1:99 Shorts 2003
In the spring of 2003, Hong Kong and southern China faced a moment of collective anxiety as SARS swept through the region, threatening both public health and morale.
Director: Wai Ka-Fai
Cast
Andy Lau
(segments "Rhapsody", "A Glorious Future")
Sammi Cheng Sau-Man
(segment "Rhapsody")
Sean Lau Ching-wan
(segment "Rhapsody")
Chapman To Man-Chat
(segments "Rhapsody", "Spring, 2003", "A Glorious Future")
Lam Suet
(segment "Rhapsody")
Sam Lee
(segment "My Sow Is Not Feeling Well")
Eason Chan Yik-Shun
(segment "Who's Miss Hong Kong?")
Woo Fung
(segment "Who's Miss Hong Kong?")
Anthony Wong Chau-Sang
(segments "Family of Heroes", "A Glorious Future")
Aaron Kwok
(segment "Until Then")
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1:99 Shorts (2003) about?
1:99 Shorts is a collection of twelve short films made in 2003 as a rallying cry during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong. Each film, running just one to two minutes, blends comedy and drama to uplift spirits and remind the public of their shared strength amid uncertainty.
Who directed 1:99 Shorts?
The anthology was produced and helmed by renowned director Wai Ka-Fai, who brought together a diverse team of filmmakers to craft these concise yet powerful messages.
Who stars in 1:99 Shorts?
The ensemble includes legendary actors Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng, Sean Lau Ching-wan, Chapman To, and Sam Lee, each contributing their star power to these bite-sized narratives.
Is 1:99 Shorts (2003) worth watching?
While not a mainstream feature film, 1:99 Shorts offers a unique glimpse into Hong Kong's cultural response to the SARS crisis. Fans of anthologies and historical cinema may appreciate its raw, heartfelt approach to storytelling, even if it's limited by its brevity and unrated status.
How long is 1:99 Shorts?
The total runtime of 1:99 Shorts is 72 minutes, with each of the twelve shorts running between one and two minutes.
About 1:99 Shorts (2003) — How Hong Kong's cineastes fought fear with micro-films
In the spring of 2003, Hong Kong and southern China faced a moment of collective anxiety as SARS swept through the region, threatening both public health and morale. 1:99 Shorts (2003) emerged as a creative response to the crisis—an anthology of twelve micro-films, each running just one to two minutes, crafted by top Hong Kong directors to lift spirits and restore confidence. Under the guidance of visionary filmmaker Wai Ka-Fai, stars like Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng took center stage in these poignant yet lighthearted vignettes, blending comedy and drama to capture the resilience of a city under siege. The breezy runtime belies the weight of its mission: to remind a worried public that even in uncertainty, creativity and connection can shine through.
This ambitious project united eleven directors, including industry heavyweights like Johnny To and Fruit Chan, in a shared act of solidarity. Each short film tackled themes of hope, community, and everyday heroism with a deft touch, turning the shadow of the epidemic into moments of warmth and levity. The result is a microcosm of Hong Kong's cultural spirit—compact, vibrant, and deeply human—offering a snapshot of resilience in the face of adversity. Whether viewed as a historical artifact or a charming anthology, 1:99 Shorts remains a testament to the power of art to heal.
