The Unseen World Beneath Our Wheels: A Hong Kong Newt’s Tale and the Power of One Filmmaker
One night in 2023, filmmaker Fung Hon-shing stumbled upon a scene that would change his life—and perhaps the fate of an entire species. On Fei Ngo Shan Road in Sai Kung, he found over a hundred Hong Kong newts, many crushed by passing vehicles. What struck me most about this story isn’t just the tragedy of it, but the profound humanity in Fung’s response. Instead of turning away, he turned his grief into action, crowdfunding HK$300,000 to create a documentary about these overlooked creatures. This, to me, is the essence of what it means to care—not just about the environment, but about our place within it.
Why Newts? Why Now?
The Hong Kong newt, with its black or brown back and vibrant orange belly, is more than just a pretty face. Its toxicity, signaled by those orange spots, is a survival mechanism, yet it’s no match for the hazards of urbanization. What many people don’t realize is that these newts are near-threatened, their populations dwindling due to habitat loss and road mortality. Fung’s documentary, Life (cycle) of the Hong Kong Newt, isn’t just a film—it’s a call to action. Personally, I think it’s a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between indifference and empathy.
The Filmmaker’s Journey: A Labor of Love and Frustration
Fung’s journey is as fascinating as the creatures he films. A biology graduate turned ecological producer, he’s one of the few in Hong Kong dedicating his career to documenting local wildlife. What makes this particularly fascinating is his connection to the newts since childhood. He’s not just an observer; he’s a storyteller with a deep emotional stake in his subject. His collaboration with Professor Anthony Lau on the Hong Kong Newt Roadkill Survey Project revealed a staggering 1,427 newt deaths in just two months. This raises a deeper question: How many more species are slipping away unnoticed while we focus on more ‘charismatic’ wildlife?
The Paradox of Conservation in a Crowded City
Hong Kong is a city of contrasts—skyscrapers overshadowing lush mountains, bustling streets bordering quiet streams. Fung’s work highlights this tension. In my opinion, his decision to focus on Hong Kong’s ecology rather than exotic locales is both radical and necessary. It’s easy to romanticize far-flung ecosystems, but Fung reminds us that conservation begins at home. His production company, Frigatefilms, is a testament to this philosophy, producing content that’s both scientifically rigorous and emotionally resonant.
The Limits of Individual Action—and Why It Matters Anyway
Fung is candid about the limitations of his work. ‘There’s very little an individual can do in the face of climate change,’ he admits. This honesty is refreshing, and it’s something I deeply relate to. It’s easy to feel powerless, but Fung’s approach is pragmatic: he uses his films to educate and inspire, even if the impact feels small. What this really suggests is that change isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about cumulative efforts, about chipping away at indifference one story at a time.
The Unpredictable Beauty of Ecological Filmmaking
One detail that I find especially interesting is the unpredictability of Fung’s work. His failed attempt to film black-faced spoonbills last winter could have been frustrating, but he saw it as an opportunity to understand the tides and the birds’ behavior. This mindset is crucial. Ecological filmmaking isn’t just about capturing the perfect shot—it’s about immersion, patience, and respect for the natural world. Fung’s joy in the process, despite its challenges, is infectious.
A Broader Perspective: Hong Kong’s Ecology as a Microcosm
If you take a step back and think about it, Fung’s work isn’t just about newts or spoonbills—it’s about the interconnectedness of all life. Hong Kong’s ecology is a microcosm of global environmental challenges: urbanization, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. By focusing on local species, Fung is telling a universal story. His films are a reminder that every creature, no matter how small, plays a role in the larger tapestry of life.
Conclusion: The Power of One Story
Fung’s documentary has already made waves, winning awards and sparking conversations. But its true impact lies in its ability to make us see the world differently. Personally, I think his work is a masterclass in how art can drive change. It’s not just about saving newts—it’s about reimagining our relationship with the natural world. As Fung puts it, his work is an ‘emotional attachment’ to the place he calls home. And in that attachment, there’s hope.
So, the next time you’re driving through Sai Kung, keep an eye out for those orange spots. They’re not just a warning—they’re a reminder of the unseen world beneath our wheels, and the power of one person to tell its story.
