A Hope by Stephen Chow

Hong Kong/Los Angeles March 30, 2007 – Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia announced the worldwide acquisition, excluding China, of Stephen Chow’s latest comedy feature, presently titled A HOPE. The multi-talented Chow wrote the screenplay, directed and is starring in the film which was shot in China late last year. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film in North America.

One of Asia’s biggest stars, Chow’s KUNG FU HUSTLE achieved a theatrical box office gross of over $100 M worldwide. It was nominated for a Golden Globe, and won a total of 5 awards, including Best Film and Best Director, at Asia’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Golden Horse Awards. This latest feature marks the second collaboration between SPE and Chow’s The Star Overseas Ltd.

Gareth Wigan, Vice Chairman of Columbia Tristar Motion Picture Group commented:
“Following our extremely successful partnership on KUNG FU HUSTLE, Sony is delighted to be working again with the exceptionally talented Stephen Chow whose original vision and unique comic humor will continue to surprise and delight audiences and has proven global appeal.”

Michael Barker and Tom Bernard, Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics stated, “It is a joy to work with Stephen Chow and we are thrilled to be bringing his latest film to American audiences."

Stephen Chow added: “I had a wonderful experience with Sony on KUNG FU HUSTLE, and I look forward to an equally rewarding collaboration on this latest project.”


A fantasy tale featuring state of the art visual effects, A HOPE is a comedy about a poor laborer father played by CHOW and his young son. When a fascinating and strange new pet enters their lives, they learn a poignant lesson about the true nature of family and the things money can’t buy.

A HOPE is the fifth feature directed by Stephen Chow. His previous feature KUNG FU HUSTLE was the second highest grossing film in Hong Kong history after TITANIC. Chow made his directorial debut with GOD OF COOKERY in 1996, followed by KING OF COMEDY in 1999, both of which he also wrote and starred in. In 2001 Chow directed, wrote, and starred in SHAOLIN SOCCER, the fourth highest grossing film of all time at the Hong Kong box office which also broke box office records across Asia. SHAOLIN SOCCER went on to win seven major awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound Design and Best Visual Effects.