Stay Gold video is about three students. Can you think of a popular composition topic in primary school? How about, “What I want to be”. When we were young, we looked forward to what our future would bring. As we get older, though, we lose our initial passion and desire to pursue our dreams, and we become what other people expect. Is this really the life we wanted when we were young?
I examined that in my one-minute video, Stay Gold. In my video, three young people have different dreams about what they want to be when they are older – a photographer, a football player, and a painter. However, their parents prevent them from pursuing their interests, telling them that they would not be able to make a lot of money.
Get out of your comfort zone and live the life you want - because if not now, then when?
While the two boys who wanted to become a football player and photographer give up their dreams, the girl – who wants to be a painter – is much more determined to stay her course. She finally creates a colourful painting which reminds viewers of the well-known saying: “Stay true to yourself, and your mission can be accomplished.”
Many teenagers face a lot of problems in Hong Kong, especially in terms of wealth and status, which play a very important role. Yet, life is not all about earning money and climbing the social ladder.
A healthy, happy life far outweighs a wealthy life. The video urges society to respect children’s right to choose their career instead of being forced to take part in activities that they have no interest in.
I think that by following their own path, teenagers will be happier and able to reach their full potential.
Unicef HK’s “Make A Video” competition gives young people a chance to express themselves. The project is co-organised by the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s IFVA, with support from Hang Seng Bank and Young Post. Check out the videos here. Email your feedback here.