The forgotten Kwu Tung: Filmmakers on Hong Kong's dwindling rural community

Filmmakers Daphné Mandel and Guy Bertrand capture the essence of a village facing change. They focus on community resilience and the role of technology in their storytelling

Daphné Mandel and Guy Bertrand spent a year documenting Kwu Tung, a village in the New Territories of Hong Kong. They aimed to reveal the lives of its residents and the challenges they face. Through their lens, they sought to highlight the spirit of a community that has persisted through change.

Their production is titled Cha Guo, which depicts a small village that sits on the frontier where rural Hong Kong meets the dynamic, gleaming portal to China's Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen. 

In this remote region filled with mountains and vegetable fields, factories continue to produce soy sauce using century-old clay pots, Cha Guo tells the story of Kanny (among many others), one of Kwu Tung's inhabitants who crafts concrete spacers that support some of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The docu-film highlights the lives of the villagers, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs who form a tight-knit community. Their philosophy is characterised by resilience and commitment, representing the essence of 'Made in Hong Kong' across generations. The feature aims to honour the unsung heroes of Hong Kong and the qualities that connect its people with warmth and an ever-present "can do" spirit.

Mandel, who has lived in Hong Kong for 17 years, shifted her focus from urban areas to rural landscapes. She found Kwu Tung while exploring the northern border of Hong Kong. "This village deserved attention because it still has a life very much alive," she says. Her background as an architect influenced her interest in the "in-between spaces" of Hong Kong, where traditional life coexists with modernity.

Bertrand echoed her sentiments. "I have always been drawn to places that people overlook," he states. Their project began as an artistic exploration but evolved into a deeper narrative about community and resilience.

The filmmakers relied heavily on technology during production, including the Sony FX3, and particularly iPhones. They used these mobile devices not only for filming but also for practical tasks. "The iPhone was like a Swiss army knife for us," Bertrand explained. It helped them plan their shoots by determining sunlight angles and served as a monitor during filming.

They combined footage from small cameras with shots from their mobiles. This approach allowed them to maintain flexibility and spontaneity while capturing authentic moments. "We used apps to find the best times to shoot," Mandel says.

Their initial plan for ten days of shooting was extended to forty days over the course of a year. This prolonged timeline allowed them to meet various residents and learn their stories. "Every encounter added another layer to our narrative," Bertrand noted.

The documentary aims to showcase not just the physical beauty of Kwu Tung but also its spirit. "Resilience and positivity define this community," Mandel says. The filmmakers want viewers to appreciate the hidden aspects of Hong Kong life.

As they prepare for their film's premiere, both Mandel and Bertrand express excitement about sharing their work with audiences. They hope it will inspire curiosity about rural Hong Kong and its cultural heritage. "We want people to see what exists just thirty kilometres away from the city," Bertrand adds.

The Filming Process

The filming process was intricate and required careful planning. The filmmakers initially estimated that they would need ten days on-site to complete their project. However, as they immersed themselves in Kwu Tung, they realised that their timeline would need to expand significantly. 

And as it always goes when the human element is factored in, much of what they planned to capture went out the window once they met the very people they wanted to document and talked to them in-depth. 

Mandel described how each visit revealed new stories and insights about the residents' lives. "We kept meeting new people, and every time it was another layer of the story," she says. This ongoing engagement with the community enriched their narrative, allowing them to explore multiple facets of village life.

The filmmakers approached their work with a clear intention: to document not just a place but also its people and their experiences. They focused on specific themes such as resilience, adaptation and community spirit - qualities that define Kwu Tung's residents.

Technology's Role

Technology played a crucial role in their filmmaking process, particularly through the use of mobile cameras. The filmmakers used iPhones extensively for various tasks beyond filming.

Bertrand explained how they relied on apps for practical purposes: "We used it for communications... and as a monitor." This flexibility allowed them to respond quickly to changing conditions in both weather and lighting - critical elements in visual storytelling.

They employed specific apps that helped them determine optimal shooting times based on sunlight angles, which was vital for capturing the right mood in each scene. "The main ones we used were Sun Seeker and other similar apps," says Bertrand.

Their choice of equipment reflected their desire for efficiency without compromising quality. While most filming was done with compact cameras, the smaller, handy devices served as secondary cameras or bigger screens when needed. This combination allowed them to maintain high production values while keeping their crew small.

