The Works：The movie "Ten Years", Terry Richardson "Portraits", Alonekafap, in the studio: Ensemble "

Hong Kong film industry is one of the world’s most unrelentingly commercial. Local filmmakers have long believed that bringing politics into your films is the kiss of death at the box office, not to mention extremely problematic where mainland distribution is concerned. Well, one group of young filmmakers has decided that whatever the costs, Hong Kong NEEDS to talk about politics right now. And their portmanteau film “Ten Years” has surprised many in the conservative film industry by becoming a box office success.
Like the written biography, the portrait – whether painted or photographed - reveals both the artist and the subject, sometimes to controversial effect. Photographer Terry Richardson is no stranger to controversy. Some applaud his grungy and sexualized images, often for high fashion publications. Others just find them sleazy. Whatever you might think, he’s certainly translated what’s been described as his “sprezzatura” style into commercial success. On show until the 20th February at Galerie Perrotin are a dozen of Richardson’s works spanning two decades of his career.
For quite a while now the government has been trying to pass the 2014 Copyright (Amendment) Bill through Legco. Officials say its aim is to target the loopholes in the existing law to combat piracy. Those opposing it worry its real function is to crack down on internet parody of establishment figures, something they tend not to find particularly funny. Meanwhile, many creative people and groups whose work involves repurposing original creations worry the law is going to have a stifling effect.
Music now, and with us in the studio we have three of the ten member “Western District” ensemble. Their repertoire includes music that’s classical, hip, funky and unconventional. They are talking to Ben Pelletier.