[Star Chat] Wakesurf Lovers: From Concept to Film

Wakesurf Lovers《浪花男女》 is the first Chinese‑language film about wakesurfing. Blending light comedy with a controversy sparked by internet ridicule, it uses the sport as a lens to explore how, amid relentless online pile‑ons, people can confront their mistakes and rediscover the courage to get back on the board and move forward.

We are honoured to welcome Mr. Fung Chih Chiang, the film’s screenwriter and director, to discuss the vision behind the work and challenges of bringing it to the screen. We are also delighted to have Mr. Jeffrey Ngai share his experiences and reflections on the film.

[What to Expect]

• An in-depth conversation with Mr. Fung Chih Chiang (screenwriter and director) and Mr. Jeffrey Ngai (actor)
• Insights into the film’s vision and the challenges of bringing the first Chinese-language wakesurfing story to the screen
• Reflections on online mockery in the digital era—and how we confront it and move forward

[About the Speaker & Moderator]

Mr. Fung Chih Chiang 馮志強先生 
Director, Screenwriter

Fung Chih-chiang’s screenwriting credits include Stephen Chow’s Shaolin Soccer《少林足球》, CJ7《長江七號》, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons《西遊.降魔篇》, The Mermaid《美人魚》, Johnnie To’s Hooked on You《每當變幻時》, Sparrow《文雀》, and Punished《報應》, as well as the TVB drama series At the Threshold of an Era《創世紀》. He earned a nomination for Best Screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Awards for The Mermaid.

His directorial debut feature, The Bounty《懸紅》, was nominated for Best New Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards. His musical fantasy romance Concerto of the Bully 《大樂師.為愛配樂》received four Hong Kong Film Award nominations—including Best Actor (Ronald Cheng) and Best Supporting Actor (Philip Keung)—and won the prestigious Audience Award at the Fukuoka International Film Festival.

His 2019 crime action blockbuster A Witness Out of the Blue《犯罪現場》, produced by Derek Yee and starring Louis Koo, was selected for overseas film festivals including the International Film Festival Rotterdam. In addition to securing six Hong Kong Film Award nominations (including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor), it won Best Film and Best Director at the HKMovie6 Fan-Chosen Film Awards, while taking home first place for the Audience Award at the Fukuoka International Film Festival once again.

His works include I SWIM《I SWIM》, a 10-episode youth drama series starring Edan Lui (MIRROR) and Jeffrey Ngai, and The Tenement《失衡凶間》, a segment in the anthology film Tales from the Occult 《唐樓》starring Richie Jen. The cumulative box office for his directorial works has exceeded HK$300 million.

Mr. Jeffrey Ngai Tsun-sang 魏浚笙先生
Actor, Singer

Born in Hong Kong in 1998, Jeffrey Ngai is a Hong Kong actor and singer. He rose to fame in 2021 after appearing in ViuTV's variety show series be ON game《膠戰》, winning over audiences with his approachable charm and endearing personality.

Ngai has demonstrated strong, versatile potential across his performing career. He starred in the popular television dramas I SWIM《I SWIM》and In Geek We Trust《IT狗》, while actively expanding into film with roles in high-profile projects such as "Everything Under Control 《超神經械劫案下》, Table for Six 2《飯戲攻心2》, Little Red Sweet《紅豆》, Cesium Fallout《焚城》, Cold War 1994《寒戰1994》, and Road to Vendetta 《殺手#4》. In late 2022, he debuted as an independent singer, releasing hit solo singles including “The First Fan”〈第一個迷〉, “Before Sunset"〈失約巴黎〉, and "Our Thing"〈已出之物〉. Demonstrating multi-talented strength across film, television, and music, he is recognised as one of the most promising and influential all-around artists among Hong Kong's new generation.

[About the Moderator]

Ms. Zoe Yim
Senior Manager, Cultural Literacy

Zoe is an arts-led educator and administrator with more than two decades of experience in higher education, designing holistic learning that integrates creative practice, well-being, and cultural engagement to foster profound student development.

Her diverse background in xiqu, music, drama, dance, and sound wellness informs her core conviction that integrating arts practice into education is fundamental to cultivating culturally intelligent, values-driven leaders. She co-designs transdisciplinary initiatives with faculty members, channeling students' potential into purposeful work that fosters future-ready mindsets and genuine ownership of their learning.

Zoe contributes actively to the arts sector as Chair of Prospects Theatre (since 2024); a board member of Hong Kong Theatre Works (since 2024); an examiner for the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (Arts Administration, Arts Education, Drama, Xiqu, 2010–2026); a certified NLP practitioner (IHNLP, 2022); and a member of both the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (CASH, since 1997) and the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong).

[About the Film]

Wakesurf Lovers《浪花男女》

Produced by Philip Yung
Original Story, Written & Directed by Fung Chih Chiang

Amidst a rising wakesurfing craze, surf instructor Charmaine (Renci Yeung) is falsely accused and publicly shamed online. Among the trolls is Rio (Jeffrey Ngai), a surfing novice whose satirical video mocking her goes viral. Upon realizing the rumors were entirely fabricated and that he has ruined her reputation, a guilt-ridden Rio signs up for Charmaine's lessons under his real identity to make amends.

As they connect beyond the digital noise, a genuine romance blossoms. To clear her name, Rio devises a plan to expose the disgruntled student who started the smear campaign, while encouraging Charmaine to reclaim her professional standing by challenging celebrity coach Joe (Kevin Chu).

[Important Notes]

1. Seats will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to UGC students.
2. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email.   
3. UGC students will receive a CCL record after participating in the screening and completing the event survey.

[Registration] 

Co-Curricular Learning (CCL) recognised.

Related Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):