BAFTA masterclass with Tony Ching

Acclaimed Hong Kong action choreographer and director Tony Ching Siu- Tung is invited by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to present a masterclass at its headquarters in London.

The masterclass will examine Ching’s pioneering style of cinematic martial arts for films such as Hero and BAFTA-nominated House of Flying Daggers, both directed by Zhang Yimou. With his fast-paced yet graceful style, Ching has been hailed for his talent for turning bodies in motion into visual art.

The event will also highlight Ching’s career as a director, during which he has aided the development of the Chinese action fantasy genre with .

Chair of the BAFTA Film Committee Marc Samuelson said: “We’re delighted that Tony Ching will be in the UK to share his insights with the British film industry, students and film enthusiasts. His unique take on action choreography and stunt coordination has influenced filmmakers all over the world.”

The event, which will be held on September 18, is in partnership with the Asian Film Awards Academy and financially supported by Create Hong Kong and Hong Kong Film Development Fund. This is AFA Academy’s second collaboration with BAFTA since its launch of the masterclass series in 2015.

Born in Hong Kong in 1952 to famed director Cheng Kang, Ching began training in Peking opera and northern style martial arts at a young age. He entered the film industry as a martial arts stuntman and action coordinator, then as an action director in the 1970s before making directorial debut with Duel To The Death (1982).

In 1987, his directorial career hit a new height with A Chinese Ghost Story which, starring Leslie Cheung and Joey Wong, combined an ethereal love story with thrilling action. His directorial output also includes A Chinese Ghost Story II, Dr Wai In The Scripture With No Words and The Sorcerer And The White Snake which was screened at the Venice Film Festival.

The blockbusters that he served as action choreographer and stunt coordinator include Heroic Trio, Warlords and two installments of Bollywood hit Krrish.

He has been nominated for best action choreography 18 times at the Hong Kong Film Awards and won three times for Witch From Nepal, Swordsman and Hero. He is also a two-time winner of best action choreography at the Golden Horse Awards for Dragon Inn and My School Mate, The Barbarian.

He was the chief action choreographer for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Earlier this year, he was appointed jury president for the 12th Asian Film Awards.