Hong Kong Film Awards chairman Er Dongsheng recently attended a film event and was asked about the recent controversy surrounding Johnnie To’s interview with the BBC, in which To talked about “Hong Kong losing its soul.” Er awkwardly responded with a smile, saying, “Are you really asking me this? Do you want me to mess up the Hong Kong Film Awards?” indicating his reluctance to discuss sensitive topics.
On November 8th, the opening of the directorial exhibition “Tsui Hark: The Eccentric Genius” was held at the M+ Museum Theatre in the West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong. The event also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the “Film Studio” founded by Tsui Hark and Nansun Shi, with many of their friends in the industry in attendance.
Er Dongsheng, who was present to support Tsui Hark, commented on their collaboration, stating that they had been in discussions for collaboration for a long time, but it wasn’t until the 2016 martial arts film “The Taking of Tiger Mountain” that they truly worked together. He admired Tsui Hark’s directing skills, particularly praising films like “The Blade” and “Time and Tide.” Despite 3D technology being more commonly used in artistic films at the time, Tsui Hark introduced it to martial arts films with great visual effects.
Er Dongsheng mentioned that he learned a lot from Tsui Hark and praised his contributions to film, calling him the “top martial arts choreographer” in his eyes for bringing many new elements to the industry and changing it significantly. When asked about Johnnie To’s recent BBC interview where To talked about feeling that he and Hong Kong had lost their souls, Er Dongsheng initially felt uncomfortable and jokingly responded, “Are you really asking me this? Do you want me to fail at the Hong Kong Film Awards? Haha!” He then refused to answer any more questions on sensitive topics, urging to move along.
In fact, prominent Hong Kong director Johnnie To, in an interview with the BBC earlier this month, expressed being in a creative slump in recent years due to a lack of creative freedom, stating, “I and Hong Kong have lost our souls,” and later went on to say that Hong Kong has lost freedom of speech, simplifying it to “human rights and freedom.”
Johnnie To’s remarks sparked significant discussion. Ho Kai-kong, Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and a member of the Legislative Council overseeing sports, entertainment, culture, and publishing, criticized To’s “soulless theory” as selfish, asserting that personal creative struggles should not be attributed to Hong Kong’s political climate. He emphasized the responsibility that comes with one’s position in the industry and society, suggesting that undermining Hong Kong in foreign media does not contribute to the film industry’s advancement.
Ho Kai-kong’s comments led to strong reactions. Hong Kong screenwriter Chuang Mei-yin took to Facebook on November 5th, directly challenging Ho Kai-kong, pointing out the dangers of subordinates parroting superiors’ views or outsiders criticizing insiders’ manners.
Chuang Mei-yin’s rebuttal against the Hong Kong authorities echoed the sentiments of many industry insiders in recent years, highlighting the desire for industry improvement instead of strict regulation. She thanked and supported veteran filmmaker Johnnie To, stating, “Your words represent many Hong Kong people who love creativity.”