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Hong Kong’s documentary ‘Four Trails’ is making waves on the international film scene as it gears up for its U.K. theatrical release. This captivating film dives into one of Hong Kong’s toughest adventure challenges, winning over both audiences and critics.
Set to kick off the annual Odyssey film festival in London on September 15, ‘Four Trails’ has already proven its box office appeal, grossing nearly HK$11 million (around $1.4 million) and earning the title of the second highest-grossing documentary in Hong Kong cinema history.
But what makes this film so special?
Understanding ‘Four Trails’
Directed by Robin Lee and produced by his brother Ben, ‘Four Trails’ chronicles the experiences of participants in a grueling ultra-marathon challenge that was conceived by Andre Blumberg back in 2012.
Imagine running all four ultra-distance trails in Hong Kong, covering a jaw-dropping 298 kilometers, with an elevation gain of 14,500 meters—more than double the height of Mount Everest. This challenge isn’t for the faint-hearted: there are no prizes or medals.
Finishers are recognized only if they complete the course in under 60 hours, while those who take up to 72 hours are merely deemed survivors. Out of countless entrants over the years, only 104 individuals have successfully completed this daunting ultra-marathon, cementing its reputation as one of the toughest events globally.
So, are you up for the challenge?
The film has received accolades from high-profile personalities, including Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat, who declared, “Every Hong Konger should watch this movie.” It’s clear that the documentary resonates with local audiences and has also made a mark in the film industry.
Robin Lee snagged the best new director award and was nominated for best film editing at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards. Additionally, the film was honored with a special award from the Hong Kong Film Directors Guild and also received the audience award at the 21st Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. Quite a list of achievements, right?
A Journey of Endurance and Reflection
Nikki Han, the first female finisher of the challenge, shared her emotional journey, stating, “What I gained over those many hours on the trails will stay with me forever. They are with me every day. They are the trophy.” This sentiment beautifully captures the essence of the documentary, which delves into the personal stories of the participants, showcasing the profound effects this challenge has on their lives. Have you ever experienced something that changed your perspective in such a significant way?
‘Four Trails’ isn’t just a hit in Hong Kong; it’s also making its mark on the international film festival circuit. The documentary has been showcased at prestigious events like the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. If you’re curious, upcoming screenings are set for the Golden Horse Film Festival in Taipei, with additional showings planned in cities like Adelaide, Beijing, Boulder, Melbourne, New York, and Toronto. And the journey doesn’t stop there—future screenings are in the works for Bangkok, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, London, Paris, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo. Can you imagine the buzz it will create in these vibrant cities?
Upcoming U.K. Release and Festival Insights
The documentary will officially debut in Singapore and will open the Odyssey film festival, which aims to bridge conversations between the British and Greater China film industries. This year, the festival is themed around ‘Sports,’ making ‘Four Trails’ a fitting choice to kick off the event. Hiu Man Chan, the artistic director of Odyssey, expressed excitement about the film’s role in the festival, saying, “We are delighted that Robin has accepted our invitation as ‘Four Trails’ is the perfect film with which to open the festival.” The festival kicks off on September 15 at the Everyman Cinema in Broadgate, with U.K. theatrical distribution managed by the NGO U.K.-China Film Collab, known for overseeing significant film releases. Are you ready to experience this inspiring journey on the big screen?
