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William Chang Suk-ping interwoven creativity
In the 2013 film, The Grandmaster, Sham Shui Po is portrayed as a gathering place for many martial arts experts. Aside from appearing in front of the camera, the district also plays an important behind-the-scenes role, acting as a source of creative material and inspiration for art director and costume designer, William Chang Suk-ping.
A renowned name in the creative field, Chang has been a long-time visitor of Sham Shui Po’s fabric suppliers, including Moon Yue and Wa Fat. While he’s visited textiles bazaars around the world, he still counts Sham Shui Po as being among the best and returns at least once or twice a month to find fabrics for his costumes.
“In Sham Shui Po, the fabric selection is very comprehensive and everything is organised by category so it’s easy to find what you need. There are also suppliers that sell everything from accessories and ribbons to crystals and beads. Whatever you need, you can find it here,” Chang explains, adding that it’s this variety and accessibility of products that draws even overseas designers to this fabric mecca.
Another thing that sets Sham Shui Po apart, says Chang, is its tight-knit community. Some vendors are willing to tailor-make textiles so a designer’s vision can become a reality. As Chang puts it, Sham Shui Po is the perfect place to find the materials — and the inspiration — to create something truly special.
Sham Shui Po has played a starring role in a number of high-profile films. As you stroll through this vibrant neighbourhood, see if you can recognise the spots where the below movies were shot.
Infernal Affairs (2002)
This crime-thriller opens with its leads Andy Lau and Tony Leung listening to an old music recording in the Audio Space store above bustling Apliu Street.
Locations: Apliu Street, Audio Space
A Simple Life (2011)
Most of this meandering drama was shot in Sham Shui Po, allowing it to depict the everyday struggles of the working-class community in an authentic and relatable manner.
Locations: Ki Lung Street, Tung Chau Street
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
This blockbuster literally stopped traffic while it was being filmed in Hong Kong. The movie features scenes with car-shaped Autobots and Decepticons weaving through the streets of Sham Shui Po, flanked by panicked onlookers.
Locations: Tai Nan Street, Nam Cheong Street
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Hong Kong features significantly in this stunning sci-fi spectacle, which stars Scarlett Johansson as a cyber-enhanced human soldier. Look out for the neon shop signs in the background, which are from Sham Shui Po.
Location: Tai Nan Street
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The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
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