#MeToo Hong Kong

Hosted by Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Co-sponsored by Film Studies and the Berkeley Center for New Media.

With Gina Marchett.
Professor of Film, Gender, Sexuality, Critical Theory and Cultural Studies, University of Hong Kong.

Abstract

As the Harvey Weinstein allegations opened up the depth and breadth of sexual harassment in Hollywood, Weinstein’s associates in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China came under scrutiny as well. Hong Kong serves as a bridge as well as a gateway between mainland Chinese and Hollywood concerns as well as the nexus for a constellation of industrial networks ranging from Europe through Northeast as well as Southeast Asia to other parts of the world. The very different ways in which women (and a few men) have chosen to come forward recently about their experiences of sexual harassment exposes only the tip of the iceberg of systemic problems that range from mainland Chinese film censorship to unequal pay, sexual objectification on screen, and a dearth of opportunities to serve as film directors, cinematographers, and in other creative roles. From the initial denial of sexual harassment in the People’s Republic of China to accusations from Hong Kong actresses who have worked on Weinstein productions, this range of hostility toward women in the industry indicates that any analysis must take into account the history as well as current responses to the plight of women in Chinese-language film culture as well as in the wider local and global society in which they live. This lecture considers the #MeToo movement in Asia as a window onto issues surrounding women in the Chinese-language film industry, Orientalism in transnational cinema, and the politics of looking in contemporary global cinema.