Chapter 00228: The Freedom Association
# The Freedom Association
Chapter 228
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 228: The Freedom Association
The division between leftists and rightists didn't begin after coming to Hong Kong—it existed long before.
Back when a large group of filmmakers from the mainland moved south, there was one man named Zhang Shankun.
In 1943, the Wang puppet government established the "China United Film Corporation," with Zhang Shankun serving as deputy general manager and head of production.
At that time, the Nationalists were the legitimate government, while the Wang regime was just a puppet government, so he was branded a traitor.
Later, he fled to Hong Kong.
After arriving in Hong Kong, he joined several other filmmakers to establish the "Hong Kong-Kowloon Film and Drama Freedom Association."
The parent organization of this Freedom Association was Taiwan's Government Information Office, overseeing all Nationalist Party cultural affairs in Hong Kong—making them the rightists.
To this day, any Hong Kong film wanting distribution in Taiwan must follow four principles:
1. Absolutely no contact with leftists—this goes without saying.
2. Films must first pass review by the Freedom Association before entering Taiwan.
Only if the Association approves can they proceed.
3. Directors and actors must register with the Freedom Association as members and pay annual fees.
4. Mandatory participation in any military support or cultural events organized by the Association.
With Taiwan's 20 million people being Hong Kong cinema's largest market, one can imagine the immense power and status the Freedom Association holds.
As mentioned before, 99% of Hong Kong's filmmakers have no political stance—only market interests.
Stars like Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Andy Lau have all performed for troops in Kinmen.
Andy Lau even demonstrated ceremonial drills in front of the National Father's Memorial Hall—quite the spectacle.
Others like Tony Leung, Eric Tsang, and Ti Lung have all starred in Taiwanese military propaganda films.
In 1988, when the film "The Eighth Happiness" released in Taiwan, its entire creative team—including Johnnie To, Chow Yun-fat, Carol Cheng, Raymond Wong, Cherie Chung, and others—gathered at the mausoleum to pay respects.
Carol Cheng couldn't help laughing on the spot—the whole thing was absurd.
What feelings could they possibly have for "Comrade Jianfeng"? It was all for the market.
Hong Kong cinema groveled like this back then, which is why later, when facing the mainland market, they acted all high and mighty—whining and complaining while making money, still just asking for a beating!
---
At the Freedom Association...
Tong Yuejuan, widow of Zhang Shankun, was elected Association president in 1973 while also serving on Taiwan's Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission until 1993, when she immigrated to Canada.
She had once been a famous Shanghai actress, hailed as one of the "Four Sisters of Cinema" alongside Ruan Lingyu.
Now 67 years old, she still favored cheongsam dresses, her permed hair jet-black and glossy, makeup immaculate, a priceless-looking jade necklace around her neck.
She held a coffee cup in her left hand while a copy of Wen Wei Po lay at her right.
"President, how should we handle this matter?"
"What do you think?"
Jiang Fengqi pondered briefly.
"Cinema City has always been on good terms with us. They wouldn't suddenly act so improperly. I suggest we first investigate the truth."
He was from Taiwan's Central Motion Picture Corporation—yes, Taiwan had its own CMPC—recently transferred to assist Tong Yuejuan at the Association.
She found this young man capable and sharp-eyed, but still too rigid in his ways, needing guidance.
"Loyalty to the Party that isn't absolute is absolute disloyalty," she said leisurely.
"Cinema City's films only reach Taiwan because we allow it. Yet after receiving such favors, they secretly consort with leftists—even meeting them. These photos can't be fake, can they? If we let this slide lightly, who would heed us afterward?"
"Then your meaning is...?"
"Go personally. Reprimand them face-to-face, punish them severely, and make them sign pledges never to repeat this!"
"How should we punish them?"
"Go. They'll know what to do."
A somewhat confused Jiang Fengqi left.
Best to just follow orders.
Funded by Hong Kong's entire film industry, the Association lived in luxury—company cars included.
Soon he arrived at Cinema City's offices.
While Raymond Wong, Dean Shek, and Karl Maka were discussing the situation, an employee rushed in: "Boss! Someone from the Freedom Association is here!"
"Of course they'd be fastest for this!"
"Stick to the plan we discussed."
Maka grumbled before exchanging looks with Shek.
Wong slipped out first while the other two went to greet their guest.
"What an honor! We weren't prepared to receive you!"
"Mr. Maka, Mr. Shek... where's Mr. Wong?"
"He had urgent business—just stepped out. Please, have a seat!"
"No need."
Jiang Fengqi remained standing.
"You've grown quite bold, haven't you? Thinking your company's success means you can ignore principles, waver in stance, and disrespect both us and President Chiang?"
"We'd never dare! We were deceived—fell right into their trap!" Maka hurriedly explained.
"Save your excuses. You met them. Photos exist. Even if tricked, it only proves you're brainless, with ideological weaknesses! Why agree to meet unless hoping to exploit loopholes? Since Cinema City's founding, the Association has supported you—multiple films distributed in Taiwan with great success, helping you grow. These are the Association's graces! The Party's graces! Any duplicity, and you know the consequences!"
"Yes, yes!"
"We admit our wrongs! Our loyalty is unwavering! It won't happen again!"
Maka and Shek stood meekly, heads bowed, hands at their sides—none of their usual industry titan demeanor remained.
"The Association is deeply angered. Cinema City must collectively submit written pledges expressing repentance..."
Written pledges!
99% of Hong Kong filmmakers had written these.
Maka agreed readily when Raymond Wong returned, carrying an elegant briefcase.
Taking it, Maka presented it with an apologetic smile: "Mr. Jiang, we've erred gravely. Please accept this humble token of our sincerity toward the Association."
Having never encountered such things before, Jiang Fengqi opened it briefly before snapping it shut.
He wanted to refuse sternly, yet another voice whispered temptingly—just take it.
Everyone does this!
After two seconds of internal struggle, he kept hold of the case.
"Remember those pledges. Given your... sincerity, I'll put in a good word with the president."
"Of course, of course!"
Once Jiang Fengqi left, all three spat in disgust.
What nonsense!
"How much did you take out?" Maka asked.
Wong showed a number with his fingers.
"That's 100,000 more than usual!" Shek said.
"I worried things might escalate! Better to offer more now."
"But if we give extra now, how much will they demand on Double Ten Day? How much does this company even make?"
"Then what should we do? I did this for everyone!"
"Enough, enough, no fighting!"
Shek stopped them—not that they truly wanted to argue, just utterly frustrated.
What kind of mess was this? Money given away for nothing, with surely more to come.
Nothing but endless political niceties all year round.
(Chapter end)