HK films find new role in bigger market

Mainland themes

In recent years, it has become popular for Hong Kong film directors to cooperate with mainland companies and producers to direct mainstream films, which absorbs the filmmaking elements from Hong Kong's successful commercial films and also gives "China stories" a richer perspective.

From films such as The Taking of Tiger Mountain to The Bravest, The Captain and The Battle at Lake Changjin, it is not hard to see that Hong Kong filmmakers interpret the profound love of the Chinese people for their family and their country well, making mainstream films attractive and propelling them to box-office success.

"Telling the 'China stories' gives me a great sense of achievement and happiness," says Hong Kong film director Dante Lam, adding that the inspiring stories portrayed through his lens were all created in the context of national development.

Ma believes that agreeing with the values of the mainland, while giving full play to the advantages of the Hong Kong film industry, is the key to Hong Kong filmmakers' success in the mainland market.

In November 2021, The Battle at Lake Changjin, a movie set during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), landed in Hong Kong theaters. On the first day of its release, 149 screenings were scheduled in nearly 40 theaters, with tickets for some screenings hard to get.

Tin believes that the popularity of this movie in Hong Kong reflects the rising sense of national identity among Hong Kong residents, who are eager to learn about the country's development from the movie.

"As a content product, the film can further promote emotional integration between compatriots in Hong Kong and mainland in the future and help Hong Kong residents better understand the country," Tin says.