Johnnie To Addresses Hong Kong Censorship Challenges in Tokyo Festival Conversation With Yu Irie
variety.comNaman Ramachandran Veteran director Johnnie To discussed the challenges of filmmaking under increased regulation in Hong Kong during a conversation with Japanese filmmaker Yu Irie at the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). “There is a lot of regulation in Hong Kong, especially when it comes to expression,” To said Thursday when asked about balancing culture with freedom. “You have to think about what you are going to say carefully.
It’s about responsibility.” To founded the Fresh Wave film festival in Hong Kong young filmmaker program in Hong Kong which unearthed several new talents.
In 2023, the festival was hit with censorship. The filmmaker noted that creators need to adapt to the current environment. “With the Fresh Wave program there was a certain amount of censorship.
In that environment you have to be ready to understand what the censorship is going to be doing.” However, To emphasized that filmmakers shouldn’t remain passive. “Filmmakers can’t be bystanders.
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