Soul Mate, Cold War 2 lead Hong Kong Film Awards nominations notable for their recognition of new filmmakers

Nominations in multiple categories for four films by first-time directors, including Derek Tsang’s sentimental relationship drama, front-runner with 12 nods, shows changing of the guard in Hong Kong cinema

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Tony Leung Ka-fai, best actor nominee for Cold War 2 in the 2017 Hong Kong Film Awards.

Published: 5:37pm, 7 Feb 2017Updated: 7:01pm, 7 Feb 2017

A year after political drama Ten Years won the best picture prize amid much controversy, the Hong Kong Film Awards are again set to be dominated by up-and-coming filmmakers looking to stay true to their artistic visions, at a time when most industry veterans are focused on producing commercial fare for the lucrative China market.

Actor-turned-director Derek Tsang Kwok-cheung’s Soul Mate is now the front-runner with 12 nominations at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards, its organisers announced on Tuesday.

Both Zhou Dongyu (left) and Ma Sichun are nominated for best actress for their roles in Soul Mate, the awards front-runner with 12 nominations.

The sentimental friendship drama is followed by the 10 nominations for crime thriller Cold War 2 , the mega-budget sequel to the 2013 best picture winner. While comedy superstar Stephen Chow Sing-chi shows his enduring popularity with eight nominations for The Mermaid , it is another trio of films by new directors – Weeds on Fire with eight nominations, Trivisa (seven) and Mad World (eight) – that highlight the changing of the guard in Hong Kong cinema.

The award winners will be announced on April 9 at a ceremony in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui.