Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework, Hong Kong film industry leader and chairman of Salon Films, Wang Cheung-yue, is collaborating with Saudi Arabia and Malaysia to create a cross-cultural film and television project. The initiative ranges from filmmaking to museum construction, transforming the peaceful maritime history of six hundred years ago into a medium for contemporary civilizational dialogue, effectively rewriting a new version of "Zheng He's Voyages to the West Oceans."
In an exclusive interview with Wen Wei Po, Wang stated that whether in film, television, animation, or even museums, the essence of cultural industries is to serve people. Outstanding film and television works must have a soul, transcending cultural boundaries with universal values, and integrating Chinese and Islamic cultures, making them ideal subjects for the BRI market. He elaborated on how Hong Kong can promote cultural exchange and economic development through international cooperation in the film industry, drawing from his decades of multinational experience.
Wang established connections with the Middle East 55 years ago when he met local businessmen in a private capacity. As Salon Films collaborated with various international film companies and television stations, his interactions with representatives from the Middle East continued. For example, by the end of the last century, Hong Kong had already achieved significant technical capabilities in television broadcasting. Salon Films participated in numerous global cultural exchange projects, including the worldwide broadcast during Hong Kong's return in 1997, maintaining connections with counterparts from various countries.
Balancing Universal Values and Local Customs
With the advancement of the BRI, cooperation between Hong Kong and the Middle East in the film industry has gradually intensified. In 2022, Salon Films signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi film company Manga Productions to promote the Asian release of the animated film "The Journey." Wang hopes that future cooperation will not be limited to traditional film distribution and production but will also include the creation of diverse digital content, such as mobile applications and game development, to meet the demands of emerging markets.
"The Gulf countries have different national conditions; some are open while others are rather conservative. Saudi Arabia is relatively conservative, having long prohibited film production and lacking theaters, but it has started to open up in recent years. Therefore, when selecting film subjects, we must pay special attention to respecting local customs and choose topics that everyone can accept," Wang noted.
He also pointed out that investing in Middle Eastern films requires balancing universal values with local recognition. For instance, the historical example of peaceful exchanges represented by "Zheng He's Voyages to the West Oceans" serves as a narrative that can bridge Islamic and Chinese cultures. Salon Films is currently collaborating with Malaysia and Saudi Arabia on cultural exchange projects related to Zheng He, including producing a film about him and establishing a Zheng He museum in Malacca, Malaysia.
Saudi Film Industry is Just Beginning, while Hong Kong Has Great Potential
Regarding the ecology of the Saudi film industry, Wang pointed out that the country has gradually relaxed industry restrictions in recent years, allowing the construction of cinemas, encouraging women's participation in film creation, and establishing the NEOM Bajdah Studios film base. The industry is developing rapidly, with significant future investment potential, especially as Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and large enterprises, such as Saudi Aramco, actively seek international cooperation. He also admitted that the Saudi film industry is still in its infancy and urgently requires advanced technology and creative ideas, which is an area where Hong Kong and the mainland can leverage their advantages.
Wang believes that investing in BRI films is not just an economic activity but also a medium for cultural exchange. "Good films have a soul; they carry more than just the story itself." He cited the film "Paddington," which tells the heartwarming story of a Peruvian bear searching for a new home in London, overcoming prejudice and integrating into the Brown family.
"The film metaphorically explores racial and cultural inclusivity through this brown bear, conveying the message that 'everyone can belong.' This is how outstanding films can enhance social values through cultural connotation, and we should create similar culturally rich films."
He emphasized that Hong Kong, as an important node of the BRI, possesses unique geographical and cultural advantages. Through film cooperation with the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries, Hong Kong can not only promote its own industrial upgrading but also serve as a cultural exchange ambassador on the international stage.
Wang called on the SAR government and enterprises to work together to develop long-term film development plans and leverage the technological and market advantages of mainland China to expand broader international cooperation. "Hong Kong's DNA is active and diverse. As long as we seize opportunities and combine technology with culture, the future of Hong Kong's film industry will surely be even more brilliant."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Tang Wen; English Editor: Darius)
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