There’s no denying that Hong Kong’s film industry is a far cry from its heyday in the ’80s and ’90s, when homegrown stars and directors were the toast of Asia. Today, the landscape of the industry has morphed to become almost unrecognisable – locally-made, lowbrow comedies compete with Hollywood superhero blockbusters for the attention of Hongkongers, while the formerly monolithic talents from that golden age have focused their filmmaking efforts towards the vast mainland Chinese market in hopes of a financial windfall (as in the case of Stephen Chow’s 1999 hyper-local smash hit, King of Comedy, of which the recently released sequel now stars an entirely mainland Chinese cast).

Thankfully, the nominees for the Hong Kong Film Awards 2019 have no shortage of local flavour, and show signs of promise for a continuing artistic revival. Among the contenders, there is a strong representation of first-time filmmakers vying against more commercially-oriented films, alongside veterans of the Hong Kong Second Wave movement such as Fruit Chan. Alternative viewpoints of Hong Kong society and artistic experimentation are common themes, as illustrated by Tracey (a transgender drama) and Still Human (a heartwarming look at the city’s domestic helpers).

Here, we take a look at two of the nominated films yet to receive a wide theatrical release this month, and what they mean for the state of the industry. Stay tuned for the winners to be announced at the official awards ceremony on April 14.