Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is holding its annual Creative Arts Graduation Show, showcasing over 100 outstanding works by graduating students. The theme of the show, “Spectrum”, symbolises the moment a rainbow shines, reflecting the brilliance of the graduates' dazzling works – fruits of their hard work and dedication. The exhibition is open to the public at the HKMU Jockey Club Campus from now until 27 July.

The opening ceremony was held on 18 July and officiated by three esteemed officiating guests: Mr Raman Hui Shing-ngai, animation film director; Mr Wai Ka-fai, film director and scriptwriter; and Mr Man Lim-chung, film director and art director. They were joined by HKMU senior management, including Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President; Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping, Provost; Prof. Charles Kwong Che-Leung, Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development); and Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah, Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences (A&SS), to officially launch the graduation show.

The officiating guests shared their valuable industry experience and encouraged the graduates to bravely pursue their dreams. Citing his own experience, which changed his life when he first encountered and fell in love with animation while studying graphic design, Mr Raman Hui encouraged students to bravely explore their own creative paths. “You don't have to be too worried about your career path after graduation,” he said. “The way forward will reveal itself as you walk it. The most important thing is not to forget the original intention behind your creativity. Focus on what you are passionate about, and pour your heart into every work, since it will serve as a record of each stage of your life.”

Mr Wai Ka-fai, who received an honorary fellowship from HKMU last year, encouraged students to persevere in their passion for creativity, quoting a famous line from his movie Fat Choi Spirit: 'The worse the hand, the more effort you must put into playing it'. “I entered the film industry in the 1990s when the prospects for the industry in Hong Kong were not optimistic,” he recalled. “But you don't have to worry. More than 30 years later, the Hong Kong film industry is still here. When I entered the industry, I witnessed many young people making their mark; today, the future of the industry is also in your hands.”

Mr Man Lim-chung advised that “being brave to try” and “believing in yourself” are indispensable qualities for young creators. Sharing his own story of how he entered the film industry by recommending himself to his teacher, he told the students, “In the works you have exhibited, I see your confidence in creation. Your studies at HKMU have already equipped you with the ability to solve problems. As long as you believe in yourselves, you can overcome any challenges.”

In her opening remarks, Ms Ip Mei-yi, the Graduation Show's Student Organising Committee Chairlady, shared the significance of this year's theme, “Spectrum” (虹•刻). “The 'rainbow' (虹) symbolises the brilliance of the graduation works, while 'engrave' (刻) represents this brief yet profound and precious memory,” she explained. “Every creative idea is a unique ray of light, and together, they form a brilliant rainbow spectrum, presenting the most beautiful scenery for everyone.”

The exhibited artworks were created by students from the five bachelor's degree programmes in the Department of Creative Arts of A&SS: Creative Advertising and Media Design, Creative Writing and Film Arts, Animation and Visual Effects, Imaging Design and Digital Art, and Computing and Interactive Entertainment. The wide-ranging works include novels, scripts, microfilms, animations, short films, advertising, media design, art photography, installation art, virtual reality (VR) games and interactive entertainment, covering a broad spectrum of themes. Highlights include:

• 3D animation “Cywest” (produced by students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Animation and Visual Effects): This work skilfully blends cyberpunk and Western genres, depicting the journey of a “cowboy”, who after a showdown with a mechanical captain, moves on from her former identity to explore a new path and find her self-worth. The protagonist's journey reflects the transformations faced by traditional skills amid emerging technologies like AI and showcases the students' ambition to meet professional standards, culminating in a technically impressive presentation.

• Documentary short film “A Day of Ramadan” (produced by a student in the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Writing and Film Arts): This film immerses viewers in the world of Hong Kong's Muslim community and their observance of Ramadan. Beyond merely introducing the religious rituals, the work explores the true meaning and spirit behind this important religious tradition. Through the different perspectives of two interviewees, the film showcases diverse understandings of tradition and religion within the community. It aims to dismantle stereotypes, prompt viewers to reflect on cross-cultural understanding, and delicately portray Hong Kong as a diverse and inclusive society, helping the audience gain a deeper understanding of different communities in Hong Kong.

• VR game “Blue Depths” (produced by students in the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Computing and Interactive Entertainment): In this immersive VR experience, players explore the underwater world from the first-person perspective of a fish, experiencing the survival crises faced by marine life, such as environmental pollution. The game features meticulously designed zones, including a beautiful coral area, a deep-sea region threatened by “oil monsters”, and a tourist area impacted by human activity. It offers an engaging way for players to learn about marine conservation and reflect on its significance.

The graduation show is open to the public free of charge. Details are as follows:
Date: 18 – 27 July 2025
Opening hours: 11 am – 8 pm
Venue: HKMU Jockey Club Campus, 81 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon (Map)
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