Ciao UFO, a sci‑fi drama inspired by a local urban legend of mysterious lights over a public housing estate, clinched the top honours at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards on Sunday night, winning best film and best director for Patrick Leung Pak‑kin.

The dystopian crime thriller Sons of the Neon Night emerged as the biggest winner, taking home eight prizes out of 12 nominations.

Among those sharing the limelight at the ceremony in the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui was veteran Tony Leung Ka‑fai, named best actor for his role in The Shadow’s Edge. Leung had already claimed four best actor titles in past editions. Leung burst into tears as he ended his speech.

Ciao UFO centres on three residents of Wah Fu Estate in southern Hong Kong, whose childhood encounter in the 1980s with a UFO shapes their adult lives, embodying the film’s theme of memory and imagination.

In his acceptance speech for best director, Leung said: “Working in this film industry is not easy. There was a time when I didn’t get a single call and had no jobs for three years in the toughest period.”

He added that his wife should get half the award as she allowed him to remain idle during that time.

Leung also gave special thanks to his daughter, saying: “Because when I create, I have an idea in my mind: I have to make the next generation proud, and feel it is worthwhile to watch my films.”