Ann Hui, Busan Camellia Award Recipient, Talks Learning From Women Bosses & Hong Kong New Generation
Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui received the Camellia Award at the Busan International Film Festival and spoke about the women who supported her early career. She said five women bosses gave her freedom and constructive criticism when she began working in television in the 1970s, helping her establish herself in a male-dominated industry.
Hui said Hong Kong has around 10 to 20 women directors actively working today, compared with only two or three in the film industry when she started. She recalled feeling pressure to adopt masculine habits on set, while younger women directors are more comfortable expressing their identities and telling women’s stories. Hui also praised the dedication and talent of Hong Kong’s new generation of filmmakers, despite limited investment.
- Five women bosses helped Hui establish her career.
- Hong Kong now has around 10 to 20 active women directors.
- Hui sees promise in the city’s younger filmmakers.
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Ann Hui is a Hong Kong filmmaker who began her career in television during the 1970s and has remained influential in the industry. The Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia's major cinema events, held annually to celebrate films from across the continent.
When Hui started working in Hong Kong's film and television industry, it was almost entirely dominated by men, with just two or three women directors active in cinema at that time. Professional women in the industry, particularly those in supervisory roles, were important to her early development as a filmmaker.
The landscape for women in Hong Kong cinema has shifted considerably over the decades. There are now significantly more women directors working in the industry, and a generation of younger female filmmakers is emerging. However, investment in Hong Kong cinema has remained relatively limited, which continues to affect production opportunities for all filmmakers.