Showalker U.K. has acquired distribution rights to the Hong Kong remake of Richard Linklater‘s psychological drama “Tape,” with the film also set to make its U.K. debut at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival.
The Cantonese-language reimagining, directed by Bizhan Tong, has Linklater himself on board as executive producer alongside John Sloss (“Green Book”) and Stephen Belber (“The Madness”), who co-wrote the script with Tong.
The film stars Kenny Kwan (“The White Storm 3”), Selena Lee (“Barrack O’Karma”), and Adam Pak (“Paradox”), with British musician Keaton Henson providing the score. The Hong Kong-U.K. co-production completed post-production in London.
“It’s an honor to premiere at Raindance, especially with a film that bridges cultures so deliberately,” said Tong. “This project represents a rare East-meets-West creative collaboration, with support from legendary Hollywood voices alongside a Hong Kong cast and crew. It’s a reminder that Hong Kong cinema has global stories to tell and that collaboration doesn’t dilute identity but amplifies it.”
The acquisition marks the inaugural release for Showalker U.K., a distribution venture founded by Hong Kong producer and entrepreneur Linus Leung. The company aims to carve out a niche for theatrical releases of culturally distinct yet commercially viable Asian cinema in the U.K. market, focusing on content from Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and beyond.
“‘Tape’ is a bold and timely project that perfectly reflects Showalker U.K.’s mission: to bridge cultures through cinema that is both artistically resonant and commercially dynamic,” Leung said. “This remake not only honors Linklater’s original vision but reimagines it with a uniquely Hong Kong voice that speaks powerfully to global audiences.”
HK Movie6, a Hong Kong online film platform, will serve as the official media partner for the U.K. release, targeting both Asian cinema enthusiasts and diaspora communities.
The U.K. distribution deal follows pre-release screenings in Hong Kong and distribution secured across multiple Asian territories.
Raindance runs from June 18-27.
