Kin Long Chan

An increasingly familiar name in Hong Kong’s film industry, Chan Kin Long won best new director at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2022 for his neo-noir directing and screenwriting debut Hand Rolled Cigarette, starring Lam Ka Tung. The movie was also nominated in numerous categories in the 57th Golden Horse Awards as well as for the White Mulberry award for first-time directors at the 23rd Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. 

Set in Tsim Sha Tsui’s notorious Chungking Mansions, the sentimental yet violent crime thriller follows the unlikely friendship between a retired police officer and a young thief. The script sheds light on issues that are close to Chan’s heart, gently pointing fingers at racial discrimination and the broken fragments of a society that lacks community and social cohesion. With its emotional and raw depiction of comradery born out of an initially distrustful partnership, the film demonstrates Chan’s impressive confidence as a breakout writer and director; many critics praised his delicate balance of noir, gritty character development and surprising moments of comical relief.  

Before making his directing debut, Chan worked in various aspects of film production, as well as appearing on screen in relatively minor roles. In 2013 he was discovered by director Fruit Chan and featured in his thriller mystery The Midnight After. A year later, he received the Best Actor award at the Sapporo International Short Film Festival for his performance in I Can’t Live Without A Dream. To prepare for his role as a cancer patient, Chan shaved off his hair and lost around 10kg in body weight.

His dedication to his art constantly pushes him to think unconventionally. Refusing to settle for the ordinary, Chan has made a name for himself with his distinctive compositions and unique visual textures. If his filmmaking endeavours continue gaining momentum, we’ll soon see his dream of being invited to the Cannes Film Festival turn into reality.