The One Who Stayed
(Peggy Yiu, 2026)
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
For me, film is not just an art form; its most important aspect is its ability to reflect reality. However, Hong Kong faces significant challenges in achieving artistic freedom and producing stories that reflect reality now. Besides, the recent wave of immigration has gradually shifted Hong Kong's narrative. As an international student from Hong Kong, I hope to take advantage of the resources and freedom I currently possess when studying abroad to create a story filled with detachment and ambiguity that reflects Hong Kong in recent years.
This film is produced as part of my practice-based dissertation project.
SYNOPSIS
Yoyo and Hailey are longtime friends who raised in HK. 4 years ago, Hailey returned back to HK after graduating from abroad. At that time, Hailey gave a special edition DVD to Yoyo and then disappeared without a trace. Meanwhile, Yoyo followed Hailey’s path and went abroad to study. Now, Yoyo is a final-year student. She realised this place is not as wonderful as Hailey said. Also, Yoyo hasn’t been back to HK for 3 years. Her hometown has become a stranger to her. As graduation approaches, she feels increasingly lost and disappointed. What exactly happened to Yoyo during her studies abroad? Where is Hailey? What does Hailey represent to Yoyo? And what inside in that special edition DVD? A story spanning two places- diaspora, memories, studying abroad, journeys, and letting go will unfold here.
CAST
Peggy Yiu
Hiu Tung Cherry Tsang
Summar Lindsey Shihadah
Aison Clark
Aneesha Rose
Nico Denvir-Araoz
Mouhammed Omishakin
Baosheng James Hou
Shiu Yu LAW
Sarah-Lily Phizackerley
Lauren Smith
Ivan Yip
Hailey --- Hiu Tung Cherry Tsang
Supporting Cast
Sam --- Nico Denvir-Araoz
Grace --- Aneesha Rose
Cafe Customer --- Mouhammed Omishakin
Cafe Manager --- Summar Lindsey Shihadah
Rogue --- Baosheng James Hou
QR code research student --- Grace Elmore
Hong Kong student --- Aison Clark
Yoyo’s mum (voice only) --- Shiu Yu LAW
CREW
Peggy Yiu
Sarah-Lily Phizackerley
Ivan Yip
Lauren Smith
BTS
TRAILER
Writer, Director, Producer,
production designer, 2nd DOP, camera operator,
editor, colourist, sound mixer, sound assistant
Peggy Yiu
Co-producer, Assistant Director, sound assistant
Ivan Yip
1st DOP, camera operator
Sarah-Lily Phizackerley
Sound Recordist
Javier Juste Alvarez
Boom operator
Lauren Smith
BTS photographer
Shiu Yu LAW
Social Media manager, poster&title card designer
Hiu Tung Cherry Tsang