Hong Kong Film Masters: "Nurturing New Directors is the Key to Overcoming the Crisis"
Director 찬 힝카이, Stanley Kwan, shared the crisis of the rapidly shrinking production scale of Hong Kong films in Seoul and suggested the establishment of a rookie nurturing system for the Korean film industry.
The Hong Kong film industry, which enjoyed worldwide popularity in the 1980s and 90s, is facing a severe recession. Masters of Hong Kong cinema, attending the 'Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation' held at Emu Art Space in Seoul since the 26th, candidly revealed the current reality facing the industry.
Hong Kong Film Industry: Production Volume Plummets to One-Tenth
Chan Hing-kai, the screenwriter and producer of the film 'A Better Tomorrow' (1987), pointed out that the scale of film production has significantly decreased compared to the past. He noted, "In the 1980s, about 200 films were produced annually, but now it is only about 20." As the traditional production model, which relied on large-scale capital and famous actors, becomes difficult, the Hong Kong film industry is experiencing a vicious cycle of shrinking investment and decreasing production volume, to the point where low-budget production has become the standard.
Lack of Opportunities and Environmental Constraints for New Creators
Director Stanley Kwan, who directed the film 'Rouge' (1987) starring Leslie Cheung, emphasized that the reduction in production costs has created an environment where it is difficult for new talent to emerge. Director Stanley Kwan diagnosed that "due to the reduction in production costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young creators to get stable opportunities to make works." Screenwriter Chan Hing-kai also explained that the limitations of the previous model, which utilized massive production budgets and star actors, are acting as an obstacle to securing a stable production environment for new creators.
The Need for New Talent Development Systems like 'Passing on the Torch'
The two masters identified 'nurturing new directors' as the top priority for overcoming the crisis. Director Stanley Kwan cited 'Passing on the Torch,' a mentoring program operated with support from the Hong Kong government, as an example. This program is a systematic nurturing system where veteran directors assist rookie directors. Both commonly suggested that a support system is essential to pave the way for next-generation directors by utilizing the resources of experienced directors.
Suggestions for the Korean Film Industry
The Hong Kong film masters also took note of the development potential of the Korean film industry. Screenwriter Chan Hing-kai analyzed that "the Korean film industry has similarities to the growth process of the Hong Kong film industry in the 1970s." Director Stanley Kwan advised that the Korean film industry also needs to establish a system where the know-how of skilled seniors is passed down to the next generation. He emphasized, "The Korean film industry should also be able to open paths for new directors by utilizing the resources of experienced directors, just like Hong Kong."
