Filming is underway in Hong Kong on period drama 1971, which reunites director Anselm Chan with stars Dayo Wong, Michael Hui and Michelle Wai from 2024’s The Last Dance – Hong Kong’s biggest ever local box office hit.
Set against a historic turning point, the film revolves around the introduction of marriage reform that transitioned British colonial Hong Kong into a monogamous society. When the law took effect in 1971, no man could take more than one wife, effectively abolishing the age-old practice of concubinage and polygamy.
Chan, who is also the screenwriter, said: “Through the film, I hope audiences can feel the cultural atmosphere of the 1950s - 1970s, while exploring how the marriage system shaped the fate of innumerable families and individuals.”
The film is backed by Hong Kong’s Emperor Motion Pictures (EMP), which also handles international sales, and China’s Maoyan Entertainment. It is in production in Hong Kong and Macao, aiming for a release in 2027.
The cast also includes award-winning actress Karena Lam, Carlos Chan (who played alongside Wai in romantic comedies Ready o/r Know and Ready Or Rot, both directed by Chan), Tommy Chu from The Last Dance and UK actor Iain Glen from HBO series Game Of Thrones.
1971 marks Wai’s fourth collaboration with director Chan. Their previous outing, The Last Dance, won five prizes at the 2025 Hong Kong Film Awards, including best actress for Wai, and became the Hong Kong’s biggest local film of all time with $21.7m (HK$170m).
Lead actor Wong is Hong Kong’s most bankable star, having featured in the top three biggest local films, from The Last Dance to 2023’s A Guilty Conscience and this year’s Night King.
No comments yet