From the extremely busy Hong Kong to the tranquillity of Iceland

In 2018, Hong Kong was ranked as the 74th saddest population in the world. That heartbreaking fact is what Chan and Lam want to bring to the audience’s attention. Finding Bliss follows musicians such as Josie Ho (HK singer/actress), MC Yan (street artist and rapper), Jimmy Mak (guitarist), Ceung Yee-sik (drummer) and Jan Lo (singer) on the journey to self-improvement and happiness. Ho explains how living in Hong Kong is depressing and stressful and that Hong Kong is a place where people lose touch with who they are. To undo that damage, the group entertainers embark on a trip to Iceland, where they want to find sanctuary, peace, happiness and bliss. Inspired by the philosophy of Philippe Gaulier, they make short videos in which they explain what they’re feeling and how they are improving themselves throughout this trip.

Find happiness within

It’s clear that finding yourself, peace, and happiness is the most essential things in life. Unconsciously, many of us try to find that happiness and validation outsides ourselves, mainly through the praise of others and material things. Therefore we might forget what really matters in the end. In one of his classes, Jim Chim (motivator and entertainer) shows us how glorious and rich our lives would be if we allow ourselves to make mistakes and to be ourselves unconditionally. The key to happiness starts within and not by looking at the external world. In Finding Bliss, you see many moments during which the group enjoys the little and simple things in life, such as being together, playing around and having a good laugh. This proves that societal barriers can be torn down by just being who you are.

What makes that message even stronger is the beautiful parallel between the group’s search for freedom and the stunning scenery of Iceland. The strong wind, the unexpected explosions of the geysers and the significant manifestations of nature are metaphors for people finally having a mind-blowing epiphany that the way to freedom is just to let go of the norms and prejudices. Being yourself can enrich your life, just like becoming one with nature.

Living in Hong Kong can feel very hectic, and while it’s the way of life, you have to find the right balance between a business-centric lifestyle and necessary tranquillity. Those contrasting elements are beautifully represented on screen by the fire and ice of Iceland. It’s crucial to find a balance between the two so that you, as a person, can survive. The search for yourself can be very intense and powerful, and Chad and Lam manage to capture feeling by integrating strong rock music into this documentary.

No drastically life-changing but the perfect guide to peace

While this documentary isn’t drastically changing everyone’s lives, it’s a great guide to help you find peace and joy. It also shows us that you can and must trust your inner self. After all, you’re the only person who can figure out where to find your bliss and happiness.

Finding Bliss is part of the UKChina Film Collab’s Odyssey Film Season at Battersea Power Station. Click here for all the information.

Also Read: Sustainability Is Never a Boring Topic, See How Chinese Young Filmmaker Hong Ning Perceives ‘Global Sustainability’ Through Images

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Review: Finding Bliss [Odyssey 2023 Film Season] appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Hong Kong has been selected as the “City of Honour” this year and the festival opened with the documentary Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice (The Directors’ Cut) on 26^th May evening at The Cinema in the Battersea Power Station in London. Actress, producer Josie Ho and director Kim Chan both attended the opening in person to engage with the audience.

Surprised to discover that Hong Kong ranks a low 74 on the World Happiness Index, creative powerhouse Josie Ho (Dream Home, Full Strike, Butterfly) decides to do something about it. After interviewing some folks about their personal dissatisfaction, she takes a group of musicians and students to Iceland, officially one of the world’s happiest—and most scenic—countries. There the adventurers relearn how to laugh, connect with, and trust one another, explore natural wonders, and finally, collaborate with Icelandic musicians on a trans-generational musical journey in a dark and disconsolate world.

Josie Ho’s passion for music and documentary-making inspired her to create this thought-provoking documentary. It was entirely filmed in Iceland, the northernmost country on Earth, which also gave birth to the peculiarity of going through near national bankruptcy and simultaneously claiming the top position on the worldwide happiness index. Josie and her team went on a mission to learn some lessons for Hong Kong.

Odyssey 2023 takes place between 26^th May and 30^th June, showcases over 60 films online and offline from or about Greater China. There is also a sizable collection of Hong Kong films in this year’s programme as the “City of Honour”. Odyssey is an annual film festival presented by NGO UK-China Film Collab. The opening reception and film screening is kindly sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.

Also Read: Sustainability Is Never a Boring Topic, See How Chinese Young Filmmaker Hong Ning Perceives ‘Global Sustainability’ Through Images

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Odyssey 2023 Launched at the Battersea Power Station with Hong Kong’s “Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice” appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.