Latest from Clarence Tsui
International film festivals in Berlin and Rotterdam are the latest to move screenings partly or fully online; it’s not all bad, but there’s no substitute for film fans and professionals meeting at in-person events, organisers say.
International film festivals in Berlin and Rotterdam are the latest to move screenings partly or fully online; it’s not all bad, but there’s no substitute for film fans and professionals meeting at in-person events, organisers say.
Audiovisual CUT Association took over programming of Cinematheque Passion in 2016 and transformed it into an innovative, dynamic space.
Audiovisual CUT Association took over programming of Cinematheque Passion in 2016 and transformed it into an innovative, dynamic space.
The Taiwan Film Institute’s efforts to restore classics are a much needed shot in the arm for the island’s local cultures.
The Taiwan Film Institute’s efforts to restore classics are a much needed shot in the arm for the island’s local cultures.
Working around social distancing measures, online and physical events explored how a national trauma manifested on screen.
Working around social distancing measures, online and physical events explored how a national trauma manifested on screen.
From Hollywood to China, the coronavirus is reshaping the film world, making a raft of pandemic-themed movies, be they comedy capers, action and adventure, or patriotic salutes to unsung heroes, almost inevitable.
From Hollywood to China, the coronavirus is reshaping the film world, making a raft of pandemic-themed movies, be they comedy capers, action and adventure, or patriotic salutes to unsung heroes, almost inevitable.
A survey of when, or if, US film-goers will head back to cinemas highlights the lack of innovation and engagement in the Hong Kong film industry.
A survey of when, or if, US film-goers will head back to cinemas highlights the lack of innovation and engagement in the Hong Kong film industry.
Straight-to-streaming blockbusters and free online art-house films may be pragmatic and generous during the coronavirus lockdown, but will the public expect this to continue after the pandemic has passed?
Straight-to-streaming blockbusters and free online art-house films may be pragmatic and generous during the coronavirus lockdown, but will the public expect this to continue after the pandemic has passed?
Constanze Ruhm’s version of ‘Anna’ gives a voice to the protagonist of the original documentary, and all women marginalised by the film industry.
Constanze Ruhm’s version of ‘Anna’ gives a voice to the protagonist of the original documentary, and all women marginalised by the film industry.
Teboho Edkins’ Days of Cannibalism looks like a Western, but these frontier spaces are settled by Chinese ‘pioneers’.
Teboho Edkins’ Days of Cannibalism looks like a Western, but these frontier spaces are settled by Chinese ‘pioneers’.
René Viénet’s debut Can Dialetics Break Bricks? takes kung fu potboiler Crush and positions it as a confrontation between the state and revolutionaries .
René Viénet’s debut Can Dialetics Break Bricks? takes kung fu potboiler Crush and positions it as a confrontation between the state and revolutionaries .
Mainland directors are frequently bombarded with questions abroad about China’s social and political conditions. Now their Hong Kong counterparts must prepare for similar interrogations.
Mainland directors are frequently bombarded with questions abroad about China’s social and political conditions. Now their Hong Kong counterparts must prepare for similar interrogations.
Films about sporting events and sports stars have frequently been used to stir national pride but certain filmmakers have pretty much ignored the brief to present a true picture.
Films about sporting events and sports stars have frequently been used to stir national pride but certain filmmakers have pretty much ignored the brief to present a true picture.
The Legend of 1900, starring Tim Roth as a pianist who lives his entire life on a boat, has surged past the latest blockbusters in box office earnings and ratings.
The Legend of 1900, starring Tim Roth as a pianist who lives his entire life on a boat, has surged past the latest blockbusters in box office earnings and ratings.
A milestone Hong Kong-Japanese co-production – The Murders of Oiso – shows why the city’s independent directors should be seeking partnerships beyond the border.
A milestone Hong Kong-Japanese co-production – The Murders of Oiso – shows why the city’s independent directors should be seeking partnerships beyond the border.
We try to make sense of Roland Emmerich’s Midway getting approval for a general release in mainland Chinese cinemas while domestic war films such as The Eight Hundred remain in limbo.
We try to make sense of Roland Emmerich’s Midway getting approval for a general release in mainland Chinese cinemas while domestic war films such as The Eight Hundred remain in limbo.
