Presented by the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media and the UCLA Center for Chinese Studies, in collaboration with Blacklight Global Entertainment.
Friday, October 9, 2026
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall
About the film:
On Valentine’s Day, a double-decker bus explodes in a fiery blast, killing many and leaving charred remains, with evidence pointing to a deliberate act by two passengers, Fai and Ike, a gay couple from troubled backgrounds living on society’s margins. As retired forensic expert Lung Sir investigates, he uncovers their tragic story of abuse, homophobia, and despair, culminating in their decision to end their lives in a suicidal protest against an unjust world, leaving behind a haunting message: “On a beautiful day, we end our unbeautiful lives.”
Trailer: https://youtu.be/TQW5igprXF0?si=x0WJWeiFYknEuB_0
About the director:
Herman Yau is one of Hong Kong cinema’s most prolific, versatile, and fiercely independent filmmakers, widely celebrated for his ability to seamlessly navigate between underground cult classics and massive mainstream blockbusters. After studying film at Hong Kong Baptist College, Yau made his directorial debut with No Regret (1987) and quickly carved out a notorious reputation in the 1990s by directing definitive Category III exploitation thrillers like The Untold Story (1993) and Ebola Syndrome (1996).
Yau also holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from Lingnan University—who frequently infuses his work with sharp social commentary, a championing of the working class, and a deep affection for Hong Kong identity.
Over a career spanning four decades, he effortlessly transitions from launching the iconic horror franchise Troublesome Night to helming massive action blockbusters like the Shock Wave franchise. This fierce independent streak and return to socially conscious roots was most recently highlighted by his self-funded, gritty noir drama We’re Nothing at All (2026), an acclaimed, award-winning critique of marginalization that cements his legacy as a true, tireless master of both commercial and independent genre filmmaking.
Post screening dialogue with Herman Yau and Michael Berry (Director, UCLA Center for Chinese Studies).
Sponsor(s): Center for Chinese Studies, Department of Film, Television and Digital Media