Documentary shows village thriving amid creeping modernity

Amid the hustle and bustle of our vibrant urban lifestyles, it's easy to overlook hidden gems that showcase our rich cultural heritage.

One example is Kwu Tung village, which preserves its unique blend of traditional village life while battling against encroaching modernity.

It is located west ofSheung ShuiandFan Ling and east ofLok Ma ChauandSan Tin at the crossroads of rural Hong Kong and the bustling Greater Bay Area.

Filmmakers Daphne Mandel and Guy Bertrand uncovered this hidden gem several years ago. Their subsequent research lasted almost a year as they gradually got to know the village and were seen by the villagers as friends.

Their documentary film Cha Guo captures the essence of a community facing change, highlighting its resilience and the impact of technology on daily life.

The filmmakers set out to document the village's physical beauty but also, equally important, the spirit within the small community.

They closely examine the lives of this community of artisans, farmers and entrepreneurs who reflect a commitment to resilience and innovation and embody the true spirit of the people of Hong Kong.

The villagers showcase unwavering determination to thrive amid change.

By highlighting the richness of the village's cultural heritage and artisanal practices, such as the thriving production of soy sauce using century-old clay pots or the craftsmanship of a local artisan who creates concrete spacers for some of the world's longest suspension bridges, the documentary showcases the vital role of local artisans in modern society.

It seeks to honor these often-overlooked individuals and highlight the enduring spirit of Hongkongers.

Mandel and Bertrand highlight the depth of Kwu Tung's cultural heritage by showcasing its traditional practices.

The documentary explores multiple facets of village life, honoring this closely knit community's contributions and age-old practices.

The film was shot on a professional cinema camera but utilized iPhones in multiple scenarios.

This process provided flexibility and allowed the filmmakers to capture spontaneous moments and enrich the narrative.

Cha Guo invites viewers to appreciate the complexities of rural communities and the resilience of their inhabitants.

Through innovative storytelling and a commitment to authenticity, the documentary, which recently premiered here, aims to inspire curiosity about Hong Kong's diverse cultural heritage and the timeless values that connect its people across generations.

Bernard Charnwut Chan is chairman

of Tai Kwun Culture & Arts Co Ltd