For every emigration wave, there is always a wave of return to Hong Kong. Leaving and returning seem to be the beginning of the journey for rootless Hong Kongers. Perhaps Hong Kongers are destined to wander in a cycle of uncertainty. Emily and her fiancé Vincent immigrate to the UK with hopes of starting a new life. They will take over the home of Megan, an old classmate who has lived there for several years and decided to return to Hong Kong. The three friends roam around London and will bid farewell to each other after spending the day together. It is goodbye but it is also the start of a new journey. The director uses this film to express her own feelings after going through the same journey. She carefully inserts daily life details to show the cultural differences and reflects on the faint sadness of exchanging fates.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
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Cast
3 people
Kristie Ko Director · Cheryl Chow Composer Natalie A. Chao Cinematographer
First release December 7, 2025 · Produced in Hong Kong SAR China, United Kingdom · Languages Cantonese, English
Production
Fresh Wave
Production
THROUGH HER LENS
Production
Hong Kong SAR China · United Kingdom
Produced in
Languages
Original title
逆留
Original language
Cantonese
Spoken on screen
Cantonese · English
Release dates
Hong Kong SAR China · December 7, 2025
Premiere · Fresh Wave International Short Film Festival
No release date listed for United States.
Hong Kong SAR China
November 4, 2026 · Premiere · Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2026
Taiwan
April 26, 2026 · Premiere · Golden Harvest Film Festival
United Kingdom
October 1, 2026 · Premiere · Hong Kong Film Festival UK 2026
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