The original golden production team behind the film ‘Abang Adik’ has reunited for a brand-new feature, ‘Dead Tide’ (黑潮), which officially began filming recently and unveiled its main cast on February 6th. The film is co-produced once again by Angelica Lee and Huang Lee-Lim, in collaboration with ‘Hi! Godbeast’ director Chih Kiah Keong. The male lead is played by Jack Tan, while acclaimed Taiwanese actress Moon Lee takes on the female lead role. Both actors appear in entirely new looks that break away from their previous images, creating a fresh impression. The entire film will be shot in Malaysia, with anticipation and discussion both running high.
‘Dead Tide’ was earlier selected for the 2025 Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) In-Development Project (IDP) scheme, standing out among 276 submissions from 45 countries and regions to become one of only 25 shortlisted projects. It later went on to win the ‘Project Pitch Award’ at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market, earning high acclaim from the international film industry.
The story, inspired by real events from director Chih Kiah Keong’s hometown, depicts two lonely souls cast aside by reality who meet amid the night tide of a fishing village. Amid the waves, a faint yet warm bond blossoms, quietly bringing hope to their broken lives. Chih uses the metaphor of a ‘dead tide’—a warm current flowing through an otherwise cold world—to gently explore the human capacity to choose love, even in despair.
Speaking about their renewed collaboration, Angelica Lee shared that she had been deeply moved by this story, inspired by real people, several years ago, and hoped to shed light on the lives of those at the margins. This, she explained, was why she invited Huang Lee-Lim to co-produce again. Huang described ‘Dead Tide’ as a genre-defying love story that explores humanity and the power of love from a unique perspective.
Jack Tan took an immersive approach to his role, spending time living in a fishing village and deliberately altering his appearance to fully embody his character. Moon Lee, meanwhile, dyed her hair blonde for the first time for a role and spent an extended period filming in Malaysia, taking on challenges of language and environment. The film is expected to be released in the second half of 2026; born between darkness and tide, this work will meet audiences with a quiet yet powerful presence.