Full Breakdown
Controversy Erupts Over Documentary Screening at Italian Film Festival
4/10/2026, 8:35:23 PM
Background of the Dispute
The controversy surrounding the screening of the award-winning documentary *To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self* has intensified, involving accusations of dishonesty between acclaimed filmmaker Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting and Ying Wa Girls’ School, her alma mater. The documentary, which chronicles the lives of six students over a decade, was commissioned by the school but faced backlash after one of the students, surnamed Wong, expressed her opposition to public screenings. This led to the film being pulled from cinemas in 2023.
Core Event: Accusations of Dishonesty
The situation escalated when Ying Wa Girls’ School announced that it had not authorized the documentary to be screened at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, scheduled for later this month. The school cited unresolved consent issues with the major cast members as the reason for its decision. In response, Cheung accused the school of “blatantly lying” about the arrangements for the film's showing, expressing her shock and disappointment at the school's attempt to distance itself from the project.
Official Statements & Responses
Ying Wa Girls’ School issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to student well-being and clarifying that no screenings would occur without resolving consent issues. Cheung, however, contended that during a meeting with the school’s principal and vice-principal in February, there was no opposition to the Italy screening, and she was even encouraged to prepare a budget for participation in the festival. Cheung expressed her dismay at the school's public stance, describing it as “scapegoating.”
Criticism & Opposition
The controversy has sparked a broader debate on documentary ethics, particularly regarding consent. Cheung noted that Wong had previously expressed her opposition to the film's public screening, but another student, surnamed Sheh, had signed a consent form in 2022 allowing for public screenings. This contradiction has raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in obtaining and respecting consent from their subjects.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the consent of the students involved in the documentary. While Wong has publicly opposed the screening, Sheh reportedly communicated her opposition to the school in January. Cheung claims that the film festival organizers had informed Wong's lawyer about edits made to the film, which complicates the narrative further. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong has also expressed concerns over the screening, adding another layer to the unfolding situation.
What's Next
As the controversy continues, Golden Scene, the film's distributor, has supported Cheung's claims and indicated that it may pursue legal action to protect its reputation. The outcome of the screening at the Far East Film Festival remains uncertain, as discussions around consent and ethical filmmaking practices persist.
