on decades of on-set experience and methodology to a newcomer director, who had deeply participated in the production of several films. The involvement of several actors gives the film both the lingering charm of Hong Kong cinema’s golden generation and the sharp edge of emerging talent.
On the opening day of the festival, the Shanghai Grand Cinema, built in 1928, will serve as a secondary venue, offering a combined viewing experience of “red carpet live broadcast + opening film screening.” After the screening, the cast will attend a meet-and-greet session, sharing behind-the-scenes stories with the audience face-to-face.
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of Asia’s most prestigious and influential film events, first established in 1993. It was founded to promote Chinese cinema globally and foster cultural exchange, and it quickly gained recognition from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Today, SIFF features competitive sections, premieres, and industry forums, attracting filmmakers and stars from around the world each June.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is the executive authority of Hong Kong, established on July 1, 1997, when the territory was handed over from British to Chinese sovereignty. It operates under the “one country, two systems” principle, which grants Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy while maintaining its common law legal system and capitalist economy. The government is led by the Chief Executive and oversees the region’s administration, including its legislative and judicial functions.
Shanghai Grand Cinema
The Shanghai Grand Cinema, originally built in 1933, is a historic landmark on Huaihai Road in Shanghai. It was one of China’s first modern cinemas and served as a cultural hub for film premieres and events, blending Art Deco architecture with local design elements. After renovations, it continues to operate as a major movie theater, reflecting the city’s cinematic heritage.
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of Asia
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of the most prestigious film events in Asia, first established in 1993. It was founded to promote cultural exchange and the development of the Chinese film industry, and it has since grown into a major international platform. The festival features competitive sections, such as the Golden Goblet Awards, and attracts filmmakers and stars from around the world each June.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is the executive authority of Hong Kong, established on July 1, 1997, following the handover of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China. It operates under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, which grants Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy while remaining part of China. The government is responsible for local affairs, including economic policy, law enforcement, and public services, while foreign relations and defense are managed by the central Chinese government.
Shanghai Grand Cinema
The Shanghai Grand Cinema, originally built in 1933, is a historic Art Deco landmark located on Huaihai Road in the city’s former French Concession. Designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec, it was one of China’s most luxurious and advanced movie theaters of its time, renowned for its excellent acoustics and elegant design. After undergoing renovations, it continues to operate as a major cinema and cultural venue, preserving a key piece of Shanghai’s cinematic heritage.
