Mabel Cheung Apologises Over Documentary Controversy

Film director Mabel Cheung on Monday said it is very unlikely that her documentary following the lives of six girls from her alma mater will be shown publicly again, after one of the protagonists objected to the screenings.

"To my Nineteen-Year-Old Self", which follows the lives of six alumni of Ying Wa Girls' School over 10 years, was released in Hong Kong cinemas in December. The film was made to raise money for the school, with screenings for current and past students held in 2021.

On Sunday, one of the subjects of the documentary, a woman called Ling, complained that she did not consent to the film being publicly released.

Meanwhile, Olympic cyclist Sarah Lee - who is also featured - said she did not agree to be in the documentary and would not recommend that people watch it.

Cinema chain Golden Scene announced on Monday that it was cancelling planned screenings of the film and would refund people who had already bought tickets for it.

Speaking to Commercial Radio, Cheung said the documentary would not be shown publicly again unless all the participants gave their consent.

The director said she would like to apologise to Ling who had told Ming Pao Weekly that she was emotionally troubled by the screenings, and that she would like to reach out to Lee personally to say sorry.

Cheung also said feedback on the film after private screenings had been positive, with the audiences praising the protagonists.