Step by Step: The Making of a Director

From his first short to his most recent feature film, Hong Kong director Lawrence Kan shares his journey of resilience and growth.

A young man in a white shirt stands outside an office building. The rain is pouring down as he holds his huge cardboard box. He’s just been fired. Upon arriving at his apartment building, he discovers the lift is out of order and he has to climb up 18 flights of stairs. In the dimly lit stairwell, construction materials block his way. Exhausted, he stumbles and falls hard against the concrete steps, the contents of the box spilling out around him…

What might be a not unusual bleak and rainy day to some, Lawrence Kan made into a short film, The Stairway (樓梯), marking his entry into the world of cinema. Now a well-established Hong Kong film director, Lawrence recalls his filmmaking journey in an interview with Youth Hong Kong.

Lawrence’s artistic passion started in childhood when he was drawn to painting, drama, and scriptwriting in middle school. A gift of a digital video camera from his father opened a new creative avenue, where stories could be woven into film.

Before the age of the internet, Lawrence learnt all he could about films by watching VCDs and DVDs, and reading books. In 2007, he went to study at Vancouver Film School, and upon graduation, he returned to Hong Kong to work as a videographer in a media company. Unable to fulfil his creative longing, he quit his job in the hopes of finding something better. To make ends meet, he worked as a wedding videographer and launched an entrepreneurial venture. When this failed, and following eye surgery, Lawrence was at his lowest ebb, discouraged and unsure where life was heading. But he did not give up his dream.

Lawrence’s artistic passion started in childhood when he was drawn to painting, drama, and scriptwriting in middle school.

Turning Point

Lawrence’s fortunes turned in 2011, when he entered the Hang Seng Bank: Chinese Youth Film Competition organised by M21, the multimedia centre operated by the Federation. He submitted his early short The Stairway and won first prize in the open group.

Established with funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, M21 is the first NGO-led, community-based media hub designed to connect young people through the internet and digital media, and to nurture their talents through educational programmes and multimedia production training.

“During this difficult time, when I was transitioning into adulthood, M21 came along and ushered me into a new life chapter. For the first time, I felt recognised. Winning the competition remains a fond memory and a nice starting point.” The encounter with M21 felt like “fate,” opening a door to the world of Hong Kong cinema and “gave me the courage to proceed further.”

And so followed When C Goes with G7 (當C遇上G7) in 2013, a coming-of-age story following the lives and struggles of four young individuals, the film was selected for the “Hong Kong First” section of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2013.

“This is my first feature film. Of course, it was not perfect, but I enjoyed the experience of being a first-time director,” he recalled. At only 26 years old, his directorial career officially took flight with the release of When C Goes with G7.

In 2022, Lawrence directed his second feature film, In Broad Daylight (白日之下), a drama film adapted from real-life scandals involving abuse and neglect in Hong Kong elderly care homes. The film received positive reviews and recognition for its tackling of social issues.

Lawrence’s fortunes turned in 2011, when he entered the Hang Seng Bank: Chinese Youth Film Competition organised by M21, the multimedia centre operated by the Federation.

Telling Meaningful Stories

“I am extremely concerned about topics related to humanity. Whenever we encounter difficult moments in life, how we overcome difficulties and survive is, to me, one of the most beautiful and intriguing aspects of human nature.” As a result, focusing on the intricacy of human behaviour has taken a pivotal role in Lawrence’s filmmaking.

The film In Broad Daylight took five years to complete, from seeking investment to screening. Lawrence conducted thorough research, speaking with journalists, social workers, and social service organisations to understand the context behind the investigative and news reports of the subsequent events.

“My father always told me that the world cannot be viewed through a simplistic lens of absolutes – right versus wrong, black versus white. I now understand that the complexity of what lies in between is what captivates me. Wherever I look at one character, I think about what makes him or her behave in a particular way, what their mentality might be, and only then passing judgment,” he said.

Lawrence believes that every adverse life experience he faced was valuable.

Now, 11 years after his directorial debut, Lawrence believes that every adverse life experience he faced was valuable. “We learn things from life, with its peaks and valleys. As long as we focus on the things we’re passionate about, everything will find a way to work itself out,” he added.

Ever the optimist, Lawrence disagrees with those who complain that “Hong Kong cinema is dead.” “Good films come out every year and I hope I can continue making films that can communicate with the audience, telling stories with meaning. I also want to be able to encourage young people into the movie industry.”

At the end of The Stairway, the young man is still climbing the stairs, ready for the next challenge on his way to his destination. “Step by step,” he tells himself, “Everything is going to be okay. I will get home eventually.” ■

Lawrence Kan is a Hong Kong director whose short film The Stairway won M21’s short film competition in 2011. His other major feature films include When C Goes with G7 and In Broad Daylight.