Ling Bao Nhi, mother of acclaimed filmmaker Chau Tinh Tri, made a rare public appearance alongside her daughter, Chau Van Co, at a film premiere in Hong Kong last weekend, according to HK01. The 86-year-old quickly became a focal point of the event, drawing significant attention from both media and fans. She graciously signed autographs for several audience members seated nearby.

Ling Bao Nhi at the "Kungfu Soccerette" screening. Video: Weibo

Her appearance sparked widespread discussion on Weibo, with keywords like "Chau Tinh Tri's mother's demeanor at 86" and "Chau Tinh Tri's mother makes rare appearance" trending. Audiences shared their admiration, commenting: "I'd believe she was 66," "How does she look younger than Chau Tinh Tri?", "This is the first time I've seen her at her son's event," and "She is a phenomenal mother."

Ling Bao Nhi, originally from Zhejiang province, China, graduated with a teaching degree before settling in Hong Kong. She married and had three children: Chau Van Co, Chau Tinh Tri, and Chau Tinh Ha. In 1968, her marriage ended. Chau Tinh Tri's father only covered rent, leaving his mother to bear the full cost of their food and education. Ling Bao Nhi worked as a nurse by day and undertook handicrafts until 3-4 AM the next day to supplement her income.

Ling Bao Nhi at the cinema. Photo: St Headline

Chau Tinh Tri's childhood with his mother left a deep impression, becoming an inspiration for his films and shaping his life's direction, according to Eastweek. The actor once stated his mother is the person he loves most.

In an article titled "My First Play" for a magazine, Chau Tinh Tri detailed the immense hardship his mother faced raising three children alone. With growing children needing high nutrition, she always set aside money each week to buy extra meat or fish tails to provide protein, regardless of their financial struggles. Ling Bao Nhi herself only ate salted foods. Chau Tinh Tri later discovered his mother secretly ate the three siblings' leftovers while cleaning up.

Despite their poverty, Ling Bao Nhi ensured her children were well-dressed and took them out. She consistently avoided chaotic, dirty places, preferring to take her children to respectable venues to set a good example. One such place was the cinema, where Chau Tinh Tri's exposure to film began, thanks to his mother.

Chau Tinh Tri and his mother. Photo: Eastweek

Chau Tinh Tri does not view his childhood as unhappy; rather, he found it interesting and fulfilling. His mother's strength compensated for the lack of a father figure. The actor said his mother was not a weak or timid woman but was both resourceful and artistically inclined.

Later, many images and plot details in Chau Tinh Tri's films were based on his childhood memories. For example, almost every eating scene in his works features a rooster-patterned bowl, the same type his mother used. This iconic rooster bowl image reappears on the poster for his new film, "Kungfu Soccerette."

Ling Bao Nhi never imagined the extent of her son's fame and success. Once, while traveling in Europe, she was astonished to see posters of Chau Tinh Tri's films. His mother watches all his movies but never laughs at the comedic situations. "I only see the struggles my son went through to make such a film," she shared on an Ifeng program.

While promoting his film in Tianjin in mid-July, Chau Tinh Tri cried, thanking the audience for their "unconditional" support. Video: Weibo

Chau Tinh Tri's return to the film market after six years demonstrates strong appeal, despite "Kungfu Soccerette" receiving comments that it was "not compelling enough," according to Sohu. Released in mainland China on 11/7, the film's revenue exceeded 2,2 billion yuan (326 million USD).

In addition to directing, Chau Tinh Tri also wrote and produced the work. His company is one of three studios that invested in its production, with a budget of 380 million yuan (55,8 million USD). The film stars: Truong Tieu Phi, Dich Le Nhiet Ba, Luu Gia Linh, Truong Nghe Hung, and Ai Mi.

In the 1990s, Chau Tinh Tri starred in dozens of comedy films such as Thanh Bai, Thanh Hiep, Truong Hoc Uy Long, and Duong Ba Ho Diem Thu Huong. On film forums across Asia, thousands have written that his works are spiritual nourishment, helping them alleviate stress and temporarily forget life's hardships. In 2008, Chau Tinh Tri starred in Sieu Khuyen Than Thong, after which he stopped acting to focus on directing and producing.

Nghinh Xuan