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Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles poster
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Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles

Cinq colonnes à la une: Hong Kong vue par Orson Welles

Synopsis

Filmed in 1960 during a break in the production of "Ferry to Hong Kong," this short documentary records Orson Welles’s three-week journey through colonial Hong Kong and Macau. The film documents the refugee crisis and extreme social inequality of the period, contrasting overcrowded rooftops, sampans, hillside settlements, and street life with the city’s visible wealth and colonial luxury. Structured as a reportage essay, the film presents a stark observational portrait of displacement, poverty, and privilege within a divided urban landscape.

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Orson Welles
Original Title
Cinq colonnes à la une: Hong Kong vue par Orson Welles
Spoken Languages
French
Runtime
8m
Production Studios
ORTF

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Orson Welles

Department Leadership Roster

Orson Welles

Orson Welles

Director

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles.

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Orson Welles

Complete filmography of Orson Welles.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles about?

Filmed in 1960 during a break in the production of "Ferry to Hong Kong," this short documentary records Orson Welles’s three-week journey through colonial Hong Kong and Macau. The film documents the refugee crisis and extreme social inequality of the period, contrasting overcrowded rooftops, sampans, hillside settlements, and street life with the city’s visible wealth and colonial luxury. Structured as a reportage essay, the film presents a stark observational portrait of displacement, poverty, and privilege within a divided urban landscape.

Who directed Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles?

Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles was directed by Orson Welles.

Who stars in Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles?

The principal cast of Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles includes Orson Welles.

When was Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles released and how long is it?

Five Columns on the Front Page: Hong Kong as seen by Orson Welles was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 8m.