Super 8mm and Experimental Films

Following in College Cine Club’s footsteps, Film Guard Association (founded in late 1971) and Phoenix Cine Club (founded in 1973) brought the second wave of Hong Kong experimental film movement. The surging popularity of Super 8mm cameras propelled the arrival of colour film era.

Independent Road

Film Guard Association organised two experimental film shows in 1973 and 1974 respectively. Most of the entries were Super 8mm films. In fact, during 1971 to 1973, a club named Experimental 8mm Club organised a showcase screening only 8mm films. From then on Hong Kong officially transitioned from black-and-white 16mm to colour Super 8mm era.

Joy of Filmmaking

The whole process was quite complex but not complicated, but poor pre-production planning and all the extra gears for editing and screening could mean a financial disaster for the youngsters with just a meager income. Yet, the joy of going through the creative process was big enough to justify any sacrifice.

After years of screenings, the Independent Short Film Competition was finally born in 1978 with the aim to encourage more young people to pick up the camera. Super 8mm films rose in importance in cultural and entertainment sectors, and bred many new talents who went on to become members of the mainstream film and television industry.