Capturing Nostalgia: The Revival of Film Photography Among Hong Kong’s Youth

In the vibrant turmoil of Hong Kong, a subtle transformation is taking place. Youth, utilizing film photography as their selected medium, are capturing the city’s swiftly changing milieu as gentrification threatens to obliterate the remaining remnants of its historic allure.

Lam Yuet Ying, 25, began practicing analog photography in 2019 and swiftly developed a fondness for the nostalgia it invokes. “I feel compelled to record what is bound to vanish,” she expressed, reminiscing about how she took pictures of her grandmother’s abode shortly before its demolition on her very first roll of film.

Recently, Lam photographed Choi Hung Estate, a multicolored public housing development in Kowloon that is scheduled for redevelopment.

This complex, home to Hong Kong’s most vibrant basketball court and constructed in the 1960s, has become an iconic feature of the city’s landscape. With demolition imminent, Lam sought to encapsulate the spirit of the estate and its recollections, underscoring the transient quality of cultural landmarks in a perpetually metamorphosing area.

For the young enthusiast, film photography presents a distinctive allure that cannot be digitally replicated, with each image being a deliberate action that necessitates intention and meticulous thought. “You can retake digital photographs or modify them later, but film photos are immutable,” Lam noted.

The resurgence of film photography in Hong Kong has given rise to a flourishing community, with social media platforms such as Instagram functioning as a gathering place for fellow enthusiasts to unite and celebrate their common dedication to this art form.

Lam, who initiated her Instagram profile as a digital diary, has since gained a consistent following, attracting fellow photographers like Henry Ho, who shares her appreciation for the authenticity of film and the nostalgia it brings.

Ho, in his 30s, began delving into film photography in 2017, searching for an escape from the rapid demands of his position in digital marketing. “In a world propelled by immediate digital rewards, photographing on film feels centering and contemplative,” he explained, describing his captivation with the intentionality of the analog medium.

Ho’s photography, similar to Lam’s, is deeply anchored in nostalgia, often delving into themes from Hong Kong’s golden era of cinema, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.

Drawing considerable influence from filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, Ho endeavors to encapsulate the fleeting romance and existential yearning that characterize Wong’s body of work, utilizing neon lights to mimic the vivid visual contrasts found in the acclaimed films.

“Wong Kar-wai’s films are inherently nostalgic, and the use of film photography amplifies that timeless aspect,” Ho elaborated.

He posits that the revival of film signifies not only a trend in artistic expression but also allows young individuals to “reclaim and reinterpret their identity” in an aggressively modernizing society.

For Ho, the most gratifying aspect of this journey is the moment he holds the developed negatives and sees the tangible outcomes of his endeavors, as he derives satisfaction from knowing that each shot was intentional and meticulously contemplated.

“Film possesses a magical essence. Every roll feels like a time capsule,” he remarked, asserting that the preserved moments seem to endure forever.

 

The revival of film photography is evidenced in global market trends. In 2023, German company Leica Camera AG reported a 10-fold increase in film camera sales compared to 2015, signifying a renewed enthusiasm for analog photography.

In June 2024, Japanese producer Ricoh Co. made headlines with the introduction of the Pentax 17, marking its first film camera release in 21 years.

As per 35-year-old Lui Pak Yu, owner of the Hong Kong-based film shop Showa, the revived interest in film photography signifies a broader cultural transition, highlighting a deep nostalgic sentiment that has drawn many toward film cameras.

Lui has observed firsthand the burgeoning demand for film supplies, with eager newcomers visiting her store to learn more about the craft.

Named after Japan’s Showa Era from 1926 to 1989, the shop attracts a varied clientele. “Our patrons include not only seasoned photographers but also numerous students and novices,” she noted.

To cater to this rising enthusiasm, Showa provides darkroom workshops in a dedicated studio, along with in-house photo development, for those eager to delve into the process.

The store frequently collaborates with diverse brands. For instance, it organized photo walks during the launch of the new Pentax camera, allowing more individuals to engage with film photography while exchanging methods and ideas.

Moreover, Showa established the Instagram tag “#showa_photo” to motivate customers to showcase their film photography and connect with like-minded creatives, which has amassed over 80,000 posts.

Young photographers like Lam and Ho, who continue the tradition of film photography in Hong Kong, represent a movement that cherishes both the aesthetic nostalgia and the safeguarding of the city’s cultural heritage.

Through their lenses, they encourage others to recognize the beauty of ephemeral moments and the narratives interwoven within their environment.

To Ho, film photography, beyond being a pastime, is a significant means of perceiving and appreciating the world.

“It has taught me to decelerate in a fast-moving world and genuinely observe the subtleties surrounding me,” he remarked. “I aspire to share this mindset with others, encouraging them to discover beauty in their daily surroundings and embrace the imperfections that render life distinctive.”

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