A Light Never Goes Out

Introduced in the 1920s and boosted by post-World War II economic growth, vibrant neon lights have become not only a hallmark of Hong Kong’s prosperity but also a vital part of its identity. The past two decades have seen them removed and replaced by cheaper and ecologically friendlier LED signs. This move stirred reactions of all kinds and A Light Never Goes Out is one of them.

Anastasia Tsang’s feature-length directorial debut opts for a gentle, intimate angle. Centring on the widow of a Hong Kong neon-sign artist, who is determined to step into her husband’s shoes and overcome any obstacles to recreate a legendary neon sign that has been demolished, A Light Never Goes Out delivers a snapshot of Hong Kong life at its most ordinary. It expresses the sentimental attachment to Hong Kong, its architecture and social rituals, even if you have never visited it.

Boosted by the powerful performances of Sylvia Chang and Simon Yam, A Light Never Goes Out brings together the cultural identity of a place and its inhabitants, and ties the signature features of the city-state to private stories of ordinary Hongkongers. It captures the very essence of Hong Kong and shows what the people are fighting for, the “normal” that If We Burn (IFFR 2023) explores.

– Cherry van der Stelt