Prohibited Film Reveals Hong Kong's Censorship Patterns, According to Director

Censorship of Kiwi Chow's Film: Filmmaker Kiwi Chow's new movie "Deadline" was banned by Hong Kong censors, who cited national security concerns without providing an explanation, reflecting the tightening grip of censorship in the region since the imposition of a national security law in 2020.

Impact on the Film Industry: Chow's experience highlights a broader trend of self-censorship within Hong Kong's film industry, where filmmakers avoid political themes to evade censorship, leading to a significant increase in banned films since 2021.

Reflections on Past Works: Chow reminisced about the impact of his earlier film "Ten Years," which resonated with audiences concerned about Hong Kong's political future, and expressed how the 2019 pro-democracy protests influenced his views on sacrifice and freedom.

Challenges in Production: The filmmaker faced significant challenges in producing "Deadline," including a lack of support from local investors and collaborators, forcing him to film in Taiwan instead, while still expressing a desire to create films in Hong Kong despite the risks involved.