Private Project

29+1

This is a story occurred in 2005.

Christy is a typical city girl born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a month from turning 30, and has just begun to cope with the same struggles shared by most girls of the same age: the almost unbearable stress at work, her aging but annoying parents, and her seemingly stable yet stagnant relationship. All of these only add to her fear for this next chapter of her life.

Joyce, on the other hand, is also turning 30 soon, but leads a vastly different life. She has never been in love, and her job is taking her nowhere. And yet, she has always kept an optimistic attitude towards life. On the verge of her next chapter, she makes a bold decision to just pick up her bags and fulfill her childhood dream.

They have never met each other, and their personalities are night and day. But as fate would have it, Christy makes a temporary move into Joyce’s apartment. Through exploring Joyce’s diary, Christy not only discovers that they share the same birthday, but also learns about the bits and pieces of Joyce’s life.

Through reflection, their virtual bond grows and they begin to influence each other. But who’s really affecting whose life?

  • Kearen Pang
    Director
  • Kearen Pang
    Writer
  • Chrissie Chow
    Key Cast
  • Joyce Cheng
    Key Cast
  • Other Company/Organization
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    29+1
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 40 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 31, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    1,875,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Hong Kong
  • Country of Filming:
    Hong Kong
  • Language:
    Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Red
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, Closing Film
    Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    October 31, 2016
    Hong Kong Premiere
  • Sedona International Film Festival
    SEDONA
    United States
    February 18, 2017
    International
    Bill Muller Excellence in Screenwriting Award
  • Osaka Asian Film Festival
    Osaka
    Japan
    March 9, 2017
    Japan
    Audience Award
Distribution Information
  • China 3D Entertainment Limited
    Country: Hong Kong
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Kearen Pang

Born in Hong Kong, Kearen Pang has developed into one of the most charismatic figures currently working in the local arts industry. Over the past 15 years, her work has showcased her talent in screenwriting, directing and acting. While her wit and sensitivity has become a signature to fans and critics alike.

Since graduating from the Academy for Performing Arts with a BFA (hons) majored in acting, Kearen has dedicated herself in theater industry as a full time actress in Chung Ying Theatre Company. She started her own workshop in 2003, which resulted in a series of “one-woman- shows” that she wrote, directed and acted in.

Her first solo show, “29+1,” debuted in 2005, in which Kearen performed the two main roles that reflected the state of mind of women turning 30. The ensuing enthusiastic public response had brought the show back on eight separate occasions since 2005, plus tours in Beijing and Macau, and accumulated a total of 48,000 viewers. On its 10 th anniversary, a pre-recorded version was shown in AMC theater, with all four showings sold out, once again proving the show’s popularity.

Her second one-woman show, “goodbye BUT goodbye,” had won her the Best

Actress Award (Comedy / Farce) at the Hong Kong Drama Awards in 2007. Her other shows, including “Laugh Me To The Moon” and “Tiffany,” were also warmly received and had accumulated a total of 82,000 viewers.

Kearen started engaging into screenwriting in 2005. Her first feature film script, co-written with director Pang Ho-Cheung, “Isabella” had won the Silver Bear winner at Berlinale 2006. Her another co-writing script work of a TV series, “Crossing”, was awarded “Best of Show” and “Honorable Mention” at the Accolade Competition in 2007. Over the years, Kearen had also taught multiple acting courses for professional actors.

In 2009, Kearen was named one of “The Hong Kong Hot List: 20 People to Watch” by CNNGO.com for “her scripts are full of subtle drama and stealthy sentimentality that creeps into audiences hearts”.

In 2011, from a public poll, Kearen was awarded by RTHK and Hong Kong Drama Federations as the “Most Impressive Actress” of the past two decades.

In 2012, Kearen was named one of the “Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies” by the Junior Chamber International City Lady, for her contribution in promoting feminine beauty to the public and also in bringing female to a higher social status in Hong Kong through fashion and styling. She had also received the “Inspiring Woman Award” from Marie Claire, and “Best Loved Arts and Culture Award” from Roadshow.

In 2014, Kearen was selected as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Hong Kong“ (TOYP) by JCIHK.

In 2016, Kearen decided to adapt and direct “29+1,” her most significant work to date, for the big screen, starting an important chapter of her creative career.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“29+1” was my first theater play back in 2005. Faced with the uncertainty of turning 30, I decided to write a story that reflected my personal experience and feeling. In the end, I not only wrote the play, but I also directed and acted in it out of passion and creative curiosity. I never thought this curiosity would take me so far, and after spending 8 years on stage, this story has led to my feature film directorial debut.

Film has the unique ability to preserve time, and this timelessness allows for a film to travel to all corners of the world. “29+1” is a collection of my many moments growing up. This collective memory serves as an ode to my generation, but I believe the anxiety and confusion brought about by change is universal. I am really glad to finally “let go” of the two main characters Christy Lam and Wong Tin-Lok, and allow two extraordinary actresses to redefine and instill new life in them.

As for me, my task is to take a step back, and blend theater authenticity with movie magic. In addition to preserving the spirit of the story, the theatrical version would also look to explore the story’s possibility and universality. Time could never stay in 2005 forever, just as no one could ever stay in the dilemma of 29+1 forever. Upon watching this film, I hope every audience member would find the strength and courage to look for answers, and face every new phase in life with optimism.