Drama federation demands arts council to withdraw ‘troublemaker’ remarks

The Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies demanded on Friday that the Hong Kong Arts Development Council withdraw its remarks on a drama awards held last year, alleging the official arts body of limiting the industry’s room for creativity.

This came as the federation said on Wednesday they were notified by the council that it will pull the plug on its subsidy of this year's Drama Awards, as the content of the ceremony last year "damaged or adversely affected the reputation of the council."

In the letter sent to the federation, the council said the ceremony used to invite veteran artists or government officials as awards presenters. However, it invited controversial figures as awards presenters last year, including political cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, known as Zunzi, and journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling.

The council said the two hosts talked about "red lines" many times during last year's ceremony, which it “does not agree with such an approach to draw public and media attention, and believes it's necessary to pull the plug on the subsidy.”

The federation hit back at the accusations in a press conference today, saying that the council has never required prior discussion on the event guests and themes for the awards.

It emphasized that the aim of inviting guests from different sectors to attend the awards is to align with the theme, rather than seeking attention.

Zunzi is a cartoonist while Choy is a documentary director, the federation said, questioning why the council does not consider them as art professionals.

The federation also pointed out that representatives from the council have been invited to attend the awards last year.

Meanwhile, the federation said the hosts’ speech about "red lines" is the exact portrayal of this case, with the arts industry unsure about authorities’ red lines on their work.

It slammed the council for being the one drawing public and media attention by pulling its subsidy, adding that it will continue to organize the awards even without the funding in a lawful manner.