The Open University of Hong Kong: Openlink Vol 21 Issue 2

Riley Leung, winner of the Best Script Award (Student Division) in the Fresh Wave 2011 International Short Film Festival, is an affectionate young man who cares deeply about family ties. In his award-winning short film Remains, of which he is also the director, he discusses the love among a grandfather, a father and a son. He said that he set out to write something about regrets in life, but later developed the idea into a story about intimacy and alienation in the relationships across the three generations. 'The story evolved from my own everyday life experience. My family is my inspiration,' he added.

Riley is more competent in using images than words to express ideas. He expended a great deal of effort to finish the script, particularly as this was his first attempt. He said credit should go to Assistant Lecturer Mr Dan Ip, who gave him guidance and great support. Riley is also most thankful to the actors and the filming crew, who worked round the clock for many days.

Under a mentorship programme, Riley got the chance to meet his mentor, film director Mr Alex Law Kai-yui. At first, Riley was disheartened when he heard Mr Law comment that in the first cut of his film, the storyline fell flat and lacked development. Nevertheless, Riley did not give up, and redoubled his efforts to make improvements. When meeting the director for the second time, Riley was so excited to hear Mr Law say, 'It looks good!'

Riley will enter the final year of the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Writing and Film Arts programme this September. He admitted that he was actually not that interested in film-making and writing when he first enrolled in the programme. During his studies, he has developed a strong interest in film. Early this year he visited the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany and learned a lot through watching the many short films screened.

Riley said that the OUHK's Creative Writing and Film Arts programme, launched a few years ago, is relatively new, when compared with similar programmes offered by other local institutions. However, Riley believes that a lot can be achieved with the continuous advancement in teaching resources and equipment, as well as the hard work of everyone involved.