Their main camera is the Sony FX3 - a beast of an equipment for those who know a bit about filmmaking. And if you wondered whether their Apple devices were up to the task and produced imagery that can be used alongside the Sony FX3, you would be pleasantly surprised. 

"There are a few [apps] actually available for your mobile camera for technical details of controlling aperture, speed and more," says Bertrand. "As you know, these cameras are tiny, but you can do a Hollywood movie with them, and nobody would know the difference." He freely admits how liberating it was not to be constrained by large and heavy gear anymore. "It is an amazing time to do films because I think it was difficult even five or six years ago when cameras had to be bigger (therefore heavier) to produce the kind of quality we want." 

"In documentary filmmaking," he continues. "To a large extent, when doing a short film and narrative film, choosing locations and making sure you make the best out of what is available is a big part of it. And again, the tools that the iPhone offered us were instrumental in making this film. So I would say that was maybe the biggest gift for us in terms of making it happen." 

Cultural Insights

The documentary captures more than just visuals; it conveys deep cultural insights about Kwu Tung's residents and their way of life. The filmmakers aimed to highlight stories that reflect both individual experiences and collective memories within the community.

Mandel noted that many residents had extraordinary stories to share about their lives, businesses, and cultural heritage. "There is so much to say about this segment of Hong Kong history that is not known enough," she said.

Their interactions with locals revealed themes of resilience and positivity—a reflection of what they termed the Hong Kong spirit. Bertrand described this spirit as one characterised by adaptability: "These people constantly adapt to new challenges without bitterness."

The filmmakers captured various aspects of daily life in Kwu Tung, including traditional industries such as soy sauce production. They documented how older generations passed down knowledge while younger residents sought ways to innovate without losing touch with tradition.

Challenges Faced

Filmmaking in rural settings comes with its own set of challenges. The weather in Hong Kong can be unpredictable, which poses difficulties during shooting days. Humidity affected both equipment performance and crew comfort levels.

Bertrand shared anecdotes about dealing with these conditions: "We were often dripping with sweat while trying to shoot." Such challenges were part of the experience but did not deter them from pursuing their vision.

They faced another challenge - deciding which stories to include in the final cut. With so many compelling narratives emerging from their interactions, they had to make tough choices about what would best represent Kwu Tung's essence.

Mandel reflected on this process: "It was hard to start cutting down our material because everyone we met had an incredible life journey." Ultimately, they focused on six or seven key stories that encapsulated the village's spirit.

Community Engagement

A significant aspect of their project involved building relationships within the community. The filmmakers spent considerable time getting to know residents before filming began, which fostered trust and openness during interviews.

Mandel highlighted how these relationships enriched their storytelling: "We met extraordinary people who were willing to share their lives with us." This engagement allowed them to capture authentic moments that resonate deeply with viewers.

Bertrand emphasised the emotional connection they developed with locals: "These are friends now; we meet up for lunch and dinner." Such bonds added depth to their documentary, making it more than just a collection of interviews - it became a shared journey between filmmakers and subjects.

Anticipation for debut

As Mandel and Bertrand prepare for their film's debut, they express excitement about sharing Kwu Tung's stories with wider audiences. They hope viewers will come away with a greater understanding of rural Hong Kong's complexities.

"The surprise will be what exists just thirty kilometres from here - a completely different world," Bertrand stated emphatically. He believes many people are unaware of these hidden gems within Hong Kong's landscape.

Their premiere of Cha Guo was scheduled for November 27 at a private event, followed by public screenings at various venues throughout December. They aim to raise awareness about rural communities like Kwu Tung through these screenings while encouraging curiosity among local audiences.

Mandel and Bertrand’s documentary offers an insightful look into Kwu Tung's unique culture and resilience amid modern challenges. Their use of technology, particularly iPhones, demonstrates how innovative tools can enhance storytelling while maintaining authenticity.

As they reflect on this journey - a year-long exploration filled with rich encounters - the filmmakers remain committed to sharing these narratives beyond mere entertainment value. Their work serves as an invitation for viewers to explore lesser-known aspects of Hong Kong's diverse heritage while fostering appreciation for community spirit across generations.

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