By doudou6 
Ann Hui is not only half of Hong Kong’s film history but also the pioneer of the Hong Kong New Wave cinema. Many renowned filmmakers are her followers. On April 24, 2024, the 14th Beijing International Film Festival’s “Ann Hui Masterclass” was held at Langyuan Station in Beijing. The masterclass featured Ann Hui, a famous director and producer from Hong Kong, as the keynote speaker. She engaged in a dialogue with director Vivian Qu, with Professor Dai Jinhua from Peking University serving as the special guest host.
At the event, the three guests discussed and shared their insights on “The Long Journey of Female Independent Filmmakers.” They reviewed Ann Hui’s creative journey and discussed the creation and life of female independent filmmakers. The exploration of female perspectives and being an independent director was particularly enlightening.
01
Female Perspective in Films
When it comes to gender considerations, Director Ann Hui candidly admitted that it wasn’t until she was in her seventies, in a stage almost devoid of gender distinctions, that she began to think about this issue. Even though she has made many “female films,” she believes that none of her films were initially conceived with a special consideration for a female perspective. The reason there is a coincidence of female perspectives is because the protagonists happened to be women, and as a female director, she understands the characters and stories better.
Perhaps in an era where feminist discussions were not prominent, few people had the awareness to observe the world from a female perspective. However, facing today’s era, Director Ann Hui does not reject any related interpretations. She believes that promoting feminism will lead to social progress. In this process, expanding one’s vision through reading materials and books is very necessary.
Director Ann Hui took the Oscar-winning foreign language film “Capernaum” as an example. She believes this story makes people realize that “if you want improvement, you must start with yourself.” If you think about feminism, you must also consider your own position instead of indulging in eating, drinking, and playing without thinking about anything. She also led by reflecting on herself, questioning whether she did not do well enough in some films.
In response to this, Director Vivian Qu shared her experiences and insights. She read Professor Dai Jinhua’s article “Gender and Narrative,” which she believes thoroughly explains the current status of Chinese women and the relationship between gender narratives in film and literature.
Actually, when Director Vivian Qu started creating films, she was also ignorant about gender concepts. Later, during the creative process, as she kept questioning, thinking, reading, and watching movies, it gradually became clear to her. Due to many unanswered questions, she placed these thoughts and questions into her films.
Professor Dai Jinhua also mentioned Greta Gerwig (格蕾塔·葛韦格), an independent filmmaker who has emerged as a representative figure among international female directors in recent years. Additionally, Director Ann Hui mentioned Mati Diop (玛缇·迪欧普), who won the top prize at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival with her 60-minute film “Atlantics.” All seven judges applauded after watching it. More and more female directors are being recognized now. Both Directors Ann Hui and Vivian Qu agree on the limitless creativity of women and believe that their ideas are no less than men’s; they will become increasingly successful in the future.
02
Being an Independent Director Inevitably Brings Disappointment
Professor Dai Jinhua called Director Ann Hui a “lone heroine” because she has been an independent director all her life. Despite being such an important figure throughout Hong Kong’s film history, she has never signed with any company and has always fought alone. Director Ann Hui doesn’t intentionally seek independence but often has inexplicable demands while filming which lead to conflicts with others—except for photographers and editors whom she dare not offend. “Later I understood that collaborating smoothly with others means doing what can be done while leaving out what can’t be done; finding former collaborators who worked well together when forming teams again.” Director Ann Hui considers herself highly dependent on other partners since no director can complete a film alone.
However, she usually prefers topics that others don’t want to invest in—like elderly people etcetera—for each film project treated as if it’s her last one due possibly lacking investment or collaboration offers anymore—a dilemma faced by all directors—yet unwilling compromising convenience signing contracts brings along.
During events’ discussion sessions shared ten years-long low points within personal life focusing other fields living Japan period felt unhappy without money nor work forty-something living twenty-somethings feeling grateful towards those treating kindly during difficult times resulting creating works based experiences otherwise difficult capturing certain aspects realistically without undergoing similar situations before themselves too!
03
Young Filmmakers Should Shoot Everything
Professor Dai Jinhua believes successful filmmakers have two different choices: continuously shooting various works forming long sequences regardless achievements’ highs-lows differences versus patiently waiting mastering favorite genres/styles before starting production processes themselves instead! Comparing early Hong Kong cinema resembling French New Wave style capturing realistic street scenes spontaneously shot guerilla-style setups often seen nowadays too!
Regarding future plans stated health issues limiting time spent thinking deeply analyzing aesthetics behind movies watched recently noticing personal improvements wanting continue filming despite believing younger generations should take over seeing inspiring things wanting try themselves given opportunities arise hoping creating another piece someday soon perhaps inspired Godard’s Cahiers du Cinéma recommending young directors accepting all job offers initially even documentary commercial projects honing skills gradually like Alain Resnais originally oilfield company documentaries beautifully shot proving worthiness regardless genre chosen ultimately leading freedom experimenting without fearing failures along way accepting imperfections sometimes better striving perfection always instead!
