Students Look Behind the Cameras on Measure in Love

On 9 October 2025, the Department of Media and Communication (COM) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) turned a packed venue into a lively creative forum with a film sharing session on Measure in Love, featuring acclaimed filmmaker Professor Sylvia CHANG Ai-chia.

Centred on the theme “The Birth of a Film”, the event went beyond a conventional screening. It invited students and faculty to step behind the camera and into the creative heart of filmmaking, exploring how a movie grows from an early idea into a finished cinematic work. The session also offered a rare glimpse into the collaborative spirit that shapes every stage of production—from planning to post-production.

Chang’s “Scene 1” at CityUHK
“This is my first class at CityUHK, and I’m delighted to share my experience with the students,” Chang said, her enthusiasm evident.

Moderated by Professor Yi-hui Christine HUANG, Head and Chair Professor of the COM, the discussion brought together members of the Measure in Love cast and production team, including lead actress Ms Angela YUEN Lai-lam, art and image director Mr MAN Lim-chung, visual effects artist Mr Alex LIM Hung-fung, and film composer Mr CHU Wan-pin.

Together, they shared their experience with students and faculty, offering an in-depth look at the filmmaking journey—all the way from story development, casting and location scouting through to costume design and music composition.

Lessons from the Set
About 200 enthusiastic students packed out the venue, and the sense of anticipation and excitement was palpable. Throughout the session, Chang and her collaborators spoke candidly about the challenges of production, using examples from Measure in Love to show how creative obstacles can become opportunities.

Their stories gave students a clearer sense of how artistic vision must often be balanced with practical realities, especially in a demanding film environment.

“Although filmmaking is often full of challenges and limited resources, perseverance can lead to remarkable outcomes,” Chang said, a message that struck a strong chord with aspiring filmmakers in the audience.

Bridging Industry and Academia
For many, the session offered a rare chance to hear directly from an internationally acclaimed filmmaker whose career spans acting, screenwriting and directing. Chang has received multiple awards—including Best Actress and Best Screenplay—at the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Horse Awards, as well as Best Director honours from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society and the Hong Kong Directors’ Guild. Her presence at CityUHK, following her appointment as adjunct professor in May 2025, also marks an important bridge between industry and academia.

The conversation moved beyond technical craft, and Chang spoke thoughtfully about storytelling, visual language and the emotional responsibility filmmakers carry. By sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process of filmmaking, she helped demystify production and highlight the collaborative spirit that keeps it alive.

Students Join the Conversation
The Q&A session that followed showed how deeply the discussion resonated. Across the room, students raised hands, eager to ask about artistic choices, industry realities and career pathways. Their curiosity underscored the department’s commitment to dialogue-based learning and to creating meaningful exchanges between students and professionals.

The presence of the four-strong creative team reinforced one of the evening’s clearest lessons: film is never a solo endeavour. From visual effects to music composition, every element helps shape the emotional texture of a story. Getting insights from different viewpoints revealed much about the layered decision-making that brings a film to life.

A Shared Vision
Beyond its educational value, the session reflected a broader vision. Passionate about working with the next generation of filmmakers, Chang is committed to advancing the industry and fostering knowledge transfer—an ethos closely aligned with CityUHK’s mission to nurture future leaders in media and communications.

In celebrating “The Birth of a Film”, COM offered more than a masterclass—it offered inspiration. For participating students, the message was clear: creative dreams are worth pursuing, and with perseverance, collaboration and courage, remarkable outcomes are within reach.