Local actress makes history in Hong Kong

Jane Ng Meng Hui has created film history by being the first local actress to be nominated at the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

The actress and radio deejay was nominated in the best newcomer category at the 4th AFA on Jan 20 for her portrayal of a neglected 16-year-old schoolgirl in At the End of Daybreak.

In an interview, Ng said she was surprised when she heard the good news from the film’s local director Ho Yuhang and producer Lorna Tee.


Ng: ‘It never occurred to me that I’d get nominated’
“The director is a filmmaker whom I’ve always wanted to work with. So when he offered me the part, I agreed immediately.

“It never occured to me that I’d get nominated,” said Ng, who currently hosts a radio programme called Morning Kaki from 6am to 10am on weekdays on the local OneFM radio station.

“The movie was adapted from a true story, and because I did not know the girl, I had to rely a lot on my own imagination.

Ho, a multiple award-winning director, said Ng had played the part capably in the Chinese film.

“When I put the film together, I knew that I had something and it was quite special,” added the 38-year-old director.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong actress Kara Hui, also known as Wai Ying Hung, a veteran performer from the Shaw Brothers era, garnered her third nomination as best supporting actress in Ho’s movie.

She won awards in the same category at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards and the Hong Kong Film Society Awards for her portrayal of an alcoholic single mother.

The AFA is presented annually by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society to recognise excellence in Asian cinema. This year’s 14-member jury will be led by Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka-fai.

The winners will be announced on March 22.