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City branding through cinema: the case of postcolonial Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Steven Chen

    (California State University)

  • Eric Shih

    (Sungkyunkwan University)

Abstract

This study extends the city branding literature by outlining a framework for city branding through cinema. Through cinema, city officials can communicate their city’s identity, highlight the city’s cultural significance, differentiate it from regional rivals, and positively impact tourism. The empirical context of the study is Hong Kong, which continues to negotiate its identity almost two decades after its re-unification with China. A content analysis of 81 Hong Kong films produced between 2008 and 2015 reveal the modalities by which city officials and media producers reify the cultural significance of the city. Specifically, Hong Kong films (1) use local culture as backdrops for stories, (2) emphasize freedom of expression, (3) highlight regional localities, and (4) claim and link historical figures to the city. The study’s findings proffer implications for the city branding literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Chen & Eric Shih, 2019. "City branding through cinema: the case of postcolonial Hong Kong," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 26(5), pages 505-521, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:jobman:v:26:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1057_s41262-018-0119-z
    DOI: 10.1057/s41262-018-0119-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Shaun M. Powell, 2019. "Journal of Brand Management: year end review 2019," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 26(6), pages 615-620, November.
    2. Jongwon Won & Jong Yoon Lee & Jong Woo Jun, 2020. "Influences of SNS (Social Network Service) Uses and Musical Consumption on City Branding: A Focus on Broadway, New York and the West End, London," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-10, May.
    3. Nancy Xiuzhi Liu & Stephen Andriano-Moore, 2023. "Repositioning of city branding through promotional videos: the case of Ningbo," Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(3), pages 371-385, September.

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    Keywords

    City branding; Cinema; Hong Kong;
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