Go to HKU Hosts Full-House Screening and Post-Screening Discussion of The Mage

HKU Hosts Full-House Screening and Post-Screening Discussion of The Mage

2026-10-07

On October 5, 2026, an HKU-exclusive screening and discussion of The Mage drew a full house at the Wang Gungwu Lecture Hall. Organised by the Faculty of Arts (HKUArts) with the support of 852 Films, the event attracted students, staff, alumni, and members of the community, reflecting a strong public interest in Hong Kong cinema and the creative industries.

Produced by 852 Films and directed by the Pang brothers, Danny Pang and Oxide Pang, The Mage is a compelling fusion of supernatural horror and crime. The film premiered internationally at the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, where its lead actress, Ms. Josie Ho, received the Best Fantastic Icon Award. The Mage recently opened the Midnight Passion section of the Bangkok International Film Festival, becoming the first Hong Kong film to receive this honour. The film will next be showcased at the Sitges Collection of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia in Spain, before screening at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival.

Following the screening, a post-screening panel discussion took place. Speakers included Ms. Josie Ho, founder of 852 Films and lead actress of The Mage; Mr. Conroy Chan, the film’s producer; and Dr. Iman Taheri, who makes his acting debut in the film. The panel and follow-up Q&A session were moderated by Mr. Roy Chow, Senior Professional Practitioner at HKUArts.

During the panel, our speakers offered valuable insights into the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, covering topics such as storytelling, acting, production processes, and the evolving landscape of the film industry. The speakers also encouraged students to embrace new opportunities, learn from setbacks, and persevere in the face of challenges. They expressed their appreciation for the creativity and quality of projects produced by HKUArts students, noting the growing demand for innovative talent within the film and creative sectors. The panel concluded with an enthusiastic question-and-answer session, where audience members engaged in a lively discussion with the speakers, providing attendees with the opportunity to interact directly with the crew of The Mage and share their reflections on the film.

This event marked the launch of a new partnership between HKUArts and 852 Films under the Arts Industry Bridge initiative. The collaboration aims to enrich students’ learning experiences by creating meaningful opportunities for industry engagement and career development.

As part of this partnership, HKU students can look forward to an exclusive masterclass led by Ms. Josie Ho, which offers further opportunities to learn from leading practitioners in the film industry.

For media enquiries, please contact the Faculty of Arts at artscomm@hku.hk.

Photo source: 852 Films