Hong Kong director Andrew Lau talks about National Games opening ceremony

Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Andrew Lau Wai-keung, chief director of the National Games opening ceremony in Guangzhou on November 9, has revealed the event was designed not just for mainland viewers, but as a heartfelt showcase of Chinese culture and unity for the global Chinese diaspora, many of whom were grappling with their own post-1997 stories.

Lau is famous for directing classic Hong Kong films such as the Infernal Affairs trilogy, Legend of the Fist, the Young and Dangerous series and many more.

Speaking to the Post in an exclusive interview, Lau detailed his role as chief director of the 15th National Games opening ceremony, explaining how he infused the deep spirit of Lingnan, or Southern China, and Cantonese culture into the spectacle.

“The major theme of the event was ‘One Heart, One Wish’ … it was very simple but very good – we wholeheartedly wanted to unite our Greater Bay Area,” he said.

“It was a good opportunity for all the people of the so-called Greater Bay Area to band together to do something.”

He added: “We are also putting on a display for the whole world because there are many Chinese people all over the world.