“Because of You Ka Kui,” a documentary examining the life and career of Wong Ka Kui, the deceased frontman of the rock band Beyond, will serve as the opening film for the sixth edition of the Odyssey Film Festival in the U.K. The documentary is directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Rosa Pang and produced by Yip Sai Wing, one of Beyond’s founding members, and Leslie Chan, the band’s longtime manager. U.K.-China Film Collab has secured distribution rights for the film in the U.K. market following initial discussions at FilMart in Hong Kong earlier this year.
The film draws from interviews with individuals who knew Wong both personally and professionally, supplemented by rare concert recordings, previously unreleased archival materials from his early career, and newly available footage. It traces Wong’s musical journey from his initial involvement with music through Beyond’s formation and rise to prominence, while examining his songwriting approach, personal character, and ideals. Wong, who died in a 1993 accident in Japan at age 31, became a formative influence on Cantonese-speaking audiences in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. One interview featured in the documentary was filmed in London with Beyond founding member William Tang.
The Odyssey Film Festival will run from Sept. 28–Oct. 10 at multiple cinema locations and online platforms. This year’s festival theme centers on fashion, and according to artistic director Hiu Man Chan, Beyond’s aesthetic and cultural impact align with this focus. Chan noted that the band helped define the look and attitude of their generation much as other influential rock acts shaped their respective cultures. The selection aims to broaden the fashion theme beyond clothing to encompass how music, visual identity, and pop culture intersect and influence youth expression. The festival program will include both recently made and older films, with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London backing the opening and portions of the schedule.
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