Controversy Surrounds Screening of Hong Kong Documentary in Italy

The documentary *To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self*, co-directed by Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting, follows the personal journeys of six students from Ying Wa Girls’ School over a decade. Released in February 2023, the film was intended as part of a fundraising campaign for the school's campus reconstruction. However, shortly after its release, it was withdrawn from cinemas following objections from one of the featured students, Ah Ling, who claimed she did not consent to its screening.

South China Morning Post

Ah Ling has recently expressed her discontent regarding the film's planned screening at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, scheduled for this month. She stated that she was only informed of this screening by Ying Wa Girls’ School on a Friday prior to the festival and emphasized that no one consulted her about the film's public display. Ah Ling reiterated her stance, stating, “I do not consent to the film being screened in any form.” Her concerns extend to whether any sections featuring her have been removed from the version set to be shown at the festival.

South China Morning Post

In response to Ah Ling's objections, Ying Wa Girls’ School has not provided clarity on whether her concerns regarding the film's content have been addressed. The school has not publicly commented on the implications of screening the documentary without the consent of one of its featured students.

South China Morning Post

Ah Ling's situation has sparked discussions about consent and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers and institutions when it comes to representing individuals in documentary films. Critics argue that screening the film without the consent of all participants undermines the integrity of the documentary and raises significant ethical questions about the treatment of young individuals in media.

South China Morning Post

As the Far East Film Festival approaches, the controversy surrounding the screening of *To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self* continues to unfold. It remains to be seen how the festival organizers will respond to the concerns raised by Ah Ling and whether any changes will be made to the screening plans.

South China Morning Post

• “I do not consent to the film being screened in any form,” — Ah Ling, Featured Student

South China Morning Post