TAIPEI – Singapore’s Hong Huifang Is Turning Heads at the Golden Horse Awards
Who’d have guessed that a seasoned Mark Hua star could snag a nomination for Best Leading Actress in Taiwan’s biggest film showdown? Hong Huifang, 61, is the first Singaporean actress to reach this milestone, thanks to her role in the new local‑co‑production Ajoomma.
What It Means for Hong
After a whirlwind year of filming, festival buzz, and now a Golden Horse nod, Hong shares her feelings:
“2022 has been an absolute adventure. Early‑year filming of Ajoomma, a hit slot at Busan IFF, and now this fantastic nomination. I’m humbled and thrilled.”
It’s her first lead role in a feature film, and the competition is fierce:
- Sylvia Chang – A Light Never Goes Out (Taiwan)
- Tsai Hsuan‑yen – Incantation (Taiwan)
- Angela Yuen – The Narrow Road (Hong Kong)
- Cya Liu – Limbo (China)
What’s Ajoomma About?
Ajoomma follows Hong’s character, a middle‑aged widow, on a solo jaunt through South Korea. The film’s crew is juggling four major nomination categories: Best Supporting Actor for Jung Dong‑han, Best New Director for writer‑director He Shuming, and two more for the project as a whole.
He Shuming, in his directorial debut, gushes:
“I’m still speechless. Six years of grind and a ton of support made this possible. Huge cheers for Huifang and Jung – they truly deserve it!”
More on the Production
This Singapore‑South Korean joint venture opens at home on October 27 and will debut globally at Busan on October 7. Key cast includes:
- Kang Hyung‑suk (Korea)
- Yeo Jin‑goo (Korea)
- Shane Pow (Singapore)
The Director Behind the Scenes
Anime‐shelf trophy‑holder Anthony Chen, known for his 2013 Golden Horse best‑film win with Ilo Ilo, brings his seasoned flair to Ajoomma. He also bagged Best Original Screenplay for the film, while Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann claimed Best Supporting Actress. Yeo will later claim Best Leading Actress for another Chen feature, Wet Season, in 2019.
What’s Next for Hong?
If Hong takes home the award on November 19, she would be the first Singaporean to win Best Leading Actress. Yet, in a candid chat with entertainment portal 8world, she humorously admits she didn’t expect a showdown with film legend Sylvia Chang—her long‑time idol.
“Absolutely, the nomination feels huge. It’s a big honor, and I’m already thrilled regardless of the outcome.”
Hoping her name echoes beyond Taiwan, Hong Huifang is the fresh face proving that talent doesn’t care about borders. Stay tuned – the cinema world is abuzz!
