Dr Egret Zhou and Ms Dong Ruo’s Recent Publication on Hong Kong TV Drama Advances Research in Television Studies

(只有英文版 English version only)

The International Research Centre for Cultural Studies (IRCCS) proudly celebrates the recent publication of The Sun Also Rises: Hong Kong TV Drama and Mainland-Hong Kong Relationships (《日出照旧：香港电视剧与陆港关系》), co-authored by Dr Egret Zhou, Associate Director of IRCCS and Assistant Professor of the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies (LCS) and Ms Dong Ruo, PhD student from LCS and IRCCS.

This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive critical study of Hong Kong TV dramas, analysing classic productions through aesthetic and cultural lenses. The authors explore themes of creativity, political discourse, and the portrayal of Mainland-Hong Kong relationships, shedding light on the cultural identity these dramas have shaped over the decades.

The authors were invited to speak at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2024, where their public book talk attracted a large and enthusiastic audience. This followed a successful book launch hosted by IRCCS at EdUHK on 3 October 2024, which also drew over 200 attendees including EdUHK students, scholars, and external audiences. Dr Zhou emphasised that, despite local TV dramas’ global popularity, they remain underexplored in academic circles compared with productions from the USA, South Korea, and mainland China. Notably, Hong Kong’s TV industry thrives without government subsidies or local protection policies, demonstrating its resilience and cultural influence. The authors shared insightful analyses of character development, plot design, and cross-regional relationships, drawing on cultural studies and fandom theories. They advocated for integrating aesthetic value with critical reflection to create stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

This publication calls for high-quality local TV productions to bolster Hong Kong’s soft power and cultural influence on the global stage, a timely and vital message in today’s cultural landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

The book launch at EdUHK attracts a large audience

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Egret Zhou shares her ongoing research on local TV drama production

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Dong Ruo also shares her insights into character stereotypes in their research