A Hong Kong remake of the psychological thriller Tape, originally directed by Richard Linklater in 2001, is set for its theatrical debut, bringing a fresh twist to the story of confronting painful memories and moral dilemmas.
Ahead of its November 16 release in Hong Kong, a trailer for the film will premiere at the American Film Market, showcasing a story adapted for the digital age in a city navigating the themes of truth and power.
Directed by Bizhan Tong, a former banker now known for films like Forensic Psychologist and The Audition, the Hong Kong Tape stars Kenny Kwan, Selena Lee and Adam Pak. They step into roles originally portrayed by Robert Sean Leonard, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, as three former friends brought together by a traumatic high school memory.
The story, now set in Hong Kong, delves into issues surrounding the #MeToo movement and the complexities of truth.
“Bringing Tape to a Hong Kong setting has allowed us to explore a cultural dimension rarely touched upon in Asian cinema. The themes of the original resonate even more deeply in today’s context,” Tong said.
He expressed excitement about sharing this reimagined version globally, hoping to bridge East and West through Hong Kong cinema.
The film has already seen success on the festival circuit, appearing at the Houston Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) Film Festival and the Asian Film Festival Barcelona. In China, Beijing Sita Digital Technology has secured distribution rights, while international sales are managed by EST N8.
The production team includes notable names such as John Sloss, Keaton Henson and co-writers Stephen Belber, Tong, Lee and Bonnie Lo.
With this remake, Tape aims to offer audiences a new perspective on a story of unresolved pasts and the subjective nature of truth.