Film Center Honors Groundbreaking Screenwriter Qiu Gangjian with July Retrospective

The National Film and Audiovisual Center is honoring the legacy of the late, acclaimed screenwriter Qiu Gangjian with a special July program. Titled "Red Chamber Undercurrents: Selected Screenplays by Qiu Gangjian," the series will showcase nine of his films, highlighting his significant contributions to cinema.

Qiu Gangjian, who passed away, had a prolific career collaborating with prominent directors such as Ann Hui, Tsui Hark, and Patrick Tam. His work also featured performances from international stars like Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Leslie Cheung, Cherie Chung, and Andy Lau. The selected films delve into daring and provocative themes, including historical eroticism, same-sex desire, and suspenseful murder cases, reflecting his fearless approach to storytelling.

Born in Xiamen, China, and later moving to Taiwan, Qiu Gangjian's exposure to Western art and thought, particularly through his involvement with "Theater" magazine, shaped his avant-garde perspective. His early work in Hong Kong cinema, including "The Bells of Death" (1968), blended genre elements with his unique, unsettling atmosphere. His screenplay for "Erotique" (1972), which depicted a forbidden romance between a prostitute and her madam, and "Fascination" (1984), a bold portrayal of the Tang Dynasty poet Yu Xuanji, are noted for their daring content and strong female characters.

Qiu Gangjian's ability to capture the complexities of modern relationships is evident in films like "Women" (1985), a nuanced exploration of marital conflict starring Chow Yun-fat and Cherie Chung, and "Love Unto Waste" (1986), a dark tale of loneliness and desire that he considered his most satisfying script. "The Liar" (1989) offered a look at urban women's self-discovery, earning comparisons to "Sex and the City."

His work also engaged with historical and societal reflections. "Nomad" (1982), featuring Leslie Cheung, explored the lives of young people facing a crisis with the appearance of Japanese Red Army fugitives. "Boat People" (1982), directed by Ann Hui, depicted the plight of refugees after the fall of South Vietnam, marking Andy Lau's debut and earning him a Hong Kong Film Award nomination. The program also includes "The Dream of the Red Chamber" (1977), Qiu Gangjian's directorial debut, a 1970s Singaporean adaptation of the classic novel, which has undergone digital restoration from the only surviving 35mm print.