In the frame: low-budget film Ten Years nominated for top award, despite being slammed by mainland China media
Movie depicts what life might be like in 2025 Hong Kong under Communist Party influence
An independent film depicting Hong Kong people’s fear of increasing mainland influence over the city’s affairs is competing for a top accolade at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards, despite being denounced by a Communist Party mouthpiece.
Ten Years, a low-budget production comprising five short films suggesting what Hong Kong will be like in 10 years, is in the running for best film – the only nomination it received.
Set in the year 2025, it depicts a Hong Kong where the Communist Party is exerting its influence on daily life. The film has earned acclaim from audiences, and as of yesterday had taken in nearly HK$5 million at the box office.
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But the bleak future Hong Kong portrayed in the film was slammed by official daily Global Times for being absurd and spreading anxiety.
Ng Ka-leung, co-producer of Ten Years and director of one of the shorts, Local Egg, said the nomination was a bonus as the film was intended to stimulate discussion rather than achieve box- office success or awards.
“We want to inspire people to talk about the future of Hong Kong,” said Ng, 34. “The future perceived in our film is based on what we have experienced over the past decade or so. We are helpless but this is what we have to deal with now.”
On Global Times’ criticism, Ng said that, on the contrary, the film was optimistic. “We acknowledge and try to understand the current situation. This is the first step to solving the problem,” Ng said.