After attending the Busan International Film Festival, Song Kang-ho, the renowned Korean actor, arrived in Hong Kong to join the Master Class organised by the School of Creative Arts and the Academy of Film of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), where he shared his creative journey and the milestones of film art in Asia with local peers, HKBU’s professors and students, and fans.

Why HKBU?

Known for being “the cradle of Asian film talents”, the Academy of Film of HKBU has been dedicated to nurturing local cultural and art professionals. Leveraging its close ties with the city’s film industry, the Academy has been joining hands with outstanding educators and iconic figures to offer students with extensive learning opportunities to boost their holistic development.

Star-studded Film Talk at HKBU

Held at the Academic Community Hall of HKBU, the star-studded Master Class saw the presence of many prestigious guests, including local director Poon Hang Sang, art director Poon Yick Sum, and award-winning actress Karena Lam Ka Yan, who were joined by successful HKBU alumni, such as Chan Chi Fat, director of Weeds on Fire, and the facilitator Chung Suet Ying.

Dr. Clement Chen, Chairman of the HKBU Council and the Court, extended his warmest welcome to Song, and reiterated the University’s commitment to supporting young people in unleashing their creativity.

“In our efforts to help Hong Kong become a hub for Asian culture and creativity, HKBU established the School of Creative Arts in 2022, bringing together the disciplines of music, film and visual arts. Looking towards the future of artistic development, we aim to cultivate a new generation of talents contributing to the construction of an Asian creative hub.”

“The spark of creation can shine through different roles.”

Acclaimed as the “National Film Icon” of South Korea, Song is known for his moving and inspiring performances in portraying different roles that have helped him garner various honours and recognitions around the world. The talented actor rose to international prominence for his performance in Parasite, which was the first Korean film to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and received the Academy Awards for Best Picture. He also won the Best Actor Award for his role in Broker at the Cannes Film Festival, making him the first Korean actor to receive this title.

During the Master Class, Song received big rounds of cheers and applause as he greeted the audiences in Cantonese.

Feeling honoured to be able to share his story with the Hong Kong audiences, the legendary actor revealed that he was a fan of classic local films, and that the city was regarded as the “dreamland” by many Korean filmmakers and cinephiles.

With numerous awards under his belt, the superstar talked about his acting skills with a sense of humbleness. Cherishing every opportunity, he seeks to improve his performance on screen constnatly. While there are many ways to portray a role, he believes that a good performance can always impress and move the audiences.

“As an actor, I have also doubted if I could deliver with the talent and passion needed. I think it does not only happen to directors, since actors and artists would often feel inadequate.”

A Ceaseless Pursuit of Dreams

Recounting his journey, Song encouraged young dreamers by sharing his experience as a theatre actor in the 1990s before joining the film industry with the help of experienced fellows. “I performed in small theatres that allowed me to look into the eyes of the audiences and understand their expectations of our performance. I would feel frustrated when some disapproved of my acting skills. However, the most important thing was to turn this frustration into motivation that could help me handle any stresses calmly.”

Academy of Film, the Cradle of New Talents

A pioneer in film education in Hong Kong, HKBU launched the first film and video production programme in the city in the 1970s. Over the past 40 years, the Academy of Film has developed into a leading film and media institution locally in terms of size and facilities, curriculum planning, alumni achievements and industry network.

In 2004, the Academy introduced the Master Class Series to provide a platform for film students and industry professionals to interact and exchange with renowned icons. Revered directors and actors, such as John Woo, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Johnnie To, Olivier Assayas and Joe Odagiri, had joined the event to share their valuable experiences with aspiring young talents. In the same year, the Academy launched the first Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media programme in the Greater China region, aiming to nurture a new generation of film and media professionals specialising in arts, creativity, research, technology and production, and demonstrating a global vision and social commitment.

Meanwhile, the Academy also strives to create new platforms for students to showcase, exchange and realise their ideas. Launched in 2018, the Global University Film Awards (GUFA) underlines the Academy’s commitment to nurturing and encouraging young talents who will help promote the integration of cultures through film art. Students are provided with various exchange and learning opportunities, such as attending the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and Rotterdam International Film Festival.

Looking forward, with its deep roots in Hong Kong, HKBU will continue to work with the creative industry to pursuit breakthroughs with a global perspective. The University will also explore new learning opportunities and resources for its students in the ever-evolving field, and contribute towards the development of arts in Hong Kong and around the world through promising new talents.