The 19th Hong Kong Asian Film Festival closing ceremony was held on Nov 13, with Lost Love selected as one of its closing films.
During the ceremony, Hong Kong star Sammi Cheng – who led the film as a foster mother – revealed that she received no pay for the movie.
But this wasn’t a case of mistreatment nor abuse. In fact, the 50-year-old willingly shot the movie for free because she wanted to support director Ka Sing Fung who was new in the film industry.
“I’ve always wondered how I could give back to Hong Kong films as they have given me plenty of opportunities; which is why when I stumbled upon this opportunity to help out a new director, I decided to act for free,” she explained.
Aside from helping a newcomer in the business, the film’s script and “moving” storyline also prompted Cheng to work for free, according to HK01.
“When I was shooting the film, I could really feel the love and pain of a mother. It really teaches you to cherish a mother’s love,” she said.
When asked by Hong Kong media if she hopes to to win awards for the film, Cheng responded that “giving recognition to the new director” was more meaningful.
Cheng added that she is willing to help new directors in Hong Kong and act for free provided she has a good script and character.
Lost Love is a story about a couple who applied to be foster parents for a group of children going through difficult moments in life.
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