Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po praised a box-office hit film centered on the Teochew community during its local premiere on Friday, highlighting the ethnic group’s contributions to the city’s development, despite some critics labeling the production as overly patriotic.
The film, an unexpected commercial success produced on a modest budget, follows a grandson’s journey to uncover his family history by tracing letters exchanged between Chaoshan and Thailand over several decades. It will begin screening in Hong Kong cinemas next Thursday.
As a member of the Teochew community, Chan expressed being moved by the film’s portrayal of deep familial bonds and sense of home. He noted that these themes resonate beyond the Teochew population, allowing broader audience connection.
Chan explained that “Teochew” or “Chaozhou” refers to a city in southern mainland China, while “Chaoshan” encompasses the region around Chaozhou and the nearby city of Shantou. During Hong Kong’s early development, numerous residents from this region arrived via “red-headed boats” and established new lives in the territory.
“Over the years, the Chaoshan community has worked diligently, fostering solidarity and mutual support, becoming a vital force in Hong Kong’s business sector,” Chan remarked.
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