Amazon show 'Expats' filmed in HK unavailable to be streamed in the city

"Expats", a new Amazon Prime series which starred American and Australian actress Nicole Kidman and included scenes related to Hong Kong's 2014 pro-democracy demonstrations, is now unavailable to watch in Hong Kong.

Created by American filmmaker Lulu Wang, "Expats" depicts a multifaceted group of women after a single encounter sets off a chain of life-altering events that leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability.

While the trailer includes shots of the 2014 Hong Kong protests, the first episode features a scene of protesters chanting “I want true universal suffrage” in Cantonese, according to the South China Morning Post.

The first two episodes of the six-part series were released globally last Friday (27 January), however, it is now unavailable to watch in Hong Kong. Local viewers can only access the series by using a virtual private network (VPN). 

A government spokesperson told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that it has no comment on operational arrangement of individual businesses.

"The Film Censorship Ordinance only regulates exhibition of films. It does not apply to streaming services or Internet platforms, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, Amazon has declined to comment on the matter.

The filming of "Expats" started in 2021 and triggered public outcry when the Hong Kong government waived quarantine rules for Kidman, allowing her to take part in the production taking place in public without undergoing quarantine and wearing a mask. The move raised concerns and criticism regarding potential double standards and special treatment for high-profile individuals compared to the general public.

According to HKFP, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of Hong Kong stated that the case was granted permission to travel to Hong Kong with a quarantine exemption for essential professional work, considering its positive impact on the economy's necessary operation and development.

Photo courtesy：IMDb

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