By Andy Eskenazi
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Abstract
Ever since Hong Kong transitioned from British to Chinese sovereignty during the 1997 Handover, feelings of anxiety and unrest have spread among the city’s residents. The uncertainty about the territory’s future, Beijing’s growing influence, and the fear of losing their promised freedoms led Hongkongers of all backgrounds to make their voices heard, not only through protests and movements, but also through social media, broadcasting, and most notably, cinema. In fact, during the time that the 1997 Handover and the 2014 Umbrella movement took place, two films, Made in Hong Kong (released 1997) and 10 Years (released 2015), were released. Apart from providing a spectacular depiction of the general public’s sentiments regarding Hong Kong during this distinct moment, these films also invited their audiences to think and reflect upon, and even see hope in, what appeared to be a daunting reality. This paper analyzes these two films’ portrayals of Hong Kong society during the time in which they were produced and explores the evolution of the public’s sentiments about the city between 1997 and 2014. Further, this work compares the future described in 10 Years, which is set in 2025 Hong Kong, with the present-day trajectory of the territory.
Keywords
Hong Kong 1997 Handover, Student Protests, Anti-extradition Bill, 10 Years movie, Made in Hong Kong
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