In her feature directorial debut Almost Home, Jiang Wenjie crafts a gentle, intimate documentary that delves into the inner worlds of three Hong Kong writers: Hon Lai-chu, Lee Wai-yi, and Human Ip. Though distinct in style, their creative works are all deeply rooted in their immediate surroundings—from a childhood home in Lam Tin and the streets of Sham Shui Po to the cattle and woodlands of Lai Chi Wo.

Brimming with a warm, lively community atmosphere, the film connects the perspectives and memories of scholars and activists. By focusing on honest personal reflections it channels authentic local sentiments while carrying a profound humanistic weight. Ultimately, the documentary seeks to return the written word to the local participants who shape these lived experiences, quietly empowering the voiceless and building a sanctuary for collective stories in a city that has weathered endless change.

The screening on 17 October will be followed by a talk with director Jiang Wenjie and writer Lee Wai-yi in Cantonese.

Jiang Wenjie is an emerging Hong Kong filmmaker. After earning her master’s degree in film from Hong Kong Baptist University, she was involved in Keep Rolling (2020)—the acclaimed documentary on director Ann Hui—alongside Pan Suchen and Man Lim-chung showcasing her wide-ranging technical craft, as sound recordist, co-cinematographer, and lead editor.

Her feature directorial debut, Almost Home, produced by Man Lim-chung and Ann Hui. Carrying forward the spirit of Hui’s Elegies (2023) to chronicle Hong Kong’s literary voices, the documentary explores the concept of ‘home’ while taking audiences into unseen corners of the city. Almost Home makes its world premiere at the 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival.