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.
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.
Mad Fire, Mad LoveMad Fire, Mad Love · 1949
Mad Fire, Mad Love
1949
MovieDramaRomance
A restless Chinese sea captain makes a stopover in Hawaii. While ashore, the captain befriends a Hawaiian-Chinese family and, at the mother's request, teaches Chinese to her children. He falls in love with the daughter (Siu Fei Fei) although he must soon depart with his ship. Eventually he returns, "rescuing her from the natives," and takes her back to China.
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.
Tragic LoveTragic Love · 1938
Tragic Love
1938
MovieRomanceDrama
Two young lovers marry despite their parents' objections.
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.

Filmography

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