"Tape," a Hong Kong remake of Richard Linklater's iconic 2001 psychological thriller film of the same title, is heading for the American Film Market and theatrical release in its adopted territory. In anticipation of those steps, the producers are unreeling a "Tape" trailer.
"Tape" explores the fallout from a traumatic event at a high school graduation party, forcing the three former friends to confront their past in a story that delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the subjective nature of truth. The remake transposes the story from the U.S. to Hong Kong, a region that has yet to fully reckon with the #MeToo movement, while adapting to today's technology-dependent age.
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The new film is directed by banker turned film producer and director Bizhan Tong ("Forensic Psychologist," "The Audition"). It stars Kenny Kwan ("The Legend of Luzhen," "The White Storm"), Selena Lee ("Queen of News") and Adam Pak ("A Guilty Conscience") in roles originally portrayed by Robert Sean Leonard, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.
The film has already toured the festival circuit, making stops at the Houston Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) Film Festival and the Asian Film Festival Barcelona among others.
Beijing Sita Digital Technology has acquired the rights for the film in China, while international sales are being handled by EST N8. Pre-release theatrical screenings will begin in Hong Kong on Nov. 16.
The film is produced by Tong and Lee, and is co-written by Belber, Tong, Lee, and Bonnie Lo. John Sloss ("Green Book"), Belber, Jaeson Ma, Kris Eiamsakulrat, Tenten Wei and Andy Wang are among the executive producers. Keaton Henson ("Supernova") and Phillip Edwin Osborne score the film.
"Bringing 'Tape' to a Hong Kong setting has allowed us to explore a cultural dimension rarely touched upon in Asian cinema. The themes of the original resonate even more deeply in today's context, and I'm excited to share this reimagined version with audiences around the world, in a further attempt to bridge East and West and support Hong Kong film," said Tong.