Is Hong Kong cinema’s golden age over?

Hong Kong cinema faces a profound transformation as it navigates the legacy of its 1990s golden age and current political constraints. Once a prolific industrial powerhouse, the sector now produces significantly fewer films annually, hindered by economic shifts and the 2022 amendment to the film censorship ordinance. This legislation, which incorporates national security considerations, forces filmmakers into a climate of self-censorship and uncertainty, as scripts are no longer vetted early in the production cycle. Despite these challenges, the industry is evolving by focusing on local narratives and niche, high-quality productions rather than mass-market blockbusters. Filmmaker Jun Li and journalist Phoebe Kong highlight that while the era of global dominance has waned, the medium persists through a shift toward artistic, long-form storytelling that distinguishes itself from the rapid consumption of online content.