A minimalist portrayal of hybrid fiction/non-fiction
landscape.
Here the filmmakers focus on an imaginary character
named Hong (Swan) who travels from Thailand to Hong Kong for a housemaid
job. The tale is taken from a comic book of the same title and is chosen
among the thousands of romance comics that are widel read by Thai workingwomen
: "Rak kang ti song ti Hong Kong", Tepakorn Na Tasala, Peinguin comics,
Tailland.
Shot in France with a mixed origin actress, Tiana
Mille, the video transforms the original story into a universal portrait
of a displaced person. Certain representations reflect a sterile formula,
dramatic style found in Hollywood cinemas. They are in contrast with the
naivety and crudeness of the original comic source, creating a melting
pot milieu. This ongoing project itself has various identities ? it is
required to be presented in different formats and settings according to
the exhibition spaces in each country. The story will grow as the artists
extend her universe. Thus, the image of the woman protagonist provides
multiple narratives and is open to diverse interpretations, all mutated
from a single comic book.
(Christelle Lheureux / Joe Apichatpong Weerasethakul)