Is Art Imitating Life in Hong Kong?

A decade ago, a bold film titled *Ten Years* painted a chilling vision of Hong Kong’s future under the iron grip of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It depicted not only a struggle for identity but a society gradually losing its voice, as Cantonese speakers grapple with the rise of Mandarin and an oppressive regime.

A Glimpse into the Past and Present

In 2015, a group of visionary Hong Kong filmmakers dared to imagine their city’s fate amid escalating tensions. The opening credits declared that any resemblance to actual events was purely coincidental, yet many of their dire predictions have come terrifyingly true. Ching Wong, director of the Hong Kong Film Festival UK (HKFFUK), emphasizes that the filmmakers aimed to capture the essence of Hong Kong's zeitgeist post-Occupy Movement, a grassroots uprising for democracy that eventually sparked fierce protests years later.

The Protests That Shook a Nation

The 2014 protests saw countless citizens, especially students, rising up, demanding democratic reforms. Although they did not achieve their goals, they ignited a newfound political awareness, leading to the largest pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019-2020, when approximately two million people took to the streets—a moment that sent shockwaves through the CCP.

An Instant Classic with a Message

Despite a meager budget of HK$500,000 (around £47,400), *Ten Years* became an instant phenomenon, filling independent theaters and community spaces, even as commercial cinemas shied away from screening it due to its sensitive content. It was praised for encapsulating the anxiety surrounding Hong Kong's trajectory, leading to its win for Best Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

A Cultural Wave in the UK

The HKFFUK is now in its third year, showcasing a myriad of films that reflect the experiences of Hong Kong expatriates and other migrant communities now flourishing in the UK. Wong highlights that this festival fosters communication among these diverse groups and celebrates the rich tapestry of Asian culture in Britain.

Unraveling the Politics of Freedom

Yet, even in celebration, the shadow of politics looms large. The screening of *Ten Years* in London is a stark reminder that this powerful narrative is banned in the very city it portrays. Since its release, Hong Kong has been ravaged by political repression, especially after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law in 2020—an event eerily depicted in one of the film’s segments.

A Chilling Reality for Artists

The cultural landscape has been decimated, with arts events shuttered and independent bookstores facing relentless scrutiny. The focus on 'soft resistance' suggests a chilling crackdown on any form of dissent, particularly in creative expressions.

Language and Identity Under Siege

Wong shares a poignant reflection: one of the most relevant themes from *Ten Years* today is the loss of language. As Beijing pushes for Mandarin dominance, many Cantonese speakers feel marginalized in their own land. This struggle is embodied in the film’s segment titled *Dialect*, portraying the isolation of a taxi driver overwhelmed by the shift in linguistic power.

The Fight for Cultural Preservation

Even with newfound freedoms in the UK, the fight to preserve cultural identity continues. Wong poignantly states, "Whether in Hong Kong or the UK, they face the marginalization of their culture. That hits me personally." The battle for identity persists as Hong Kong’s future hangs in the balance.