Esther Eng

Directing

Esther Eng

Born September 24, 1914 · San Francisco, California, USA

Died January 25, 1970 · aged 55

Esther Eng (September 24, 1914 – January 25, 1970) was an American director and producer; known to be the first woman to have directed Chinese-language films in the United States, as well as South China's first woman director. As an openly lesbian woman, Esther Eng provided social commentary with a focus on the female protagonists in her works. Many of the films she has directed and produced are c…

Known For

It's a Women's WorldIt's a Women's World · 1939
It's a Women's World
1939
MovieDrama
The first Hong Kong produced film to feature an all-female cast of 36 actresses. The ambitious project follows its 36 female characters, all of whom occupy different social positions to highlight the harsh reality of living as a woman in a modern society.
Golden Gate GirlGolden Gate Girl · 1941
Golden Gate Girl
★ 6.51941
MovieDrama
The story follows a Chinese-American girl who falls for a Cantonese opera star against her father's wishes and becomes pregnant.
Back StreetBack Street · 1948
Back Street
1948
MovieDramaRomance
A woman remains the mistress of a married man until his death.
A Night of Romance, A Lifetime of RegretA Night of Romance, A Lifetime of Regret · 1938
A Night of Romance, A Lifetime of Regret
1938
MovieDrama
Two people have a one-night stand.
National HeroineNational Heroine · 1937
National Heroine
1937
MovieDramaWar
Wai Kim-Fong stars in this ode to Chinese womanhood as a woman whose bravery and patriotism are equal to those of her male comrades.
Murder Case in ChinatownMurder Case in Chinatown · 1961
Murder Case in Chinatown
1961
MovieMystery
Chan Sipui sought refuge with relatives who owned a restaurant in New York. He later entered a relationship with his colleague, A-Heung. Sipui met Wong Yukfan, the laundry shop owner, and was captivated by her business. He devised a plan to marry Yukfan to obtain control of the laundry shop. Furthermore, Sipui aimed to deceive A-Hueng and take her money. He set up a scheme to kill Yukfan and dismember her body. However, Yukfan's daughter discovered the bloodstains and reported the incident to the police, leading to Sipui's arrest and subsequent trial.. Based on a real murder case in 1930s New York Chinatown.
Tragic LoveTragic Love · 1938
Tragic Love
1938
MovieRomanceDrama
Two young lovers marry despite their parents' objections.
The Lady in the Blue LagoonThe Lady in the Blue Lagoon · 1947
The Lady in the Blue Lagoon
1947
MovieDrama
This love story spans more than a decade in the lives of an émigré engineer and a widowed primary-school teacher, a tragedy set in a small town by a lake, filmed in beautiful California locations.

Filmography

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