Hong Kong's renowned leading man, Aaron Kwok, is set to take center stage once again in "IOU," a heart-wrenching yet uplifting drama masterminded by director Steven Zhang Zhonghua. This film marks a reunion for Kwok with Hong Kong producer Julia Chu, following their collaborations on "Port of Call" (2015) and "Where the Wind Blows" (2022). Distribution Workshop is actively presenting the film to international buyers at Hong Kong's Filmart content market this week.
"IOU" is set against the backdrop of China's recent real-life fundraising scams, emerging as a comedy-drama that, according to the producers, skewers the selfishness pervasive in a society driven by self-interest. Kwok portrays a desperate individual caught in a relentless battle between survival instincts and the pull of kindness. Desperate to repay his own mounting debts, Kwok's character, Wu, confines two siblings within their rural Shaanxi abode, hoping to coerce their father into repaying the money Wu had lent him. Initially, the siblings' naivety and compassion bring Wu nothing but headaches. However, they gradually transform him, ultimately compelling him to make a surprising decision on Chinese New Year's Eve.
First conceptualized in 2020, the project garnered recognition as a Top-30 finalist at the 33rd Golden Rooster Film Project Market and participated in the industry program at the 20th Hong Kong International Film Festival. Filming commenced earlier in March, with a budget of approximately $3 million.
Zhang Zhonghua is renowned for his films such as "Hearty Tomato" (2012), which screened at the 28th Warsaw International Film Festival, "The Home in the Tree" (2019), nominated for Best Children's Film at the 32nd Golden Rooster Award, and "Home by the River" (2025), recently showcased at Poland's Kinolub Film Festival.
Among the other titles featured on Distribution Workshop's sales slate at this year's Filmart are Juno Mak's long-anticipated "Sons of the Neon Night," action maestro Dante Lam's "Operation Hadal," Vincent Chow's "Little Red Sweet," and Taiwanese newcomer Yuyu Yang's directorial debut, "Penguin Girl." Filmart runs from March 17th to 20th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, promising an exhilarating showcase of cinematic excellence.
