HK films find new role in bigger market

HONG KONG - As the forerunner of Chinese films in the 20th century, Hong Kong films have been enjoyed and discussed by movie fans with their influence spreading far and wide.

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, more Hong Kong filmmakers have been exploring cooperation possibilities with the mainland by integrating themselves into its culture and market.

"In the process of cultural exchanges and integration with the mainland, Hong Kong films have gained a wider field of vision. The national consciousness has become more prominent in the works of Hong Kong filmmakers," says Ma Fung-kwok, chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association.

Broader perspective

In the 1970s and '80s, Hong Kong films recorded high achievements in production, box office, quality and artistry, earning a reputation as "the Hollywood of the East".

"Rich elements were included in Hong Kong films in the 1970s and '80s, and creative talent kept emerging to make films dynamic and attractive," says Hong Kong actor Simon Yam.

In the 1990s, the industry waned. The number of film practitioners in Hong Kong dropped to less than 5,000 in 2003 from 20,000 in the 1980s in the face of difficulties such as the financial crisis and some internal problems in the film industry.

According to Ma, Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997 provided a foundation for increased communication between the mainland and Hong Kong film industries.

"Some Hong Kong filmmakers began to realize that if they wanted to find new development opportunities, they must turn their eyes to the mainland market," Ma says.

The signing of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement in 2003 provided a "new engine" for Hong Kong films to enter the mainland market, and a large number of Hong Kong filmmakers followed the trend of "going north" to seek development.

Ma's words were echoed by Hong Kong filmmaker Tenky Tin. "The development of mainland films is at a peak. The rapid development of the film industry and rich social themes have provided opportunities for Hong Kong filmmakers."

Hong Kong filmmakers will have more room to play their part in the process of integrating into the national development, Tin says.