AS the forerunner of Chinese films in the 20th century, Hong Kong films have been enjoyed and discussed by movie fans with their influence spreading far and wide. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, more and more Hong Kong filmmakers have been exploring cooperation possibilities with the mainland by integrating themselves into the mainland culture and market. “In the process of cultural exchanges and integration with the mainland, Hong Kong films have gained a wider field of vision. The national consciousness has become more prominent in the works of Hong Kong filmmakers,” said Ma Fung-kwok, chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association. A broader perspective In the 1970s and 1980s, Hong Kong films made both high artistic achievements and commercial success, earning the city a reputation as “the Hollywood of the East.” “Rich cultural elements were included in Hong Kong films in the 1970s and 1980s, and creative talents kept emerging to make films dynamic and attractive,” said Hong Kong actor Simon Yam. In the 1990s, the Hong Kong film industry met a headwind. The number of film industry employees dropped to less than 5,000 in 2003 from 20,000 in the 1980s, impacted by a financial crisis and problems within the industry. According to Ma, Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in 1997 greatly increased communications between the mainland and Hong Kong film industries. “Some filmmakers began to realize that if they wanted to find new opportunities, they must look to the mainland market,” Ma said. The signing of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement in 2003 provided a new boost for Hong Kong films to enter the mainland market, and a large number of Hong Kong filmmakers followed the trend of “going north” to seek development. Hong Kong filmmaker Tenky Tin agrees. “This is a golden era for mainland films. The rapid growth of the film industry has provided opportunities for Hong Kong filmmakers.” China stories In recent years, many Hong Kong film directors have cooperated with mainland companies and producers to direct mainstream films, which gave “China stories” a new perspective. Evidenced by such films as “The Taking of Tiger Mountain,” “The Bravest,” “The Captain” and “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” Hong Kong filmmakers were adept at making films of patriotic themes that were box office hits. “Telling the ‘China stories’ gives me a great sense of achievement and happiness,” said Hong Kong film director Dante Lam. Ma believes that combining the mainstream values with technical knowhow of the Hong Kong film industry is the key to Hong Kong filmmakers’ success in the mainland market. In November 2021, “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” a movie set in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953), landed in Hong Kong theaters. On the first day of its release, 149 screenings were scheduled in nearly 40 theaters, with tickets selling fast. Tin believes that the popularity of this movie in Hong Kong reflects a growing awareness of national identity among Hong Kong residents, who are eager to learn about the country’s history from the movie. “Such a film can further nurture patriotism in Hong Kong residents and help them better understand the country,” Tin said. Global influence China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) supports Hong Kong in developing into a hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, which is a strong impetus to the integration of Hong Kong’s film industry into the mainland film and television industry, Ma said. “This is evidence of the Central Government’s support for Hong Kong’s cultural industries,” Ma said, adding that it will help Hong Kong give full play to the unique advantages of “one country, two systems” and continue to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland. Close in terms of language, culture and customs, the cities in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area enjoy the regional advantage of making the best out of an integration of the Hong Kong and mainland film industries. Culture has been regarded as one of the keys to promoting the bay area’s overall development. To that end, the “Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area” proposes to fully leverage the strengths and expertise of Hong Kong talents in the film and television industry, promote cooperation in these sectors in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, facilitate investment and exchanges among talents, and support Hong Kong in its aspiration to revive its television and film industry. This year, the performers’ training class of Hong Kong’s Television Broadcasts Limited, which has trained many famous actors and actresses, is open to applicants from both Hong Kong and the mainland for the first time. A former student of the training class, Yam thinks that the training of film talents is essential for the growth of China’s film industry. “I believe that with increasing exchanges and cooperation between film and television talents from Hong Kong and the mainland, more quality productions will emerge and Chinese films will be able to better compete in the international market,” Yam said. （Xinhua） | 