Three Years of Silence and a Fight for Survival

In a shocking turn of events, Hong Kong director Ho Cheuk-tin has faced a nearly three-year hiatus from film production. Once hailed as a rising star after his debut feature, 'The Sparring Partner,' snagged the Best New Director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2023, Ho now finds himself grappling with an industry steeped in uncertainty.

Record-Breaking Success Meets an Industry Crisis

His courtroom drama, released in October 2022, shattered records to become the highest-grossing Category III film in Hong Kong, raking in over HK$40 million. Little did he know that what seemed like the peak of his career would soon be overshadowed by an industry-wide downturn.

Promising Projects Fade into Oblivion

Fast forward to today, Ho’s ambitious plans for new films have stalled as interest from investors dwindles. While he was once busy directing, he found himself relying on ViuTV for income, acting in drama series and reality shows instead. Despite this shift, Ho calls himself fortunate, recognizing many of his peers who are struggling even more.

A Troubling Trend: Box Office Returns Plummet

Even amid the record-setting successes of two local films, 'The Last Dance' and 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,' the Hong Kong film industry has reported its lowest total box office revenue in nearly 13 years.

The Haunting Shadow of Closure

The grim reality has seen ten cinemas close their doors since last year, a testament to the industry's struggle to bounce back post-pandemic. Louis Koo, a leading actor and founder of One Cool Group, predicts that fewer local productions are likely to hit the screens this year.

The Health of Hong Kong Cinema is in Jeopardy

The peak of local productions came in 2017, but co-productions began to decline drastically since 2018. Despite a temporary rise during the pandemic, the numbers have since plummeted again, signalling a looming crisis.

Behind the Camera: Perspectives from Industry Insiders

Camera technician Curry Hui notes a drastic shift, stating that productions used to account for 70% of his income but have now dropped to 40%. To make ends meet, he juggles side gigs like driving for Uber.

The Budget Cuts Affecting Creativity

With the rise of low-budget productions, film budgets have polarized, leaving many creative professionals like director of photography Rick Lau lamenting the loss of a sustainable working environment. The overall diversity and quality of released films have suffered as a result.

Investor Apathy: A Vicious Cycle?

Producers are now more cautious with investments following the film industry’s shaky foundation. While some companies apply for government funding, director Ho explains that potential investors are often put off by projects that haven’t received prior financial support.

A Call for Government Support

As Ho navigates this challenging landscape, he has turned his eyes toward opportunities abroad, even considering directing in Taiwan where production is reportedly cheaper.

Holding On to Passion Despite Challenges

Despite the bleak outlook, industry veterans remain unwavering. As production manager Cecilia Then eloquently stated, the experiences and unique journey of filmmaking are irreplaceable. Director Lau echoed this sentiment, holding onto hope that the industry will once again thrive and ‘feed’ the growing demand for creative storytelling.

The future of Hong Kong cinema may indeed be uncertain, but the passion and resilience of those behind the camera suggest that the spirit of filmmaking in the region will endure.