Colleagues, former students and friends from the Department of Comparative Literature got together online on July 4, 2022, to thank Professor Gina Marchetti for her important contributions to the Faculty, University, and Hong Kong film community. Gina is departing HKU to take up a new position as Chair of Humanities and Media Studies at Pratt Institute in New York, with effect from August 1, 2022.
Professor Nicole Huang, who recently stepped down after five years as Chair of the Department, started with a brief overview of Gina’s nineteen years of service to the University. During her time with the Department, Gina published four monographs, four co-edited volumes, and over sixty articles and book chapters. As Director of the Center for the Study of Globalization and Cultures (CSGC), she further encouraged the global circulation of ideas and research. Through her chairing of the Faculty’s Gender Task Force and Committee on Gender Equality and Diversity, she has been at the forefront of efforts to eliminate bias and enhance the visibility of gender and diversity concerns on campus. Nicole also praised Gina’s dedication to her students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, and her groundbreaking efforts for the University’s Common Core, which led to her receiving both the University’s and the University Grants Council’s Team Teaching Awards in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Gina’s research has had a significant impact on the work of Hong Kong filmmakers, particularly Hong Kong women filmmakers, and has raised awareness of the importance of Hong Kong film both locally and internationally. Her most recent project on filmmakers and transnational China in the twenty-first century resulted in the creation of a website that features biographical information and other materials on over two hundred women. Together with Dr. Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park and Dr. Stacilee Ford, Gina pioneered the world’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Hong Kong cinema: Hong Kong Cinema Through a Global Lens.
Tributes followed from some of the many people whose lives have been touched by Gina’s incredible commitment to her work and to fostering an inclusive environment in which all feel welcomed and valued. Speakers shared their experiences of Gina as a mentor, leader, teacher, and role model. They praised her encyclopedic film knowledge, intellectual courage, commitment to social justice, and willingness to embrace new technologies in teaching and learning. Colleagues from the Technology-Enriched Learning Initiative (TELI) celebrated Gina’s inspiring work on the MOOC with the creation of her very own avatar. Former students fondly remembered their lunches with Gina during which they discussed new ideas and connected with film professionals and scholars. Colleagues thanked her for her support and invaluable guidance in their career development. Everyone was unanimous in their appreciation of her warmth and kindness, and ability to inspire people to give their best.
Gina will remain connected with the Department in her capacity as Honorary Professor and we look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration. We wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her career and thank her again for all she has done for the Department, Faculty, University, and the Hong Kong film community.
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