Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) has announced that veteran sales agent and producer Fred Tsui will succeed Albert Lee as executive director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society.

In his new role, commencing on September 23, Tsui will oversee the Hong Kong International Film Festival and its year-round activities, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), HAF Film Lab, Summer International Film Festival, and the HKIFF Cine Fan programme.

He will report to HKIFFS chairman Wilfred Wong and the Board of Directors. 

Tsui has worked across nearly every sector of the film industry, from film sales, co-production and financing to distribution, exhibition, broadcasting and media management – building extensive international networks among filmmakers and industry execs. 

In his most recent role, Tsui has established sales agency and festival consultancy company Moebius Entertainment, which recently picked up Venice Horizons title Big Little Things and Toronto Special Presentations title Happily Ever After. 

Prior to Moebius, Tsui spent more than twenty years at Media Asia Film, where he served as General Manager and Head of International Sales & Co-Production, helping the studio expand internationally and position Hong Kong cinema on the world stage. 

Earlier in his career, Tsui held senior management positions at PCCW and Asia Television, where he developed expertise in organisational leadership, media operations, strategic planning and content management. 

Tsui also serves as a member of the Hong Kong Film Development Council and has been invited to serve on juries at leading international film festivals, including Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Jecheon, Tallinn, Seattle, Udine, Sitges, Sonoma and Skip City in Japan. 

He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Hong Kong Film Critics Society, and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) in the U.S., as well as the board of the MIA International Audiovisual Market in Rome. 

“We are delighted to welcome Fred to HKIFFS,” said HKIFFS chairman Wilfred Wong. “Fred combines strategic leadership with an exceptional understanding of the international film landscape. Throughout his career, he has built bridges between Hong Kong cinema and the global marketplace while earning the trust and respect of filmmakers, festival directors and industry leaders worldwide. 

“Just as importantly, he approaches cinema from the perspectives of an executive, a critic, a festival juror and a lifelong cinephile. We believe he is uniquely qualified to lead HKIFFS into its next chapter, further strengthening its role as one of Asia’s most important cultural institutions and international film platforms.”

Tsui said: “It is a tremendous honour to join HKIFFS, an institution that has played such a pivotal role in the cultural life of Hong Kong and in promoting Asian cinema internationally. 

“Having worked with film festivals throughout my career—as a sales executive, producer, juror, critic and audience member – I have seen first-hand the unique role HKIFF plays in connecting filmmakers, the industry and audiences. I look forward to working with the Board, our partners and the HKIFFS team to build on the Society’s remarkable legacy while broadening its international reach, nurturing new talent, deepening audience engagement and ensuring Hong Kong remains at the forefront of global film culture.”

Sony Pictures has signed on as the international distributor of “Ramayana,” the two-part Indian blockbuster epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Maholtra’s Prime Focus Studios.

Sony will handle release of the film in all countries outside of India, where the film will be released by Dharma Productions.

Written more than 2,500 years ago by the poet Valmiki, the Ramayana is one of the foundational Hindu texts. It tells the story of the prince Rama, the avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who fights to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi will star in Tiwari’s film as Rama and Sita, with Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman composing the score and visual effects done by Oscar-winning studio DNEG.

“Ramayana” is notable for being the first Indian production to receive the “Filmed for Imax” label, as the premium format company seeks to expand its footprint into Indian cinema.

“For generations, the ‘Ramayana’ has inspired people through its timeless humanity and enduring values. Our ambition has always been to honor that legacy while creating a cinematic experience worthy of audiences everywhere. Through DNEG, we have spent decades helping filmmakers realize some of the world’s most ambitious cinematic visions,” Malholtra said. “With Prime Focus Studios, we are now bringing that same commitment to storytelling to one of the world’s greatest epics. Collaborating with Sony Pictures gives ‘Ramayana’ an extraordinary opportunity to connect with international audiences and introduce this timeless story to moviegoers around the world.”

A new trailer for “Ramayana” will be released on Thursday as part of a panel promoting the film at San Diego Comic-Con. The film is set for release in November to time with the Diwali holiday period in India.

Hosts from QVC Group have voted to join SAG-AFTRA.

TV hosts working across QVC, HSN and Omni Channel voted to become a part of SAG-AFTRA in a National Labor Relations Board vote tallied Thursday that saw 80% vote in favor of joining the labor union.

The news comes just a month after the QVC Group hosts presented a petition to QVC Inc. management on June 15 to recognize the union based on demonstrated supermajority support.

The main reason listed for engaging in collective bargaining in the petition was concerns related to AI, including the use of their image, voice and likeness without informed consent or fair compensation. Other issues raised in the petition include the desires for transparency and equity in compensation, clearer standards for career advancement, a stronger voice in decisions affecting their work and greater job security.

“QVC Group hosts are dedicated professionals who have played a key role in making QVC Group a leader in the live, social shopping industry,” SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said in a statement. “Like everyone, QVC, HSN and Omni Channel employees deserve fair compensation, AI protections and a stronger voice in decisions that affect their work. All of SAG-AFTRA’s 160,000 members are proud of these individuals for bravely exercising their right to unionize, and we stand with them as they begin bargaining for their first contract.”

“The strong show of support for unionizing reflects QVC, HSN and Omni Channel hosts’ professionalism and resolve to improve their workplace and build a better future for themselves and their colleagues,” Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator, said in his own statement. “SAG-AFTRA anticipates good faith bargaining and a spirit of collaboration and respect from QVC Group as their employees begin the process of achieving a contract they deserve.” 

In April, QVC Group revealed its plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Houston following a restructuring agreement with its creditors that aimed to reduce its debt from approximately $6.6 billion to $1.3 billion.