Trinity CineAsia Acquires UK Rights To Edko Films’ ‘The Lyricist Wannabe’

EXCLUSIVE: UK distributor Trinity CineAsia has acquired UK rights to Norris Wong’s The Lyricist Wannabe from Hong Kong Edko Films and is planning a theatrical release on March 15. 

Wong’s second feature following her award-winning debut My Prince Edward (2019) follows a high-school student who is determined to become a successful Cantopop lyricist. But while she works hard to hone her craft, handle rejection and draw inspiration from her personal experiences, nothing seems to go her way. 

Chung Suet-ying, an up-and-coming actress who is also a real-life Cantopop lyricist, stars in the film, which features a soundtrack with lyrics composed by Norris Wong. Produced by Wong Hoi (Let It Ghost), the film also stars Ansonbean (Rob N Roll), Tang Lai Ying (Mama’s Affair), Sabrina Ng (Say I Do To Me) and Chu Pak Hong (My Prince Edward).

The UK release will come just one week after the film, which is currently playing in competition at Japan’s Osaka Asian Film Festival, opens theatrically in Hong Kong. The film has been nominated for best actress, best original film score and best original film song at the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards (April 14) and picked up two nods at last year’s Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan for best actress and best screenplay. 

Cedric Behrel, managing director Trinity CineAsia, says: “The unique phenomenon that is Cantopop, and the lyric-writing craft that lies at the heart of it, hasn’t been committed to film often enough. The Lyricist Wannabe aims to redress that and serves as a heartfelt tribute to the timeless musicality of Hong Kong, whilst offering universal insights into the pursuit of one’s dreams during youth.”

Trinity CineAsia’s other recent releases include Hong Kong crime epic The Goldfinger, reuniting Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Andy Lau; Golden Horse Award-winner Time Still Turns The Pages; and Table For Six 2, the sequel to Hong Kong’s 2022 hit comedy.