The Journey of Robin Lee and "Four Trails"
Hong Kong filmmaker Robin Lee faced a daunting challenge when he set out to create his documentary, Four Trails. Advised to keep his expectations “very low” prior to its release in December, he was told that the film, a sports documentary without A-list celebrities, would struggle to attract audiences. With no sponsorships or funding secured, the odds seemed stacked against him. Yet, Lee’s unwavering belief in the story’s potential to resonate with viewers propelled him forward.
A Story Worth Telling
At the heart of Four Trails lies the gripping narrative of ultrarunners tackling a grueling 298km challenge across Hong Kong’s stunning landscapes. The documentary captures not only the physical endurance required for such a feat but also the emotional journeys of the participants. Lee, who wore multiple hats as cameraman, director, and editor, understood that the film’s strength lay in its authenticity. “You can’t blame them [distributors] because there is no script… I couldn’t tell them where the money that you’re investing is going to go because no one really knew what would happen,” he reflected.
A Surprising Success
Against all odds, Four Trails emerged as a surprise box office hit, grossing over HK$10 million and securing its place as the second highest-grossing documentary in Hong Kong history. This unexpected success not only validated Lee’s vision but also earned him the title of Best New Director at the prestigious Hong Kong Film Awards. The film follows a group of ultrarunners during the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, one of the world’s most demanding ultra-marathons, where participants must complete four major hiking trails within 72 hours.
Revitalizing the Documentary Scene
The success of Four Trails has invigorated Hong Kong’s small documentary filmmaking scene, offering a glimmer of hope in an industry still grappling with the aftermath of cinema closures and the rise of streaming platforms. The film has sparked renewed interest in Hong Kong’s trails, even garnering support from local celebrities like Chow Yun-fat, who helped promote the project. It has inspired young audiences, including primary school pupils who hiked sections of the Lantau Trail alongside featured runners.
Crafting a Human-Centered Narrative
In creating Four Trails, Lee made a conscious effort to showcase a diverse range of personalities among the runners. “As a viewer, hopefully, there was one person in the film which you could relate to on a personal level,” he noted. His next ambition is to take the documentary to international cinemas and streaming platforms, currently engaging with global distributors to broaden its reach.
The Challenges of Filmmaking
Before filming commenced, Lee hiked most of Hong Kong’s four main trails—MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong, and Lantau—to familiarize himself with the terrain and connect with the runners. With no script to guide him and a limited timeframe to capture the action, building rapport was essential for crafting a human-centered narrative. “It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle, but there’s no picture that you have to follow. You’re creating the picture, so it’s really difficult to try to figure that out,” he explained.
As the ultra-marathon unfolded, Lee faced the challenge of weaving together the stories of 18 athletes moving at different paces. “Everything is changing,” he recalled, emphasizing the need for flexibility in his approach. The physical and mental exhaustion set in quickly, with Lee and his brother, who assisted in filming, often getting little sleep. “We had this detailed plan before the race, but by day three, it looked wrong,” he admitted.
The Reality of Documentary Filmmaking
The film poignantly illustrates the runners’ struggles, mirroring the filmmakers’ own challenges behind the camera. “You see them hallucinating and going crazy as the cameraman and the director were also going through a similar situation,” Lee shared. After the race, he juggled editing the footage with freelance work to finance the project, emphasizing the risks he took to ensure the film’s quality. “I want to make something which I’m really proud of because this may be my only chance to make a film,” he stated.
A New Hope for the Industry
The commercial success of Four Trails is a rarity in Hong Kong, where many documentary filmmakers, like Ryan Lai, struggle to find funding. “It’s extremely difficult to make a living from documentaries in Hong Kong,” Lai explained, noting that the lack of commercial appeal often leads filmmakers to treat their work as side projects rather than viable careers. Lee hopes that the unexpected triumph of Four Trails will encourage greater support for documentary filmmaking in the region. “If you’re investing in film, you don’t have to shy away from a documentary as long as the story is good,” he asserted.
The Future of Filmmaking
Lee believes that originality is key to revitalizing the film industry. “If you can keep making original and new content, that’s going to get people talking. Then that’s the best thing for the industry,” he concluded. The success of Four Trails not only highlights the potential of documentary filmmaking in Hong Kong but also serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring filmmakers navigating a challenging landscape.
