Video Essay:
Theme:
The theme and subject matter of the described scenario revolve around the transformation of the harbor near HKU and its impact on the surrounding environment and community. The setting is the Western Harbourfront, stretching from Sai Ying Pun to Kennedy Town in Hong Kong. The components of the story include the initial state of the harbor, its renovation, and the subsequent changes observed by the narrator.
History:
The waterfront near HKU is first seen as an interesting location with abandoned cargo docks and strewn-about containers. Unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline are made possible by the absence of walls. The narrator’s personal experience and attraction to the location are set in motion by this description. The harbor turns into a gathering spot where the narrator can interact with people and learn about Hong Kong’s maritime past.
But after the narrator comes home from the service, something noticeably changes. A new tourist attraction and revitalization of the pier are the goals of the renovations that have been made. The government wants to expand public access, boost harbor views, and turn the pier into an open area modeled after famous sites like New York’s Statue of Liberty.
To realize this goal, a number of characteristics are introduced in the Western Harbourfront Conceptual Master Plan. Promenades, pathways, parks, lounging places, and temporary public art pieces are a few of them. The once-pleasant sea view is hidden by fences that have been erected at the end of the waterfront. Foreign visitors drawn to the pier for walks and runs are drawn in by its metamorphosis. As a result, the harbor’s distinctive native features progressively disappear and its foreign presence became increasingly noticeable.
Description:
The industrial legacy of the harbor is highlighted in the description of its distinct appearance prior to its reconstruction. Hong Kong’s past as a thriving port city is highlighted by the enormous concrete slabs, iron railings, and shipping containers.
This scenario’s overarching topic is the metamorphosis of a harbor and the ensuing adjustments to the neighborhood and community. It examines the conflict between drawing in visitors or other foreign interest and maintaining distinctive local features. The topic of discussion includes the value of public areas, the effects of urban development initiatives, and how a community’s cultural identity changes over time.
Method:
For the primary archive, I visited the HKU library in order to learn more about the Western Harbourfront plan. This was because the plan was first suggested by the HKU architecture professor. I found various old photos from the planning documents of the harbor before the renovation. Also, I interviewed one of the graduates of HKU, who would know well about the harbor. I also took some photographs of the harbor after the renovation.
For the secondary archive, I googled from the internet to find photographs of the pier before the renovation. I also looked at instagram to find relevant posts about the pier.
Camera technique Used:
I have used Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s style of shots. Many of the styles used in the film are benchmarked by Alejandro’s Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths trailer. Most of the shots used are long shots, to show the atmosphere of his home place, to bring a sense of nostalgia. I also used long shots to capture the overall pier, especially the scenic view. Also, Alejandro uses a lot of long shots with the person moving, and the camera on the back. This is to show the perspective of the main character in a more realistic way. I also did this so that the viewer can focus on the main character more. Also, most of Alejandro’s films are very autobiographical and personal, with the main character in the background talking. I also did this with my main character, Steven, who is a graduate of HKU. This is so that viewers can focus on the character more.
The music used is I am the Walrus by the Beatles. This song was also used for Alejandro’s trailer. This song brings a sense of reminiscence and emptiness, which is what the main character also feels in my film.
Reflection:
Although the HKU pier has been renovated and its local characteristics have disappeared, I think their new characteristics – as being the meeting place for foreigners and promenade for local people – is new and quite interesting. As a foreigner in Hong Kong, I think the wall between the locals and foreigners has disappeared, and there are more connections between the two societies. This allows more diversity and globalization.
Bibliography
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HKU Arch. 2021. “Architecture | Department | HKU Faculty of Architecture | Page 12.” Www.arch.hku.hk. 2021. https://www.arch.hku.hk/department/arch/page/12/.
Kathleen Magramo. 2021. “Hong Kong Officials Close ‘Instagram Pier’ to the Public Citing Covid-19 Concerns.” South China Morning Post. March 1, 2021. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3123607/hong-kongs-instagram-pier-closed-public-officials-reportedly.
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Natividad, Nikki. 2021. “Instagram Pier Was a Respite for Hong Kongers. Now It’s Closed.” Vice. March 8, 2021. https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5b7vy/hong-kong-instagram-pier-closed-public-space.
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Wan, Melanie. 2020. “Community Sees HKU Pokfield Campus Development as Important Gateway for Better Connectivity between Kennedy Town and Western Mid-Levels – Press Releases – Media – HKU.” Www.hku.hk. 2020. https://hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/24517.html.
Wikipedia. 2021. “Western District Public Cargo Working Area.” Wikipedia. April 26, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_District_Public_Cargo_Working_Area.
Zhou, Grace Yixian. 2023. “The Instagram Pier: Negotiating Public Space in Hong Kong.” Mediapolis: A Journal of Cities and Culture 8 (4). https://www.mediapolisjournal.com/2023/11/instagram-pier/.
Ez Kim 3036030788