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About
Ma Chi Hang’s ethnomusicological film records a centuries-old oral tradition of fishermen and fisherwomen who identify as People on Water (水上人 ). Living in fishing communities on Grass Island and in Aberdeen, Hong Kong, they sing ballads about life on and in connection with the sea. The ballads, sung in what the practitioners call ''fisherman language'' are melodic and the lyrics poetic and rich.
The lyrics of these ballads tell the stories of the trials and tribulations of the life of the fisherman. They tell of a past way of life on the water and reflect a strong attachment to and knowledge of their maritime environment–where to anchor safely, where to avoid big waves or windy and cold conditions, and where fish are plentiful. “Anchor large boats at the tip of To Nin, a sampan sends the lover to Sai See Island.....” Ballads have been traditionally passed down from one generation to the next, but with the boat people's way of life disappearing and the songs reaching fewer and fewer listeners today, will the ballads continue to be sung?
Credits
Ballad on the Shore
Director
Ma Chi Hang
Producer
Fung Mei Wah
Yim Wai Ying
Executive Producer
Cheng Wai Sum
Jack Han Yuk Han
Cinematography
Wong Wai Nap
Editing
Cheung Pak Ming
Music
Wong Chun Kok
Sound Design
Tang Hok Lung, Noisy Miner
Ricky Yip, Noisy Miner
Graphic Designer
Roger Ng