Abstract of the accomplished photographic work
“So Close and Yet So Far Away” explores the shifting meaning of borders and identity through the lens of personal migration. Rooted in the experience of traveling between mainland China and Hong Kong, the project reflects on the Shenzhen River—once a geographical boundary, now a symbol of self-identity. As political and social landscapes evolve, the border’s significance fluctuates, shaping emotions, aspirations, and a sense of belonging. The work captures the tensions between integration and alienation, nostalgia and uncertainty, revealing how migration transforms one’s perception of home. Through photography, I document the emotional weight of this transformation—the pain of displacement, the uncertainty of the future, and the complex sense of belonging in a city where the border, though physically blurred, remains deeply present in everyday life.
Description of the project you intend to pursue through the Prize
I want to pursue a short film which documents the evolving lives of Hong Kong residents near the Shenzhen border, capturing their daily routines as they navigate between two cities. Through a blend of observational cinematography and still photography, the project investigates how the shifting significance of this border—shaped by history, geopolitics, and migration—affects identity and belonging.
Inspired by Gabriele Basilico’s methodical approach to urban transformations, the film reveals the layered relationship between space and time at this fluid boundary. The border is not just a line on the map but a living structure, constantly redefining those who cross it.
At a time when Hong Kong is undergoing profound change, this work provides a reflective study on movement, resilience, and liminality. By capturing the unseen rhythms of transit and transition, the film seeks to portray the fragile yet enduring ties between place and self.