THE WAY WE ARE

 

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Set in the quiet suburb of Tin Shui Wai, THE WAY WE ARE is a tender, understated portrait of everyday life in contemporary Hong Kong. The story follows a widowed supermarket employee and her teenage son as they navigate work, family, and community ties with quiet resilience. Through small moments of kindness and connection, the film illuminates the dignity found in ordinary struggles. Anchored by a luminous performance from Nina Paw (HIFF45’s Hong Kong Filmmaker In Profile), the film’s gentle realism and compassionate storytelling offer a moving reflection on perseverance, care, and the rhythms of daily existence. Celebrated for its artistry, the film garnered numerous awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Ann Hui, and Best Actress for Nina Paw, cementing its place as one of Hong Kong cinema’s most acclaimed contemporary dramas. HIFF is honored to host Nina Paw and she will participate in an after-film Q&A.