Achieving Success with Debut Direction: Touching Hearts through Film
Mr Jill Leung Lai-yin
Jill created " Last Song For You " based on his experiences since entering the film industry. The film not only brings warmth and strength to those in adversity but also serves as a dialogue between the director and his inner self.
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Media
- Film Director and Screenwriter
If you could meet your younger self, what would you like to say to him/her? This poignant question forms the backbone of Jill Leung's film "Last Song For You," which won him the "Best New Director" award at the Hong Kong Film Directors Guild Annual Awards. The film explores a middle-aged musician's journey to rediscover his passion. As a new director and seasoned screenwriter, Jill's path to filmmaking began at the School of Creative Media at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). Despite challenges, he remains grateful for the encouragement that fueled his resolve to convey warmth through his directorial debut.
Jill's journey from a film enthusiast to a filmmaker feels "destined by fate," as he believes films chose him. "I loved watching movies since childhood," he recalls. His family frequently rented videotapes, and his mother once took him to the newly opened Broadway Cinematheque. Discovering new media courses at local universities inspired him to turn his passion into a career.
Initially uncertain about his career direction, Jill found clarity at CityUHK's Creative Media programme. The programme, featuring innovative media subjects and industry veterans like director Patrick Tam and producer Lee Siu-wai, was transformative. Patrick Tam, in particular, taught students not just about filmmaking but also about integrating films into life, setting a high artistic standard, and honing interpersonal skills.
The programme fostered a creative and supportive community, where Jill met friends still in the industry today. Thanks to mentors' industry connections, he interned on film sets before graduating. A standout experience was working in the assistant director team and cameo actor on "Men Suddenly in Black," which broadened his understanding of real film production.
Transitioning from university to the film industry, Jill initially aimed to become a director. He spent years as an assistant director but realised the need to specialise. He explored screenwriting, which led to works like "SPL II: A Time for Consequences," "Paradox," "Ip Man 3," and "Ip Man 4." However, his passion for directing never waned. The pandemic offered an unexpected opportunity when he secured funding for his script "Last Song For You." This project allowed him to cast his ideal actors, including Ekin Cheng, Ian Cheung, and Natalie Hsu, and direct a story he had cherished for years.
Recalling his memory when filming in Japan, unforeseen weather challenges required creative adaptation, teaching Jill that filmmaking demands flexibility. As the director, he maintained close communication with the team to handle unexpected situations. The collaborative effort nurtured the film's growth, enriching his future projects.
"Last Song For You," a romance film in Hong Kong, incorporates magical elements that allow characters to meet their past and future selves, reigniting their passion for life. The film's success, both at the box office and among critics, led to screenings at international festivals and nominations for multiple awards, including Best New Director, New Actor, and Best Actress at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards. Jill's recognition at the Hong Kong Film Directors Guild Annual Awards bolstered his confidence to pursue more directorial projects.
Recently, Jill returned to CityUHK's School of Creative Media for a film screening and post-screening talk of "Last Song For You." He was pleased to see students' strong interest in film and the industry. He advises them to watch films from different eras and genres, regardless of personal preference, as each offers valuable insights to expand their creative horizons.
（Published at 17 April 2025）