Film Screenings

Student rebels, labor organizers, Trotskyites, anarchists, sojourners in Paris, and human rights activists are the cast of real life characters featured in The Life and Times of Wu Zhong Xian. Based on a stage play, this DV feature traces the poignant trajectory of a rebel whose dream of world revolution first landed him in battles against British colonialism in the 70s, and later, on his death bed in the mid-90s, in agonies over the uncertain fate of a revitalized China. Revealing a little known chapter of rebellion and idealism, Wu Zhong Xian also delves into the radical roots of a generation that included a budding filmmaker named John Woo. Written collectively by Mok Chiu Yu and friends who were close associates of Wu, the play was premiered in the Handover year of Hong Kong in 1997, then traveled to New York's Theatre for the New City in 1998, where the Village Voice hailed it as a "fascinating account" of a radical activist. Veteran independent filmmaker Evans Chan, who initially adapted the play for the New York stage, now offers a Digital Video version that incorporates extensive archival footage, including excerpts from Woo's experimental short "Deadknot." The Life and Times of Wu Zhong Xian is a timely, resonant docu-drama for today's Hong Kong, China and our ideologically-disillusioned era.

"No one seeking to understand the historical origins and significance of the massive public protests (involving some 500,000 demonstrators) that took place in Hong Kong on July 1, 2003, against the HK government's proposed "anti-subversion" legislation can afford to miss this fascinating new film." (Robin Munro, former director of Human Rights Watch/Hong Kong-China office)

An essay film, a reflexive documentary about the notion of freedom via spatial stories and local indie music.

Ah P from My Little Airport performs rm1210 in various streetscape in Kwun Tong area to tell how messy rents and situations have become due to the “revitalization policy” of the government. 

Dejay from The Pancakes chose Shek Yam Estate where she lived as a kid. Revisiting lost space echoes with memories. The imagined space narrates her childhood stories. Together with the photos and stories from other Shek Yam residents, we see how they creatively invented plays within limited space that tell so much about Hong Kong in its 70’s and 80’s.

Billy from Mininoise chose the square outside Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. The sculpture and the square has turned into a place symbolize freedom. And indeed, the square is a free space. Since 1999, Billy has been playing the same song every year in the concert at the square in memory of June Fourth Incident (democratic movement in China in 1989). It is not a song about the past but, the future.

The extended version of local young independent filmmaker Lo Chun Yip’s short documentary “to be continued”. The year 2010 has been a turbulent time for us. From the New Year’s March onwards, protests can be seen taking place all over Hong Kong, as protestors cry out for their disagreement against the construction of the High-Speed Express Rail Link, the demolishment of Choi Yuen Village, the 2011-12 Budget and in support for the international Street-Occupying Movement. Participants come together even when there is no longer a specific leading figure, and dedicate to learn on the way, as long as there is still injustice to be fought against in the coming future.

9:00-10:45 Film Sreening Section: Rita Hui’s Dead Slowly

10:45-12:30 Hong Kong Independent Film Discussion Forum