This documentary, co-directed by Dora Choi and Haider Kikabhoy, starts with the fight to preserve the former State Theatre in North Point (previously known as the Empire Theatre), and gradually uncovers the legendary life of its founder, Harry Odell. This entertainment tycoon, forgotten by history, brought world-class musicians to perform in Hong Kong as early as the 1950s, and had a profound impact on the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong.

The fascinating process of re-discovering Odell’s life had surprising turns. The documentary traces the World War II years of Japanese occupation to the current occupant of Odell’s former residence, pop singer Hins Cheung. What came to the fore is the revival of Hong Kong’s cultural history during the early post-war years, a chapter that has faded from popular memory. This history shows that, long before the rise of a so-called ‘local identity’, the spirit of Hong Kong was already cosmopolitan, worldly, and adventurous. The narrative is nostalgic as it is spirited.

The screening on 2 July will be followed by a talk in Cantonese with Dr. Ng Chun-hung, a scholar of popular culture and Honorary Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology at the University of Hong Kong. From the history of the Empire Theatre to that of Cantopop, Dr. Ng will share his expertise on this critical aspect of Hong Kong culture. The talk will be moderated by M+ Curator-at-large of Hong Kong Film and Media Li Cheuk-to.

Dora Choi is a documentary director with over a decade of experience in mainstream media, with a focus on politics and social issues. She co-founded the cultural enterprise Walk in Hong Kong. A passionate traveller, Dora has had extensive stays in India and Mexico, but is increasingly drawn to the hidden corners of her home city. She also finds inspiration in the worlds of anthropology and the Japanese art of ukiyo-e. To Be Continued is her first documentary feature as co-director.

Haider Kikabhoy is a fourth-generation Hongkonger with family roots in Mumbai and Kaiping in Guangdong. He co-founded the cultural enterprise Walk in Hong Kong. Growing up with his mother’s tales about lost theatres in Yau Ma Tei, Haider nurtured a fascination with the forgotten stories of old Hong Kong. Formerly an academic researcher on Hong Kong’s architectural history, he hopes to rediscover the spirit of this city through the legend of Harry Odell. To Be Continued is his first attempt at documentary filmmaking.