Despite a tightening of China’s already strict film censorship, you can still find alternative fare, if you know where to look.
Despite a tightening of China’s already strict film censorship, you can still find alternative fare, if you know where to look.
Directed by Chinese-Canadian Yung Chang, the film follows revered British war correspondent Robert Fisk and details how Rupert Murdoch’s meddling led to his move from The Times to The Independent.
Directed by Chinese-Canadian Yung Chang, the film follows revered British war correspondent Robert Fisk and details how Rupert Murdoch’s meddling led to his move from The Times to The Independent.
Highlights include Mark Cousins’ Women Make Films, a 14-hour documentary of clips from movies by female directors from all around the world.
Highlights include Mark Cousins’ Women Make Films, a 14-hour documentary of clips from movies by female directors from all around the world.
Saturday Fiction may have received a lukewarm response from critics, but is there more to ‘sixth generation’ Chinese director Lou Ye’s movie than meets the eye?
Saturday Fiction may have received a lukewarm response from critics, but is there more to ‘sixth generation’ Chinese director Lou Ye’s movie than meets the eye?
Having been sidelined by mainland Chinese blockbusters for years, recent box office wins show Hong Kong films are back with a vengeance.
Having been sidelined by mainland Chinese blockbusters for years, recent box office wins show Hong Kong films are back with a vengeance.
As women make strides on the international film festival circuit, Locarno’s Lili Hinstin stresses the importance of diversity versus parity.
As women make strides on the international film festival circuit, Locarno’s Lili Hinstin stresses the importance of diversity versus parity.
FIRST International Film Festival chief executive is used to navigating the perils of Chinese censorship, but negative comments posted online about festival entries are too much for Li Ziwei, who fears investors will be put off.
FIRST International Film Festival chief executive is used to navigating the perils of Chinese censorship, but negative comments posted online about festival entries are too much for Li Ziwei, who fears investors will be put off.
The ‘handmade film lab’ is dedicated to reviving analogue filmmaking. When it comes to celluloid, however, Hong Kong and mainland China are out of the picture.
The ‘handmade film lab’ is dedicated to reviving analogue filmmaking. When it comes to celluloid, however, Hong Kong and mainland China are out of the picture.
The Eight Hundred and Better Days are withdrawn over controversial KMT and youth violence content; The Last Wish is renamed. White Storm 2 and The Invincible Dragon fill the gaps in mainland cineplex schedules.
The Eight Hundred and Better Days are withdrawn over controversial KMT and youth violence content; The Last Wish is renamed. White Storm 2 and The Invincible Dragon fill the gaps in mainland cineplex schedules.
Recent restorations and screenings reflect authorities’ willingness to rehabilitate controversial classics.
Recent restorations and screenings reflect authorities’ willingness to rehabilitate controversial classics.
Director Patricio Guzmán’s latest film, like many others he has made, explores a painful chapter in Chile’s past, but Chinese auteurs do not enjoy the same liberties, with certain historical events subject to strict censorship.
Director Patricio Guzmán’s latest film, like many others he has made, explores a painful chapter in Chile’s past, but Chinese auteurs do not enjoy the same liberties, with certain historical events subject to strict censorship.
After more than a decade in the business, Wu, who just made her debut in Cannes with a Me Too-themed thriller that she also wrote the screenplay for, is finally coming into her own.
After more than a decade in the business, Wu, who just made her debut in Cannes with a Me Too-themed thriller that she also wrote the screenplay for, is finally coming into her own.
Debutant director Zu Feng plays a cop whose murder investigation brings him face to face with the victim’s sister; both feel responsible for the death of a loved one – cue sad looks and grave talk, and a film that ultimately lacks soul.
Debutant director Zu Feng plays a cop whose murder investigation brings him face to face with the victim’s sister; both feel responsible for the death of a loved one – cue sad looks and grave talk, and a film that ultimately lacks soul.
Taiwanese filmmaker’s story of a bit-part actress who endures humiliation and violence on the road to stardom, and loses her sanity, is gripping, suspenseful and slick.
Taiwanese filmmaker’s story of a bit-part actress who endures humiliation and violence on the road to stardom, and loses her sanity, is gripping, suspenseful and slick.