5 minute read
Fundraising film screening of FOUR TRAILS and post-screening exchange
Lingnan University hosts post-screening discussion with filmmakers, runners, and scholars on the making of the hit film
Text: Ginn Fung
Photos: Hazel Chow
What does it take to run 300 kilometres across Hong Kong’s toughest trails – and what does it take to film it? The documentary Four Trails not only follows ultrarunners attempting this gruelling challenge, but also shows universal themes of resilience, failure, and self-discovery. Following a special screening hosted by Lingnan University, director Robin Lee, producer Ben Lee, Prof William Hayward (Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences who finished the run and featured in the film), and trail runner Stone Tsang Siu-keung (pictured, from left to right) gathered for a candid discussion about the making of the documentary, its unexpected success, and the deeper lessons it offers.
From Passion Project to Cinematic Success
When Robin Lee set out to film Four Trails, he never expected it to resonate so deeply with audiences. His first attempt, Breaking 60, was a 40-minute university project that left him wanting to tell a fuller story.
“This time, I didn't just want to focus on speed – like breaking 50 hours – but also on people like Prof Hayward, who just wants to finish,” Robin said. “I wanted to capture the complete journey, but I never imagined it would end up in Hong Kong cinemas, let alone connect with so many people.”
The film’s success, he believes, lies in its relatability. “Yes, it’s about trail running, but it's really about perseverance. These are stories of failure, but failure isn’t a bad thing – it’s part of the journey.”
Robin Lee recently won the Best New Director award at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards.
Prof Hayward added that the film’s appeal also stems from its uniquely Hong Kong identity. “ It showcases our city’s stunning landscapes, and the mix of local and international runners. You couldn’t make this film anywhere else.”
Behind the Scenes: The Gruelling Work of Capturing the Run
Producing the documentary was an endurance test in itself. Ben Lee, Robin’s brother and the film’s producer, handled logistics: tracking runners, coordinating crews, and scouting remote locations.
“We hiked the trails beforehand to plan shots like the breathtaking drone footage on Tai Mo Shan and the secluded Sai Wan beaches,” Ben explained. “But the hardest part was catching runners at their lowest points, like the brutal Lantau climb at the 270km mark. You see their pain, but that’s where the real story is.”
One crew member even spent a day riding the MTR back and forth, just to film runners arriving at stations. “It was chaos,” Ben admitted, “but worth it.”
Stone’s Unfinished Journey
For runner Stone Tsang, the film hits close to home. An injury forced him to drop out, but he waited at the finish line to cheer the others – a moment he called bittersweet.
“I was happy for them, but heartbroken for myself, ” he said. “I kept thinking ‘ Did I not push hard enough? ’ But failing taught me something: success isn't just about the result. It's about the effort, the preparation, and the story you create.”
Despite this setback, Stone has returned to the trails, proving that resilience isn’t about never falling – it’s about getting back up. “Life isn’t about succeeding at everything. It's about learning, and that’s what makes your story beautiful.”
Why Do They Run? The Mental Battle
Prof Hayward, who joked about being filmed at his worst moments, reflected on the mental toll – and rewards – of ultra running. “It forces you to be present. I don’t meditate, but running gives me that same clarity. After 30 minutes, all your stress fades, and you’re just there.”
For Robin, filming was just as exhausting. “While waiting for Will (Prof Hayward) on Sunset Peak, I slept in five-minute bursts on the steps. When he finally arrived, we were both zombies – him stumbling, me fumbling with the camera. It was a mess but that's the reality we wanted to show.”
What’s Next?
With Four Trails surpassing expectations, the team is hesitant to jump into another massive project. “This was a three-year labour of love,” Robin said. “If I do another, it has to be something I’m just as passionate about.”
For now, the film lives on, inspiring not just runners, but anyone facing a challenge. As Stone put it “You don’t have to run 300km to take something from this. Even 10km is a struggle worth celebrating.”
The Four Trails documentary is more than a sports film; it’s a testament to human grit and Hong Kong’s indomitable spirit. As the post-screening discussion at Lingnan University showed, its lessons extend far beyond the trail, reminding us that failure, perseverance, and self-discovery are all part of the journey.
