Angie Wang (Patra Au) and Pat Wu have been in a lesbian relationship for some thirty years. They live together in a spacious upscale Hong Kong condo. They do what many couples do, eating together, shopping together and entertaining. Both are in their sixties and retired although Pat has dreams of opening a Senior Fashion Line and is taking a course on online commerce to further her dream. Angie and Pat at one time owned a textile factory.
After a dinner party at their condo with Pat’s family, Pat dies in her sleep. Pat never finalized her will so her death is intestate hence her family under Hong Kong law is legally entitled to all her property including the condo. In addition to not having a will Angela’s name was never placed on title.
Angela is prevented implementing Pat’s wishes her ashes be scattered in the ocean as the family “fortune teller” Master Yu says it would be bad luck for Pat’s descendants suggesting a niche in a columbarium would be more appropriate and a niche is what she gets. At the internment ceremony Mr. Yu asks Angela to step to the back behind the family as “friends” should be behind family. Perhaps if someone had the courage to explain the nature of Pat and Angela’s relationship Angela might have been afforded the dignity and recognition she deserved. Even Angela’s parents refuse to acknowledge their daughter’s lesbian status despite being told of it by Angela.
Pat’s draft will clearly gave Angela the condo but a draft will is but a draft. So the struggle continues with Angela being supported by a bevy of her lesbian friends.
Unfair you may say. You might also say very poor and selfish planning by both Angela and Pat bringing this preventable and unpleasant situation about.
One moral of the story is if in a gay common law relationship and you seek to protect the survivor upon your death know the legal rights of the survivor. Many jurisdictions give a survivor, gay or not, rights to property accumulated during the relationship. Even better have mutual wills executed!
Ray Yeung is the director.
You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9SLP5J7X8I&t=7s
The film shows 26May2024 in Toronto.
For more information about the festival see insideout.ca
RKS 2024 Film Rating: 69/100.
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 