Film-makers from Hong Kong and Japan spoke about the benefits and challenges of working together on co-productions at a public seminar at the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), which recently concluded in the Japanese capital.
The speakers represented two Hong Kong Japanese co-productions - All The Things We Have Done Wrong That Led Us To This and 38.83 - which were the first films to receive a grant from the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme.
Japanese director Daishi Matsunaga, who worked with Hong Kong veteran Stanley Kwan on All The Things…, said that he was eager to explore new possibilities alongside talented Asian film-makers.
Working with Mr Kwan, the film’s producer, was challenging but also taught him a unique approach to film-making, Mr Matsunaga added.
Mr Kwan praised young directors for their character-led approach, which could produce “remarkable” results.
“Their emphasis on character creation also encouraged a rich exchange of ideas when we worked together,” he said.
Shunsuke Koga, producer of 38.33 spoke in favour of adopting best practices from different cultures into Asian film-making.
“While embracing new challenges can be daunting for both parties, it is our responsibility to support and help each other to overcome these obstacles,” Mr Koga said.
38.33 was written and directed by Hong Kong’s Vincci Cheuk, who also spoke on the panel.
The seminar was hosted by Hong Kong Films @ Tokyo 2024, a joint initiative organised by the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Hong Kong Films @ Tokyo 2024 also included a seminar on the history and future of martial arts cinema. This panel featured two celebrated performers – Sammo Hung from Hong Kong and Kurata Yasuaki from Japan – as well as renowned Japanese choreographer and director Tanigaki Kenji.
Mr Hung also gave a masterclass on his decades-long career as an actor, action choreographer and director.
Hong Kong Films @ Tokyo 2024 also debuted a Hong Kong Pavilion at TIFFCOM, the film festival’s audio-visual content market, while also hosting a Hong Kong Night to help international film-makers connect, exchange ideas and forge partnerships.
The Hong Kong Films @ promotion also ran at two other major film festivals this year, in Cannes in France and at Busan in South Korea.
Hong Kong films also enjoyed a strong presence at this year’s TIFF, while Tony Leung, one of the city’s best-known actors, served as jury president for the International Competition. Renowned Hong Kong director Johnnie To also served on the jury.
