Eye Catcher Global 2024
Film is a form of art and creative expression, an emotional connection; apart from being economically important for the creative industry, it is also a vessel for resonance, and the nutrition that fosters inspiration and solace for the audience. The pure love for film brings filmmakers, promoters and cinephiles together, not only creating the box office income, but above all the values of art and life. When Eye Catcher won the 2023 Arts Promotion Award, we were elated to be recognised for our mission to promote filmmaking as an important value of the arts and life, and for our efforts to link and cultivate a small community of local independent filmmaking.
A film is the result of cross disciplinary collaboration and emotional connection, it needs the efforts of numerous people from different places and sectors. Low-budget independent films with high artistic standards require countless “foolish people” who are willing to make sacrifices and offer their perseverance. There are such people in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond. Eye Catcher hopes to unite these creators and promoters that aspire with confidence in independently produced films, and to help them demonstrate the power of moving images through the genres of fiction drama, experimental work, or documentary – we value them all equally.
Therefore, this year, we debut the Industry Screening and Asian New Director Competition to connect new directors in Asia who have been working hard on the final lap of their film projects, and to help activate the growth of the film industry. We are honoured to have invited Julien Rejl, the Artistic Director of the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, as the Chairperson of our Jury. We hope that this collaboration will convey the message that the art of film knows no boundaries and is always based in connectivity.
Last but not least, I wish all the new directors and industry professionals participating in ECG2024 will make a rich and colourful connection here.
電影是一種藝術和創意、一種情感連結；除了是創意產業的經濟支柱，也是可以帶給人共鳴、啟發和慰藉的生活營養，將人帶到一起。無論是作為電影的創作人、推動者或欣賞者，都是因天真而走到一起，為的絕非僅僅是票房價值，還有藝術和生活的價值。所以，當奪目影像奪得2023年「藝術推廣獎」的時候，我們真是由衷地高興，覺得我們推動了電影作為藝術和生活的價值，也連結起了本地獨立電影的小小社群。
既然電影就是跨界合作、情感連結的成果，自然需要許多不同地方、不同界別的人一起努力。低成本、高藝術水平的獨立電影，更是需要無數願意付出、樂意堅持的各路「傻子」。在香港我們見過這樣的人，在亞洲和全球也有很多。ECG希望能聚集對獨立電影有信心的創作者、推動者，能協助他們展現出影像的力量，無論是劇情，實驗還是紀實，都可以得到同樣的重視。
因此，我們今年增設了「產業放映」和「亞洲之光新導演競賽單元」，連結亞洲默默努力的新導演們，為最後階段的電影製作添磚加瓦，助力催生。很榮幸邀請到康城導演雙週的藝術總監朱利安雷傑擔任評審團主席。希望這樣的合作傳達出電影藝術無分國界，重在連結的信息。
最後，祝願所有參與 ECG2024 的新導演、產業人士，都能在這裡找到豐富多彩的連結。
Eye Catcher Global 2023
Eye Catcher took place during the tumultuous aftermath of the pandemic in Hong Kong. As uncertainty and anxiety loomed over the city, our beloved home and her people are experiencing unprecedented levels of pain and suffering. Ordinary individuals found their senses heightened, let alone artists and creators whose creative spirits are undoubtedly undimmed. Not to mention how every person possesses the potential to tap into their creativity and become a creator. This inescapable weight or feeling of helplessness constantly tugs at us, straining the balance between the mundane and the impermanence. By confronting and embracing these challenges, whether by immersing ourselves in them or soaring above them and by concentrating on what we are still capable of achieving, we can stand alongside the souls who have battled through history and the present day’s struggles.
Therefore, Eye Catcher endeavours to support filmmakers in upholding their vision and sense of community, and to carry on the spirit of cross-disciplinary innovation, independent thought, and self-producing works. In the realm of independent cinema, I believe that two factors are critical: one is the focus on individuality rooted in human nature, and the other is the creativity inspired by empathy. In essence, it involves the steadfast observation of challenges, showing compassion for those affected by it, and delving into the intricacies of the human condition within these struggles. Through the use of light, sound, and storytelling, independent filmmakers can create a profound resonance that speaks to the hearts and souls of their audiences.
At the upcoming ECG 2023, which will feature international guests for the very first time, we place great value on the power of in-person dialogue and the exchange of heartfelt gazes. Be it the unveiling of new projects at the International Pitching Forum, the mesmerising film screenings at the Eye Catcher Showcases, or the thought-provoking discussions at our Industry Forum on innovative platforms and the development of emerging filmmakers, we warmly welcome all attendees to bring their queries, an open-minded approach, and a heart eager to connect with others. We earnestly hope that local filmmakers and industry professionals will not only engage in fruitful discussions with their international fellows but also establish concrete partnerships that lead to meaningful collaborations.
May we find peace in our world, and dance joyfully through life without waiting another century to pass us by.
創辦「奪目影像」是在疫情期間創傷後的香港。陰霾密佈，人心惶惶。我們所愛的地方和人，正遭受着前所未有的痛苦。普通人也能五感大開，更何況創作人，更何況普通人也都是潛在的創作人。這份難以消解的重或無能為力的輕，拉扯着日常與無常。迎向、擁抱這一切，沉下去或跳出來，聚焦在還可以做的部分，便是與歷史與當世所有困境中的靈魂並肩作戰。
所以，「奪目影像」的初衷是希望協助影像創作人可以不放棄想像、不拋棄同道，將跨媒介實驗、獨立精神與自主製作餞行下去。對於獨立電影，除了這些因素，我覺得有兩件事很重要，一是基於人性的個性，一是基於共情的原創性。簡單說，就是堅韌地注視困境、關切困境中的人，也探索困境中的人性，並用光影聲色、用故事達成共鳴。
在首次有國際嘉賓參與的實體活動ECG 2023中，我們特別珍視面對面的對話、眼神與眼神的交換。無論是國際提案大會的新項目拓展，還是奪目展映的影片盛宴，或是產業論壇探討平台新出路、新導演成長等話題，都希望參加者帶着自己的問題、開放的態度、連結的心。如此，期盼本地影人、業界人士能夠與來自海外的嘉賓不止務虛，還能達成實際的合作。
最後，願世界和平，不用等下世紀再嬉戲。
Chai Ziwen, Samuel
Co-founder and Executive Director
Eye Catcher Global
柴子文
Eye Catcher Global 聯合創辦人兼執行總監
