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"Restored Treasures: Digital Restoration of Chinese Films in the Region" presented by the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) from July to November has received an enthusiastic response. Two additional films, "The Cave of Silken Web" (1927) and the reference film "New Arabian Nights" (1947), both directed by Dan Duyu, will be screened at the HKFA Cinema on December 6 at 2pm and 5pm respectively.
"The Cave of Silken Web" is a hybrid of fantasy, action and romance. The meticulous designs of its cave setting, costumes and special effects contribute to the visually captivating fantasy that broke box office records of Chinese films in Shanghai at the time. Dan was also a painter, and this film displays his high standard for mise-en-scène. The film features Dan's wife and renowned actress Yin Mingzhu as the Spider Demon, who makes every attempt to seduce monk Tang Sanzang as he comes to ask for a meal, while Tang's two disciples combat devils for his rescue. The film was considered lost until a 1929 Norwegian print was found in 2011 by the National Library of Norway. After going through the Desmet colour correction developing process to restore its original colour scheme, the film is now ready to meet the audience on a new 35mm print. A post-screening talk will be conducted in Cantonese by film critic Lau Yam.
Another film by Dan, "New Arabian Nights" serves as the reference film alongside "The Cave of Silken Web". Also set in a never-before-seen world, it places a "handsome prince saves damsel in distress" tale in ancient Arabia and delivers an exotic visual feast with beautiful dances and action scenes. The film shares similarities with "The Cave of Silken Web" in its fine combination of special effects, art direction and props, which include a magic flying carpet, a "universe mirror" and a crystal ball, all in service of creating a fantastical cinematic experience that transports audiences to another world.
"The Cave of Silken Web" is a silent film, with Chinese and Norwegian intertitles and Chinese and English subtitles. Live music accompaniment will be performed by American musician Shane Aspegren and friend. "New Arabian Nights" is in Mandarin with no subtitles.
Tickets priced at $50 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries, please call 2739 2139 or 2734 2900 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en_US/web/fpo/programmes/2011rt3/film.html.
Ends/Friday, November 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:00
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