Derek Yee addresses criticism of controversial documentary winning HKFA Best Picture
18 Apr – Hong Kong Film Awards Association Chairman Derek Yee recently stated that the organiser has no say in which movie that will win Best Film, after the controversial documentary "To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self" won the accolade at the recently held Hong Kong Film Awards.
As reported on Mingpao, the filmmaker, who spoke to the media about the result, stated that they have always emphasised the fact that they are an organisation that serves the film industry.
"We have absolutely nothing to do with how many Hong Kong films we produce each year, what themes they are, and how they are distributed. As long as it is filmed, we will provide services according to the rules. If one gets the right number of votes, one will be shortlisted. If one is selected in the second round, one will win if one gets the votes," he said.
Derek stated that he knew from day one that nobody would agree on all the results, but that it is based on the will of the voters.
"As an association, we have no position, the result is already here, and all the results are beyond our control," he added.
The movie, which follows six local secondary students growing up in Hong Kong, was previously axed from screenings earlier this year, after some of the participants complained that their privacies were infringed.
(Photo Source: To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self FB)
