Hong Kong director Yonfan premieres 'No. 7 Cherry Lane' at Venice

Hong Kong-based director Yonfan returned to the Venice International Film Festival with his new animated feature, "Ji yuan tai qi hao" (English title: "No. 7 Cherry Lane.")

Taiwan actress Sylvia Chang arrives for the premiere of 'Ji Yuan Tai Qi Hao (No. 7 Cherry Lane)' during the 76th annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, September 02, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Set in 1960s Hong Kong, the film follows a young university undergraduate called Ziming, who develops feelings for a Taiwan mother, Mrs. Yu, and her young daughter, Meiling.

The filmmaker previously served on the Venice jury in 2017 and competed in 2009 with "Prince of Tears."

Actors Tian Zhuangzhuang, left, Sylvia Chang, director Yonfan and Alex Lam pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'No. 7 Cherry Lane' at the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Monday, September 02, 2019. [Photo: IC]

"No. 7 Cherry Lane" is in the running for the festival's top prize, the Golden Lion.

(Story includes material sourced from AP)