Hong Kong cinema is currently struggling, experiencing a significant decline from its previous position as one of Asia’s biggest powerhouses when it comes to film and cinema. Industry insiders predict that Hong Kong cinema is fast approaching an unprecedented “cold winter”, a far cry from what it was during its heyday. During the thank you ceremony for his new film Hit N Fun, actor-singer-producer Louis Koo recently spoke out about his concerns about the future of Hong Kong cinema and lamented how current conditions make it hard for filmmakers to shoot new projects. However he said he remains committed to innovate and continue to make films for the audience.
In its golden years, Hong Kong was crowned the Hollywood of the East. It would’ve been hard to find anyone who hasn’t seen any films from director Tsui Hark or Wong Kar-wai just to name a few, or even God of Gamblers – Chow Yun Fat‘s uber popular gambling flick that started a mega successful franchise. And who remembers those hopping zombie/ vampire films that were on frequently on reruns on telly?
Faced with limited resources, long term effects of the pandemic, increased international competition and a shift in audience’s tastes towards Hollywood productions over local films, Louis Koo says filmmakers are fighting an uphill battle. “The first is limited resources; the second is that the market does not support us enough to do too much. We have tried our best to work hard and hope that we can survive the next few years of winter and still have Hong Kong films for everyone to watch” he said.
sad
lack of talent and creativity as well