Connecting Hong Kong Cinema with Malaysian Film Students, Audience and Fans
Actress Kay Tse from “Out of the Shadow”, director Kwan Man Hin and actor Ling Man Lung from “The Remnant” and director Dickson Leung from “YUM Investigation” visited a university in Kuala Lumpur to share their journeys into the film industry and their unique perspectives on the film sector.The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation inaugurated on the evening of September 20 at GSC The Starling Mall, Malaysia. In addition to screening seven selected Hong Kong films, film talents participated in post-screening discussions and interviews with local media. In addition, actress Kay Tse and actor Ling Man Lung, along with emerging directors Kwan Man Hin and Dickson Leung, visited Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, engaging with local film students and generously sharing their experiences.
Bridging the Gap: from Stage to Screen and Microphone to Film
Debuting as a singer and a theatre actor respectively, Kay Tse from “Out of the Shadow” and Ling Man Lung from “The Remnant” never envisioned themselves acting in films, despite their successful transitions from stage to screen. Kay shared that it already took a lot of courage for her to become a singer, while Ling had always concentrated solely on theatre performances. Yet, they both agreed that storytelling remains the essence of any form of performing arts, whether in music, theatre, or film.
When asked about the differences witnessed in transitioning from stage to film, Kay noted that singing focuses on her solo performance, while film production requires interaction with other actors, coordination with the camera, and an awareness of the atmosphere on set to adjust her performance. Drawing from his extensive theatre experience, Ling also pointed out that film is shown on a framed screen, where even the smallest details are magnified on the big screen. Besides, on the contrary of doing stage plays where actors have a lot of rehearsals before the actual performance, film actors often rehearse with their co-stars only on the day of shooting, which is when they finally meet and gain a better understanding about the director’s vision.
Years or even decades can pass before an actor finally receives a good script or a suitable role. Kay acknowledged that landing the leading role in “Out of the Shadow” was a blessing. She encouraged students not to fear hardship, reminding them that although we do not always reap what we sow; what truly matters is the diligent efforts and dedication we invest in the process. Ling also emphasized, “success depends on how much you are willing to commit”. If you have a lot of choices in front of you, simply choose the one that aligns with your goals and remain focused throughout the journey.
Breaking New Ground: Hong Kong Cinema’s Next Generation
Director Kwan Man Hin from “The Remnant” and director Dickson Leung from “YUM Investigation” shared their unique creative journeys with a passionate crowd of film students. Kwan, with years of experience in documentary filmmaking, discussed his transition to feature films in depth. His focus had been on interviewees and on-site situations when making a documentary. However, when it comes to feature films, his concentration has been shifted to scriptwriting. The inspiration for “The Remnant” came from a former gangster he met while making documentaries, who had turned his life around to become a chef. Dickson, on the other hand, has spent years working on film sets in various roles, including script supervisor, assistant director, executive director, and even actor. He has worked with many renowned directors and gained valuable insights from them. He emphasized the importance of communication with actors and crew members, as well as the need to improvise, be flexible and cope with tight shooting schedules and limited budgets.
Dickson also shared his experience of how he actively sought and secured funding and resources for his first film “YUM Investigation”. It is important to see from the investors’ perspectives and stress on both the innovative and commercial value of your work when pitching. Kwan pointed out that in recent years, more diverse pitching channels are available, with various film festivals offering public pitching platforms. He encourages aspiring directors to make good use of these platforms and proactively showcase their scripts and visuals to draw in potential investors. They also discussed the difficulties they faced as new directors and their journeys in making their first films. Dickson advised students to keep faith and persevere: “Outstanding works will eventually be discovered; it’s just a matter of time.”
In addition, Hong Kong film talents also visited Malaysian radio and television stations. They participated in the recording of the TV program “8 E-News” and were interviewed by well-known radio stations such as MELODY and MY FM. During these occasions, the team shared their film insights and creative inspirations with Malaysian audiences, delving deep into the production process and creative concepts of Hong Kong films. They also elaborated on their views on the development of the Hong Kong film industry and potential collaboration opportunities with the Malaysian counterpart. These interviews not only deepened Malaysian audiences’ understanding of Hong Kong films but also built a bridge for exchange between the film industries of both regions.
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), financially supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) and the Film Development Fund (FDF) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta, in collaboration with the largest cinema chain in Malaysia, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), and film distributor GSC Movies (GSCM), Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation and the exhibition “From Idea to Icon: Crafting Hong Kong Cinema” showcases the charm and creativity of Hong Kong cinema to audiences in Malaysia.
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