Fly Me to the Moon (UK Premiere)
Hong Kong / 2023 / Colour / 111 min / In Cantonese, Mandarin, Hunan dialect and Japanese with Chinese and English subtitles / Dir. Sasha Chuk 祝紫嫣
The film chronicles the poignant journey of two sisters over a span of 20 years, from 1997 to 2017, beginning with their relocation from China to Hong Kong. Navigating through cultural shock and grappling with their love-hate relationship with their drug-addicted father, their growth is marked by the strains of identity crisis inherent in their immigrant experience. From a feminist perspective, the film illustrates how childhood memories can linger, shaping and sometimes haunting one's life.
A semi-autobiographical work by director-writer Sasha Chuk, this feature debut of hers has garnered critical acclaim, including the Prix FIPRESCI and NETPAC Award at the Golden Horse, as well as Best Script at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards. Hong Kong newcomer Yoyo Tse’s portrayal of the elder sister in her teens and Taiwanese veteran actor Wu Kang-ren’s depiction of the father earned them Best New Performer and Best Actor awards respectively in both Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Screening in London on 18 May is introduced by Dr. Kiki Tianqi Yu, a writer, filmmaker, curator, and Senior Lecturer in Film at Queen Mary University of London.