Top-Flight Movie Directors from Hong Kong

Most of these young directors have received academic training in film production workshops in the West and have field experience as producer-directors on television stations. They may differ in the style of their works, but under their efforts, a new production force has been formed to break away from set ideas and commercialism in Hong Kong's movie circles.

Hsu Ke, 29, a graduate of the film department of Texas State University, presented "We're Going to Eat You."

Liu Chen-han, 33, who obtained his M.A. from the department of public administration and film in Southern California University showed "House of the Lute."

Tan Chia-min, 32, who worked as floor manager, producer and director at TVB Ltd. in Hong Kong, presented "The Sword."

Huang Hua-chi, 37, presented his work "Lam Ah-chun Blunders Again".

Hsu An-hua, 33, a graduate of a film college in London, gave as her representative work "The Secret."

Yen Hau, 27, also a graduate of a film college in London, presented "The Happening."

Liang Pu-chih, a third graduate of a film college in London, worked as film editor for BBC TV, and producer-director of TVB in Hong Kong. His presentation was "No Big Deal."

Though their social commentary films are profit-oriented, these new directors have made a breakthrough in such filming techniques as shooting, lighting, editing and directing. Their aim is to throw off the shackles of Mandarin filmdom by controlling screen effects and techniques. Through their efforts, a new vista in Mandarin films has been opened up in Hong Kong.

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, a seminar was held in the morning and afternoon at the Chinese Film Library, each hosted by one of the new directors. They discussed styles, ideas and techniques with local movie workers, scholars and fans.

On October 30, Min Chi, President of the Chinese Motion Picture Studio Association of the Republic of China, chaired a seminar for movie workers in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The participants included the new directors in Hong Kong, local directors, writers, art critics, film scholars and reporters. At the seminar, enthusiastic views were presented on how to bring Mandarin films up to international, professional and artistic standards. Directors on both sides discussed differences and similarities in their movies, and reiterated their desire for further communication and cooperation.

The seven new directors sat in with the judges to watch Jo Jo Wang's film "Those Days in Heaven," and offered their opinions. They also held seminars with leading local directors such as Lee Hsin, Pai Chin-juei, and Soong Chun-sou.

Before returning to Hong Kong, the directors had breakfast with Dr. James Soong, Director-General of the GIO, and expressed admiration for his determination in promoting local film standards, and hoped that local directors could bring their works to be shown in Hong Kong.

Though only a small step in the exchange of views between movie workers in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the meeting was regarded as opening a bright vista for Mandarin films through cooperation.

[Picture Caption]

1. Dr. James Soong, GIO Director-General, pictured with "new wave" directors from Hong Kong. From left are: Hsu Ke, Huang Hua-chi, Tan Chia-min, Dr. Soong, Hsu An-hua and Yen Hao. 2. Min Chi, President of the Chinese Motion Picture studio Association presides over a seminar for directors from Taiwan and Hong Kong. 3. Liu Chen-han with his film "House of the Lute" which he presented at the film festival. He also chaired a seminar on his work. 4. Director Yen Hau exchanges views with movie workers at a seminar. 5. "The Secret," directed by Hsu An-hua, was nominated for best feature film of the year. 6. Tan Chia-min makes a breakthrough in traditional kung fu movies by building up his own movie language in his film "The Sword."

Min Chi, President of the Chinese Motion Picture studio Association presides over a seminar for directors from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Liu Chen-han with his film "House of the Lute" which he presented at the film festival. He also chaired a seminar on his work.

Director Yen Hau exchanges views with movie workers at a seminar.

"The Secret," directed by Hsu An-hua, was nominated for best feature film of the year.

Tan Chia-min makes a breakthrough in traditional kung fu movies by building up his own movie language in his film "The Sword.".