Hong Kong film veterans aim to pass on legacy to next generation

Filmmakers from the golden age of Hong Kong cinema are actively working to ensure the legacy of their industry is passed on to future generations. Directors Stanley Kwan and screenwriter Chan Hing-kai, prominent figures of the Hong Kong New Wave, spoke at a presentation in Seoul about the challenges facing contemporary Hong Kong filmmaking and the crucial role of mentorship.

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In the heyday of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s, 200 films were made in a year, but now it's hard to produce even 20.

Kwan noted the dramatic decline in film production, from 200 films annually in the 1980s to fewer than 20 today. He stressed the responsibility of senior filmmakers to share their experience and assets with emerging talents. The Hong Kong New Wave, which predated South Korea's own cinematic movement by two decades, significantly influenced Korean directors but also served as a cautionary tale when it faltered in the late 1990s. Kwan, known for his sensitive portrayals of female psychology in films like 'Rouge' and 'Center Stage,' is visiting Korea for the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation.

Both Kwan and Chan highlighted the importance of intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Kwan recalled his early days in the industry, learning from peers like Chow Yun-fat and working with directors such as Ann Hui and Tsui Hark. Chan added that their generation benefited from the groundwork laid by predecessors and expressed concern that current difficulties faced by young directors might be a consequence of their own generation's actions. They expressed hope that collaboration between experienced filmmakers and young talent could reignite Hong Kong cinema's golden era.

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In times like these, I believe that as seniors in the film industry, we must share our experience and assets with the new generation.

This emphasis on mentorship is being realized through initiatives like 'Passing On The Torch,' a program where established directors, screenwriters, and producers mentor new filmmakers. Kwan produced 'Someone Like Me,' and Chan produced the romantic comedy 'Love Lies' through this program, with both films gaining attention at festivals and being screened at the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation. Kwan, an admirer of Korean directors Park Chan-wook and Lee Chang-dong, noted that the Korean New Wave absorbed elements from Hong Kong and Hollywood, achieving great success. However, he observed recent signs of crisis in Korean cinema that echo Hong Kong's past, suggesting that Korean directors should also focus on fostering unique perspectives through mutual support.

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The intergenerational transmission of knowledge can be seen as what made the Hong Kong New Wave flourish.

The two filmmakers also fondly remembered actor Leslie Cheung, a star of 'Rouge' and 'A Better Tomorrow,' who passed away 20 years ago but remains beloved by fans. Kwan recalled Cheung's genuine eye contact and sincere engagement with everyone he met. Chan shared that Cheung had expressed a desire to direct a film a year before his death and that he still keeps the unfinished script, which evokes memories of their conversations.

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The entry of our generation into the film industry was an opportunity created by the predecessors who laid the groundwork.