YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/R_9yfYnLiMc?si=-hONxGbcgwAtujkzArchitecture and Film
Video Essay + Comments
Stefaniia Korolkova 3036276681
Transcript (847 words)
Script and Notes:
Locations: Graham Street Market: Stanley Street, Gage Street, Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, Stone Slab Street
Subject:
In the heart of Hong Kong, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, lies Graham Street Market—a cultural icon and a testament to the city’s rich heritage. However, beneath its vibrant facade lies a poignant narrative of change and evolution, as the market grapples with the forces of modernization and urban development that threaten its very existence.
Graham Street Market, located in the Central district of Hong Kong, is one of the oldest continuously operating street markets in the city. Its history dates back to the mid-19th century during the early days of British colonial rule. The market emerged as a vital hub for local residents, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and traditional goods.
Through a poignant video essay, I explore the theme of the disappearing city, focusing on Graham Street Market as a microcosm of the larger struggles facing traditional markets in rapidly modernising urban landscapes. Delving into the complex interplay of factors—from gentrification and rising rents to changing consumer preferences—that have contributed to the gradual decline of this once-thriving hub of activity.
The video opens with evocative shots of Graham Street Market, capturing its bustling energy and vibrant atmosphere. Viewers are introduced to the sights, sounds, and smells that define this iconic destination, from colorful stalls piled high with fresh produce to the rhythmic clatter of woks and the laughter of vendors and patrons alike.
As we celebrate Graham Street Market’s storied past, we confront the harsh realities of its present-day struggles. We explore the myriad challenges facing the market—from encroaching development and rising rents to changing consumer habits and the proliferation of modern supermarkets and shopping malls.
Interwoven with these narratives are intimate portraits of the people who call Graham Street Market home—vendors who have spent decades honing their craft, families who have passed down traditions from generation to generation, and loyal patrons who cherish the market as a beloved community gathering place.
As the video draws to a close, we are left with a sense of both nostalgia and urgency, as we bear witness to the gradual erosion of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage in the face of relentless urbanization. Yet, amidst the encroaching shadows of change, there remains a glimmer of hope—a resilience and tenacity that refuses to be extinguished.
Ultimately, this video essay serves as a poignant tribute to Graham Street Market—a fading gem in the heart of a rapidly modernizing city—and a call to action to preserve and protect the cultural treasures that define Hong Kong’s unique identity. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that the spirit of Graham Street Market lives on for generations to come, serving as a beacon of tradition and community in an ever-changing world.
Method of Conducting Research and Producing the Video:
To begin the research process for producing the video essay on Graham Street Market, I delved into secondary sources to understand the historical context and current status of the market. This involved reviewing academic papers, articles, and documentaries that shed light on the market’s evolution over time and its significance within the broader cultural landscape of Hong Kong. With this foundational knowledge in place, I embarked on a field research expedition, immersing myself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Graham Street Market. As I wandered through the bustling alleys, I observed the layout of the market, the diversity of goods on offer, and the interactions between vendors and customers. To gain a deeper understanding of the market’s dynamics, I took on the role of a customer, engaging in transactions with local vendors and experiencing firsthand the vibrant energy and community spirit that permeates the market. Through these immersive experiences, I gathered valuable insights and visual material that would later inform the narrative and visual storytelling of the video essay.
Utilising my Fujifilm camera and software, I curated footage that brought the narrative to life, from sweeping aerial shots of the market to intimate glimpses of daily life. Each frame was meticulously composed to convey the market’s vibrancy and cultural significance.
Reflections:
Reflecting on the creation of this video essay, I’m struck by the richness of the experience and the profound insights it has offered into the complexities of urbanization and cultural preservation. Immersing myself in the bustling streets and vibrant stalls of Graham Street Market was an eye-opening journey, allowing me to witness firsthand the market’s dynamic energy and deep-rooted sense of community. Through meticulous research and observation, I gained a deeper understanding of the market’s historical significance and contemporary challenges, from the impacts of gentrification to the resilience of its vendors and patrons.
I’m reminded of the power of storytelling to illuminate complex issues, provoke thought, and inspire action. Graham Street Market may be just one small corner of the world, but its story resonates far beyond its bustling alleys and crowded stalls. It’s a story of resilience, community, and the enduring power of tradition in the face of change—a story worth telling, and worth preserving, for generations to come.
Reference:
Wright, Adam. “From Street-side Slaughter to Hipster Haven: Re-making the Oldest Wet Market in Hong Kong.” Hong Kong Free Press, June 13, 2021.
Marinelli, Maurizio. “Hong Kong’s Socioeconomic Divide on the Rise: Lessons from the ‘Redevelopment’ of the Graham Street Market.” 2021. Made in China Journal, vol. 6, no. 3, ANU Press, 2021, pp. 114–126, https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.376361718880700.
Kinoshita, H. (2001). The Street Market as an Urban Facility in Hong Kong. In: Miao, P. (eds) Public Places in Asia Pacific Cities. The GeoJournal Library, vol 60. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2815-7_3
Ng, M. K. (2014). Intellectuals and the production of space in the urban renewal process in Hong Kong and Taipei. Planning Theory & Practice, 15(1), 77–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649357.2013.870224
Graham Street Market HK https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7588944/
From street-side slaughter to hipster haven: Re-making the oldest wet market in Hong Kong
https://hongkongfp.com/2021/06/13/from-street-side-slaughter-to-hipster-haven-re-making-the-oldest-wet-market/