Exploring the Art of Martial Arts Choreography with Sammo Hung at Jakarta Film Week 2026
Cheers and applause greeted Sammo Hung as the Hong Kong action cinema legend appeared before hundreds of fans. For those who grew up watching his films, meeting him in person was more than a chance to see their childhood hero up close. It was also an opportunity to hear the stories behind the fight scenes that had captivated them on screen for years.
The moment took place during Encounters of the Martial Mind: A Masterclass with Sammo Hung, part of Jakarta Film Week 2026, on Thursday (October 22) at Starium CGV Grand Indonesia. Attended by more than 300 participants, the session was moderated by director Charles Gozali and brought Sammo together with fans and audiences eager to learn more about his journey and creative process in filmmaking.
The atmosphere grew even more special as clips from Sammo Hung’s films were screened, taking the audience through his body of work, from Warriors Two (1978) to Ip Man 2 (2010). The excerpts offered a glimpse into his contributions to shaping Hong Kong action cinema through dynamic martial arts choreography and his ability to blend martial arts with comedy and horror.
One memorable moment came when a member of the Indonesian Wing Chun Federation, who attended as a fan, demonstrated martial arts in front of Sammo Hung. The performance caught the audience’s attention and reflected the enthusiasm surrounding the legendary filmmaker’s appearance.
During the session, Sammo Hung also shared his perspective on the importance of creativity in designing martial arts choreography.
“Good choreography takes more than skill. You have to use your brain to make every action interesting,” Sammo said.
According to Sammo, effective choreography requires more than physical ability. Every movement must be carefully considered to make it engaging while serving the story. Camera movements, the use of props, acting, and the rhythm of a fight all work together to create memorable action sequences.
His insights reflect his long career as an actor, director, martial arts choreographer, and producer. Sammo began training in martial arts at a young age under the guidance of Yu Jim-yuen and became a member of Seven Little Fortunes, a performing troupe that produced several influential figures in Hong Kong cinema. Throughout his career, he has been involved in more than 230 films.
“It was amazing! I’ve been a Sammo Hung fan for a long time, so seeing him in person was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hearing stories about his life and career was also incredibly inspiring and made this Masterclass feel even more special to me,” said Jonathan Tobi, one of the participants.
The audience’s enthusiasm showed that a film’s appeal does not end when the screen goes dark. Behind every memorable scene are stories, creative decisions, and years of experience. Through Encounters of the Martial Mind, Jakarta Film Week 2026 created an opportunity for fans and audiences to meet the person behind the works they have long admired.
In line with this year’s theme, ENCOUNTERS, the session brought the experience of a cinema legend into conversation with a new generation of viewers. From film excerpts to the martial arts demonstration, the encounter served as a reminder that the power of action cinema lies not only in spectacular movements but also in the creativity that gives every movement meaning.
Written by Arga Arifwangsa