Hong Kong Neon Sign Preservation Project

Neon signs have long been an emblem of Hong Kong's unique visual culture. But due to government safety regulations set a few years ago, all signs that hang over streets are now deemed structurally "unsafe" and have forced many businesses to remove their own signs. This Tsui Wah restaurant neon sign is one of the biggest remaining signs in the city so the time came to spearhead a project to preserve these signs for posterity.
Tetra Neon Exchange is an NGO established in 2020 with the sole aim to help save notable neon signs before their inevitable demise. And this Tsui Wah neon sign was their maiden project. For the first time ever, a neon sign was lit while being removed and then ceremoniously switched off by its owner. A befitting end to this iconic sign that has bathed this street with its vibrant lights for over 20 years.
I supported this project because of my love for neon signs. Not only are they visually beautiful but because they also represent Hong Kong's culture and identity. I've witnessed great changes in HK's society over the past 10 years - demolition of heritage buildings, disappearance of street hawker culture, erosion of democratic rights... Neon signs just make up a slice of all that.

Visit Tetra Neon Exchange: http://www.tetraneonex.com

Directed & edited by Edwin Lee
Cinematographers: Richard Fowler, Andrew Lang, Edwin Lee, Sherman Mak
Music by Cowboys in Japan licensed from Musicbed