Hong Kong filmmakers and film workers of its golden age formed deep bonds with each other. Kindred spirits often became sworn brothers and sisters as an expression of their friendship and appreciation for each other. Such legendary alliances include ‘The Seven Idles’, a group of elite behind-the-scenes crew in the 1950s; the ‘Eight Peonies’, consisting of celebrated opera performers in the 1960s; and the opera starlets known for playing second female leads erbang huadans, who became the ‘Nine Big Sisters’. In 1965, seven young actresses—who all started out as child actors and were brought together by their shared journey in film—formed a sisterhood known as the famous ‘Seven Princesses’.
The Seven Princesses, in order of seniority, were Fung So-bor, Shum Chi-wah, Connie Chan Po-chu, Josephine Siao Fong-fong, Nancy Sit Kar-yin, Wong Oi-ming, and Fung’s younger sibling, Fung Bo-bo. Each a star in her own right, these seven actresses often collaborated onscreen, and have shared an intimate, enduring sisterly bond offscreen for six decades.
In commemoration of their 60th anniversary, the Hong Kong Film Archive presents a special programme, ‘Youthful Imprints’, spotlighting the early works of the Seven Princesses, including those made before and after their bond. Fifteen films will be screened across four categories: ‘Commemoration of Sisterhood’, ‘Signature Works’, ‘Youthful Love’, and ‘Shadows of Grace and Intrigue’.
Though the seven actresses have appeared in many films in various pairings from a young age, only one film featured all of them together: Seven Princesses. This film, along with its sequel will be screened as part of ‘Commemoration of Sisterhood’. ‘Signature Works’ features one representative film per princess, showcasing defining moments of breakthrough in their careers, such as Connie Chan’s first lead role in a contemporary drama You Do Me Wrong (1966) and Nancy Sit’s debut as leading lady in Bunny Girl (1967). In the late 1960s, as the princesses grew up into young women, they stepped into roles that captured youthful dreams and romantic longing, as befitting their maidenly images. The four films in ‘Youthful Love’ alternate between charming and bittersweet tales of love, highlighting this period in the princesses’ careers. Finally, ‘Shadows of Grace and Intrigue’ captures the princesses’ martial prowess. Connie Chan, Josephine Siao and Shum Chi-wah trained under Peking opera master Fen Ju Hua, and their Northern-style martial arts skills are on full display in the selected action films, where they deliver unforgettable performances as heroines in costumes.
The Archive has digitally scanned some selected films, which will be screened for the first time as part of this programme, offering cinephiles enhanced audio-visual quality. Select screenings will also feature post-screening talks with members of the Seven Princesses and film critics.