Sandra Ng Had To Sell Her House To Pay Off Debt Incurred When Shooting First Self-Produced Film

Sandra Ng, 57, is one Hong Kong’s most bankable actresses, having starred in hit movies like Royal Tramp (1992), Portland Street Blues (1998) and Golden Chicken (2003).

Though she is best known for her comedic roles, the star was once so tired of acting in comedies that she thought of quitting showbiz.

During a sharing session at the 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) last week, Sandra, who is the HKIFF’s Filmmaker in Focus, said that she was making so many slapstick comedies in the ‘90s that she “couldn’t take it anymore”.

“For five years, all I did was shoot comedies. I had to film three groups’ scenes in 24 hours, I didn't know what I was doing. So I was determined to change my image,” she said.

Sandra during a sharing session at the 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival

So in 1996, after securing a HK$4 million (S$712,000) loan, she decided to make her first movie, experimental art film 4 Faces Of Eve.

However, funds ran out midway during production, so Sandra had to raise money herself in order to finish filming the movie. 

"There was once we were shooting and we ran out of film before we completed the scene. But I had no money, so on the spot, I had to raise money at the studio and used HK$7,000 (S$1,250) to buy more film in order to complete shooting the scene," she recalled. 

The film ended up costing HK$7mil (S$1.3mil), and Sandra had to sell her house to pay off her loan and debts.

“Although I lost a lot of money in the end and had to sell my house to pay off the debts, I have never regretted it. You have to try new things when you are young. Money can be earned again.”

4 Faces Of Eve movie poster

Though the movie was not a box office hit, it earned Sandra a Best Actress nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards.

She also noted that the movie was the turning point in her life and career as an actress and film maker.

Photos: Sandra Ng/Instagram, Hong Kong International Film Festival