Josie Ho: A New Chapter in Hong Kong Cinema
For over three decades, Josie Ho has been a prominent figure in the vibrant landscape of the Hong Kong entertainment sector. As a multi-talented actress, pop/rock musician, film producer, and investor, she has carved a niche for herself. Recently, however, she expanded her career to include a new role: talent manager. This shift came about during her husband Conroy Chan‘s recovery from serious health issues, where she became involved in the burgeoning career of Iranian-Canadian doctor-turned-actor, Iman Taheri. Together, they are set to redefine her career and explore new creative avenues.
Introducing 852 Films at Hong Kong Filmart
On March 27, 2023, Ho will debut an exciting lineup from her production company, 852 Films, at the renowned Hong Kong Filmart. The upcoming slate showcases an eclectic blend of genres, including Cantonese and English-language action crime thrillers, spirited comedies, romantic comedies, and supernatural films, all featuring Ho and Taheri in prominent roles.
Highlighting the 2025 Productions
The centerpiece of this slate is The Mage, a supernatural crime thriller directed by Danny Pang, a luminary in horror cinema. Pang is also set to direct The Mage 2, which will begin filming in April 2025, alongside another project, The Connoisseurs. Other noteworthy films in the pipeline include:
- Macau Redux: A comedic take reminiscent of The Hangover, directed by American filmmaker Jordan Gertner.
- My Funny Valentine: A light-hearted romantic comedy, directed by Bjarne Wong, with production slated for September 2025.
- Báthory: A thriller inspired by the infamous 16th-century Countess Elizabeth Báthory, directed by Matthew David Wilder.
A Unique Partnership
All these projects share a common thread—they are led by Ho, an accomplished co-founder of 852 Films, and newcomer Iman Taheri, who boasts over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and a background as a surgeon. Taheri stands as the sole artist under Ho’s management umbrella, having signed a ten-year contract. Ho envisions a lasting partnership with Taheri, referring to him as her “muse” in her discussions with The Hollywood Reporter.
From Personal Trials to New Ventures
The inspiration for this venture is deeply personal. Chan has faced numerous health challenges, surviving a serious case of liver cirrhosis in 2015 and a significant medical crisis in 2022 that left him in a coma for over three weeks. During this tumultuous time, Ho and Chan built a friendship with Dr. Taheri, their live-in physician. This relationship eventually blossomed into Ho managing Taheri’s transition into acting.
From Medicine to the Silver Screen
Although stepping slightly away from medicine may seem daunting, Taheri eagerly embraced this new direction. “Acting was my childhood dream,” he shared. “It wasn’t a difficult choice, given how both professions deal with human experiences and emotions.” This transition offers him a chance to reveal his artistic side while still drawing parallels to his medical career.
A Shared Journey of Learning
Ho’s commitment to nurturing Taheri’s talent is evident—she enrolled him in formal acting classes, music theory, singing lessons, and martial arts training, even participating in the classes herself. “Iman picks things up so quickly,” Ho remarked, reflecting on the rigorous training regimen they undertook together, including intensive sessions with renowned instructors from Hong Kong’s vibrant action scene.
Crafting a Unique Cinematic Experience
In his inaugural role in The Mage, Taheri portrays a logical police chief in conflict with Ho’s character while unraveling a series of supernatural mysteries. Ho took a hands-on approach during the filming, actively assisting and coaching him on character development and subtext.
Breaking Boundaries and Exploring Genres
Through 852 Films, Ho aims to liberate herself from the horror genre that has defined much of her recent work. “I’m eager to transition into diverse genres with Iman,” she stated. “We have a unique bond and shared heritage that we can explore on screen.” Comedies like My Funny Valentine and Macau Redux allow both artists to tap into parts of their personalities that have been stifled due to their previous roles.
Taheri, excited to showcase his comedic chops, remarked, “I can finally embrace my more humorous side, which I had to suppress as a doctor.” Their collaborative spirit promises to bring freshness to the Hong Kong cinema landscape as they embark on this new journey together.