The Dumpling Queen

The Dumpling Queen
Theatrical release poster
Traditional Chinese	水餃皇后
Simplified Chinese	水饺皇后
Hanyu Pinyin	Shuǐjiǎo huánghòu
Jyutping	Seoi2 Gaau2 Wong4 Hau6
Directed by	Andrew Lau
Written by	Han Jianü Zhang Mengchu Theresa Tang
Produced by	Mandy Law Andrew Lau
Starring	Ma Li Kara Wai Zhu Yawen
Cinematography	Andrew Lau Wang Hao
Edited by	Lin Zhuangyu Chen Yuxuan Li Jianxiang
Music by	Chan Kwong-wing Christopher Lai
Production companies	CMC Pictures Alibaba Pictures
Distributed by	CMC Pictures
Release date	30 April 2025 (2025-04-30)
Running time	119 minutes
Countries	China Hong Kong
Languages	Mandarin Cantonese
Budget	¥80 million
Box office	US$52.8 million

The Dumpling Queen (simplified Chinese: 水饺皇后; traditional Chinese: 水餃皇后) is a 2025 biographical drama film co-produced and directed by Andrew Lau. Starring Ma Li as the titular character, the film is adapted from the entrepreneurial journey of Chong Kin-wo [zh], the founder of the Hong Kong frozen food brand Wanchai Ferry. It tells the story of Chong Kin-wo and her struggle from being a single mother who fled from mainland China to Hong Kong to becoming a well-known entrepreneur.

A Chinese-Hong Kong co-production, the film was released in China on April 30, 2025.

Synopsis

In the 1980s, at the beginning of China's Reform and opening-up when the economy was rapidly taking off, many entrepreneurs rode the rising wave of commerce. During this time, Chong Kin-wo, who had come from Shandong, was unexpectedly forced to remain in Hong Kong. To make a living, she began selling her family's traditional northern-style dumplings, gradually building what would become a globally popular dumpling brand.

Together with her two daughters, Madame Chong struggled to adapt to life in a foreign country. With limited financial resources, she sets out to build a new life through her own efforts. Despite facing exploitation by employers, illness, and numerous personal hardships, she perseveres in her efforts to achieve stability and independence. Along the way, she receives support from several neighbors, including Ms. Hung, Mr. Hua, and Uncle Tong sui.

Cast

Production

Filming officially started on October 5, 2023, at the Xiqiao National Arts Film Studio [zh] in Foshan, Guangdong. On November 22, 2023, it was announced that filming had wrapped up.

Release

The film was showcased in the Hong Kong Panorama section of the 25th New York Asian Film Festival on 11 July 2026 and had its New York Premiere.

Accolades

References

External links

• The Dumpling Queen at IMDb