LOVE LIES

Are online “romance scams” always destructive? In this moving, absorbing feature debut from Ho Miu-ki, Sandra Ng (HIFF44’s SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG Filmmaker In Profile) plays Veronica, a wealthy, widowed doctor who falls for a supposedly middle-aged French engineer on a dating app. Soon, “Alain” has convinced her to provide large infusions of funds and Veronica’s friends urge her to report him to the police. But even as she assures them it’s true love, Alain (singer MC Cheung Tin-fu, in a charming performance) must steel his heart of gold and quell his second thoughts to continue bringing in cash or risk painful consequences. With a hilarious Stephy Tang as the young scammer’s coach, this captivating film probes the unlikely emotional connection that forms between a lonely young man and a vibrant older woman. Hong Kong superstar Sandra Ng will be in attendance for a special post-screening Q&A as this year’s SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG Filmmaker In Profile.