Go to Masterclass of “Between Wen and Wu: Mythologizing Hong Kong Ghettos — A Conversation with Dir. Soi Cheang” and Film Screening & Post-Screening Discussion of Mad Fate at HKU attracted an Industry Professional and International Audience

Masterclass of “Between Wen and Wu: Mythologizing Hong Kong Ghettos — A Conversation with Dir. Soi Cheang” and Film Screening & Post-Screening Discussion of Mad Fate at HKU attracted an Industry Professional and International Audience

2026-02-04

Masterclass of “Between Wen and Wu: Mythologizing Hong Kong Ghettos — A Conversation with Dir. Soi Cheang” and Film Screening & Post-Screening Discussion of Mad Fate at HKU attracted an Industry Professional and International Audience

Co-organized by the Department of Comparative Literature and the Master of Arts in the field of Literary and Cultural Studies (MALCS), with support from MakerVille Company Limited and Noble Castle Asia Limited, the masterclass entitled “Between Wen and Wu: Mythologizing Hong Kong Ghettos — A Conversation with Dir. Soi Cheang,” together with the film screening and post-screening discussion of Mad Fate, were held on 4 February 2026 at the Rayson Huang Theatre, HKU. The events successfully drew a diverse and engaged international audience, including filmmakers, critics, students, staff, alumni, and the public, underscoring significant interest in contemporary Hong Kong cinema, with particular emphasis on themes of urban space and social marginalization.

The masterclass of the day featured renowned Hong Kong film director Soi Cheang, and was moderated by Dr. Derek Lam from the Department of Comparative Literature. During the conversation, Dir. Cheang reflected on his career trajectory, starting with early works such as Diamond Hill (2000), Home Sweet Home (2005), and Dog Bite Dog (2006), progressing to his recent internationally acclaimed noir films, including Limbo (2021) and Mad Fate (2023). He elaborated on his approach to establishing a distinctive film auteur and candidly discussed the challenges associated with balancing storytelling, roles, industry constraints, and available resources. Additionally, Dir. Cheang shared personal observations, methodologies, and valuable insights during his collaborations with various filmmaking teams.

The evening screening of Mad Fate offered audiences a remarkable viewing experience. Set in Hong Kong’s working-class communities, the film follows a troubled fortune-teller and a young man with aggressive tendencies, both of whom seek to alter their destinies. Meanwhile, a serial killer targeting sex workers lurks in the dark. Blending elements of thriller, crime drama, and black comedy, Mad Fate employs a highly stylized audiovisual approach to examine philosophical questions of fate, redemption, and moral choices.

Throughout both sessions, Dir. Cheang consistently emphasized his longstanding interest in representing “ghettos” and urban peripheries as sites of creativity, highlighting socially marginalized characters and seeking traces of humanity and hope amid decay. The Q&A session offered a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the director. The enriching discussions covered topics such as mise-en-scène, screenplay development, and sources of inspiration. In addition, the dialogue addressed how Dir. Cheang’s films respond to recent social concerns in the city.

The HKU co-organizers sincerely thank all event partners, supporting organizations, and attendees for helping make both sessions successful. The Department of Comparative Literature and MALCS plan to host more academic events in May 2026, focusing on film appreciation, intellectual debates, and cultural awareness. These events aim to connect local stories with global perspectives, emphasizing the department and program's dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and deepening engagement with the city.

For media enquiries, please contact MALCS by email (malcs@hku.hk).