Johnnie To: Hong Kong Has Lost Its Soul

Renowned Hong Kong film director Johnnie To recently stated, "Hong Kong has lost its soul." (Video screenshot)

[People News] Acclaimed Hong Kong director Johnnie To, the first from Hong Kong invited to serve as a juror for the main competition at three major international film festivals, recently stated in an interview with British media that both he and Hong Kong have "lost their soul," referring to the loss of human rights and freedom of speech. To shared that although he loves making movies, he currently finds it hard to write scripts.

According to Radio France Internationale, To has directed only one film in the past five years. During a recent BBC interview, he admitted that this has been the lowest point in his life, largely due to environmental factors. To noted how fragile people can be when faced with changes to things they are accustomed to. He explained that being an artist means having an attitude—a sense of the times that shapes one’s work, whether in film or literature. If an artist's thoughts are confined, or if an era becomes restricted by a particular mode of thinking, it feels as though a part of that time ceases to exist.

To, who has steadfastly continued making films in Hong Kong, said, "I feel there's no soul left now—both in me and in Hong Kong." By “soul,” he means “freedom, freedom of expression, and, more simply, human rights and freedom.” He openly expressed that today's Hong Kong is very different from the city he has lived in for decades. He questions whether he should change his values, calling it a "significant issue."

During a press conference at last year’s Berlin International Film Festival, To openly stated that dictators often target films first. This year, the Hong Kong government withdrew funding for two major local film festivals, the "Fresh Wave" International Short Film Festival and the IFVA Independent Film and Video Festival. To described this as a sign that the government lacks confidence in its people and society. He believes that when art or any other sector becomes “entirely politicized,” it causes significant harm, as Hong Kong’s diversity is what once enabled it to thrive as a global city.

To, who rarely comments on Hong Kong politics, now admits he is among the few outspoken filmmakers. He hopes Hong Kong cinema can survive and reminds everyone to remember that the “One Country, Two Systems” framework made Hong Kong unique and that the Basic Law guaranteed Hong Kong’s way of life would remain unchanged after the handover.

Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, new clauses have been added to the Film Censorship Ordinance, banning films that “may” harm national security. Consequently, over 20 films have been barred from screening. Addressing this "shifting red line," To said, “There’s no way to stand against an elephant-sized foot when you’re just an ant. If you’re lucky, you avoid it; if not, you’re crushed.”

To emphasized that Hong Kong cinema has clearly regressed due to these censorship changes and other factors, and he believes anyone who claims otherwise does not understand the industry.

He urged filmmakers to be smart and flexible in their approach. If they choose to confront the system, they should carefully consider if it is worth the risk, as authorities have “legal grounds” to prevent films from screening. To avoid the red line, he suggested focusing on love, family, and action themes rather than touching on Hong Kong's political issues. However, he stressed that filmmaking should be done with integrity: “You don’t need to end up in jail or bloodied for your ideals, but what good is mere survival?” Ideally, he hopes to avoid such a situation. In the film industry, he believes about 60-70% still have a conscience, and if Hong Kong were to restore true “One Country, Two Systems,” then “there’s still hope for Hong Kong cinema.”

At 68, To admitted he only wants to make films he genuinely enjoys. He has considered adjusting his projects to make them easier to produce but feels this would strip them of value, so he has put his plans on hold. Whether he continues filmmaking will depend on the impact these issues have on the people involved.

The day after To’s interview aired, *Ta Kung Pao*, a newspaper funded by the Chinese government’s Hong Kong office, published a critique. *Ta Kung Pao*’s Facebook page featured two short commentaries sarcastically questioning if “some people are living in the past and can’t wake up from their dreams.”

Online news host Li Jin-hong remarked that the response was expected but questioned the tendency to label any criticism of Hong Kong as “yellow” (a pro-democracy stance). He warned that this approach could discourage open discourse, which could harm Hong Kong’s narrative and its vibrancy.

Li praised To’s bravery in “speaking the truth,” as expressing one’s honest opinions openly comes with a cost nowadays.