Three hundred videos and 450,000-plus followers later, Sillona has become a de facto spokesperson for the city thanks to his roving eye and dreamy, nostalgic videos.

“Funnily enough I wasn’t even here when I posted the first video, although the idea was to remind people who left during Covid that the city was still alive, and just as beautiful,” he says. “There wasn’t anything out there [on social media] that portrayed Hong Kong the way I saw – maybe why it resonated with so many people.”

Born and raised in the Middle East, Sillona, now in his mid-thirties, has been passionate about film since he was a teenager, when he would often host “premieres” at home for his family showcasing the short vlogs and music videos he made using his old-school Nokia phone, Sony digital camera and laptop.

While studying business at university in Manila, he made his first trip to Hong Kong and instantly fell in love with the city’s film-set vibes, dizzying skyscrapers and boundless opportunities.

In his final year, he managed to snag an internship working with a local fashion company, where he flexed his filmmaking skills producing offbeat training videos, which immediately got him noticed.

Eventually, he moved to Hong Kong in 2019 and opened his own production company, Jazzie Films, while freelancing on various film projects and shoots. When the pandemic hit and work slowed down, he found himself uncovering lesser-known sides of the city and its diverse cultures.

“I was living in Tai Kok Tsui and really felt more connected to the people. This inspired me when I started to create my videos because I wanted to show what people don’t see every day – the things you’d never imagine existing in Hong Kong,” he says.

After his first video went viral, Sillona tried to expand his oeuvre before realising that what his audience really craved was more Hong Kong content. Fortunately, he was happy to oblige.

Since then, each series he’s created has struck a chord with his followers, be it the off-the-beaten track neighbourhood discoveries or his popular “Moving Postcards”, which feature unscripted, music-free vignettes that capture residents going about their daily activities like shopping for vegetables at the wet market or buying drinks at 7/11.

“I had a series called ‘Humans of Hong Kong’, which showed delivery guys at work and older women pushing carts on the streets. I love showing the beauty in the simple things. That’s why I don’t follow any schedule, plan or storyboard,” says Sillona.

His instincts seem to be paying off. Today, Sillona is very much in demand, not just online but offline. In addition to working on commercial projects under Jazzie Films, with a long list of clients ranging from luxury fashion houses to champagne brands, he has recently collaborated with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to create videos promoting the city.

“My Instagram videos have really helped my career, but I am having a hard time figuring out how to balance Jazzie Films and Jazzie Sillona. Some people think I am an influencer or content creator, but I don’t see myself like that,” he says. “I also want to share other personal content aside from Hong Kong, but the challenging part is mixing both together. I am learning.”

Jazzie Sillona’s top five spots to film in Hong Kong

Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan

“A hub of contemporary culture mixed with historical elements with its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and chic cafes housed in traditional tong laus.”

Centre St, Sai Ying Pun

“This street is a stunning visual representation of Hong Kong’s multifaceted urban landscape, from the bustling harbour with ferries to the iconic trams, buses, and taxis.”

Mong Kok Market, Argyle Street

“Expect authentic market vibes with local colour, traditional stalls, neon signs and the animated chatter of vendors and shoppers.”

Pottinger Street, Central

“Also known as the ‘stone slabs street’ due to its granite-paved pathway, it’s one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong.”

Cat Street (Upper Lascar Row), Sheung Wan

“The surrounding architecture, with its mix of traditional Chinese and colonial buildings, provides a rich visual texture and a sense of the city’s layered history.”