On August 5, the Hong Kong International Film Festival abruptly canceled the scheduled screenings of the Taiwanese family-oriented film “Family Matters” due to the reason that the film did not meet the modification requirements of the Hong Kong Film, Newspaper and Article Administration Bureau. Taiwanese director Chen Wenbin criticized the decision, questioning what exactly needed to be modified and suggesting that scenes featuring Lam Wai Wah, who starred in “Zero Day Attack,” would need to be completely cut in order to be screened under the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party.
The “Summer International Film Festival” organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Association was set to kick off on the 13th, with two screenings of the Taiwanese film “Family Matters” originally planned for the 16th and 18th of this month. However, on August 5, the organizers suddenly announced on their Facebook page that “Family Matters” did not meet the “modification requirements” of the film bureau, leading to the cancellation of the screenings. They also mentioned that ticket-holders would receive full refunds, excluding handling fees and ticket delivery service charges.
Some internet users commented on the post, with one criticizing the festival and suggesting it should focus on showcasing blockbuster films from the Greater Bay Area instead. Others, possibly from outside Hong Kong, questioned whether Hong Kong has fallen to the extent of censorship of speech.
Speculation arose that the cancellation of “Family Matters” by the Hong Kong organizers may be related to Lam Wai Wah’s role in the film “Zero Day Attack.”
“Zero Day Attack” centers around the theme of the Chinese Communist Party’s invasion of Taiwan, weaving in topics of communist infiltration and united front strategies, shedding light on the political and social crises Taiwan may face, garnering significant attention and high viewership.
Directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Pan Keping, “Family Matters” focuses on an ordinary Taiwanese family of four, intertwining stories of family ties and loss at different stages of life. The film stars Taiwanese actors such as Tseng Ching-hwa, Lam Wai Wah, Gao Yiling, Huang Peiqi, Yao Chunyao, and Chu Yiming.
Chen Wenbin, who portrayed former President Song Chongren in “Zero Day Attack,” mentioned that after the failed “726 Recall” vote supporting the ousting camp, the renowned screenwriter Chen Shijie disclosed that the anti-recall faction has begun retribution, and individuals involved in “Zero Day Attack” and openly supporting the recall bid would face suppression. Now, “Family Matters” serves as a living example, with actor Lam Wai Wah participating in both productions. The fact that even a simple rural storytelling like “Family Matters” can be dragged into politics raises concerns about the future landscape of creative work being intertwined with ideological struggles.
Previous reports mentioned that “Family Matters” was successfully selected for the competition segment of the 2025 Osaka Asian Film Festival and is scheduled for its world premiere at the festival. The film’s leading actress Gao Yiling, who plays the role of mother “Ah Qiu,” won the Best Actress award at last month’s 27th Taipei Film Festival for her performance. Additionally, the film clinched the Best Feature Film award at the New York Asian Film Festival last month, making it one of the most anticipated Taiwanese films in the latter half of the year and a strong contender for this year’s Golden Horse Awards.