Privacy Chief May Issue Guidelines After HK Film Row

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data says it could issue guidelines on film production in Hong Kong in light of a controversy over a school documentary that was recently pulled from local cinemas.

On Thursday, Ying Wa Girls' School said it has also withdrawn "To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self" from the "Best Film" category for the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards, after one of the protagonists complained she never agreed to the documentary being shown publicly.

The film, directed by Mabel Cheung who was a pupil of the school, follows the lives of six alumnae over 10 years.

At a media briefing on Thursday, Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung said her office has written to the school to collect information.

"We are very concerned about the incident, especially because it involves the personal data privacy of minors," she said.

"Depending on the facts of the case and our further enquiries, we may issue guidance to the stakeholders on this particular issue."

Chung said any such guidelines would be for schools and "relevant organisations".

She added that her office needs more information before it can ascertain whether Cheung's documentary violates the Personal Data Ordinance.

Despite being pulled from the "Best Film" category for this year's awards, "To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self" is still nominated for "Best Director" and "Best Editing".