Hong Kong filmmaker Ray Yeung’s poignant drama “All Shall Be Well” has garnered significant attention in multiple territories following its world premiere at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival.
Presented by Films Boutique on the international stage, “All Shall Be Well” made its mark in the Panorama section at the Berlinale, qualifying for the coveted Teddy Award. The film delves into the life of Angie (portrayed by Patra Au Ga Man), a lesbian woman in her 60s grappling with the sudden loss of her lifelong partner, Pat (played by Maggie Li Lin Lin). Against the backdrop of Angie’s struggle to hold her family together amidst the throes of grief, the narrative also sheds light on the legal constraints faced by same-sex couples in Hong Kong, where marriage equality remains unrecognized.
Following its Berlinale premiere, “All Shall Be Well” has secured distribution deals in key territories. The film has been acquired by Karma in Spain, Lev in Israel, Vedette in Benelux, and Trigon in Switzerland. Negotiations are currently underway for distribution in France, North America, and the U.K.Yeung underscored the pressing issue of inheritance rights in jurisdictions where same-sex marriage is not legalized. Particularly in a city like Hong Kong, where soaring property prices pose formidable challenges, the question of property inheritance takes on added significance, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“The film raises thought-provoking questions about inheritance, especially in a place like Hong Kong, where property prices are exorbitant and unattainable for many, particularly the younger generation.”It prompts viewers to consider how societal norms and legal frameworks shape our perceptions of obligations and relationships, particularly in the context of unmarried couples, both heterosexual and homosexual.”
Aside from “All Shall Be Well,” Films Boutique’s Berlinale lineup also includes Lin Jianjie’s “Brief History of a Family” and Anthony Schatteman’s “Young Hearts,” further reinforcing the company’s commitment to diverse and compelling storytelling.
