On August 23, Tatler and The Upper House hosted the latest edition of House Stories, a monthly panel series at the hotel’s Green Room. This month, we spotlight three industry leaders in Hong Kong, who are working towards greater inclusion in the local film industry
When? August 23, 2023
Where? The Green Room at The Upper House
Who? The event featured film director Ray Yeung; actress, singer and early childhood educator Crisel Consunji; and actor and filmmaker Bipin Karma.
Here’s what you missed:
Hong Kong’s film industry, despite its rich cultural heritage and immense talent pool, has long struggled with a lack of diversity and inclusion. Until recently, Hong Kong cinema still featured tropes such as brown face, fat suits, “Kong girls” and effeminate gay men. While it has produced remarkable works, there is a pressing need for representation that adequately reflects the diverse experiences and voices within the Asian community. Moderated by Tatler’s features editor Zabrina Lo, the panel discussed racial diversity and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in Hong Kong through cinema, and where the industry should steer towards next.
Consunji, best known for her award-winning portrayal of a domestic helper in the 2018 film Still Human, addressed the importance of storytelling through narratives that showcase the multitude of Asian cultures, identities and perspectives. “[I did this film because] I needed a chance to tell stories that were authentic, and director Oliver Siu Kuen Chan’s representation was very respectful, sensitive and well researched,” something that was of grave importance, she added.
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Karma’s 2021 short film, Melting Pot, shed light on the intricacies of identity, mental health and education through the setting of a diverse group of high school students, starring actors of Southeast Asian descent. The film has been instrumental in inspiring conversations surrounding social issues.
Karma also referenced the 13-year-old actor Sahal Zaman, who won Best New Performer at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards in April for his role in the 2022 film The Sunny Side of the Street. “It was a proud moment for us [when he won]—he represents the future [of our industry],” Karma said. “But how ready is Hong Kong to keep this momentum going?”
The speakers discussed how crucial it is to provide platforms for underrepresented groups, like LGBTQ+ individuals and ethnic minorities, to be able to share their stories authentically—a feat which can only be done by dismantling systemic barriers and biases within the film industry.
Ray Yeung, whose critically acclaimed 2019 film Suk Suk, which tells the story of elderly gay love, spoke of the challenges of making a movie in this genre: “Everything I do is challenging. The industry loves to say ‘no’ [to these kinds of movies], because everyone wants to make money and wants to play it safe,” he said of the film industry’s tendency to place more importance on a film’s commercial viability, rather than portraying underrepresented people and their stories.
