Born in 1949 in Guangdong, China, Cheuk Pak-tong embarked on an extraordinary educational odyssey, commencing his studies in Taiwan at the prestigious National Chengchi University, where he earned a Journalism degree, laying the foundation for a future marked by intellectual curiosity and a passion for the cinematic arts. During his time at the university, he co-founded the influential film magazine Influence, which would later be renamed Impact, playing a pivotal role in the development of film culture in Taiwan, thereby contributing to the country's rich cultural heritage.
After his return to Hong Kong, Cheuk embarked on a new professional journey, immersing himself in the television industry by securing a position at the prominent TVB network.
During his tenure at TVB, Cheuk honed his skills as a director, taking the helm of numerous drama serials, including the highly acclaimed Mamasan series.
As he continued to grow as a filmmaker, Cheuk made the transition to the big screen in the early 1980s, joining the esteemed ranks of the Hong Kong New Wave with his thought-provoking films, The Security (1981) and Mariana, Mariana (1983).
Cheuk's professional journey has been characterized by a profound passion for film criticism and academic study, with a significant portion of his work being published in renowned publications across Hong Kong and Taiwan. His literary endeavors have yielded numerous authored and edited books, including the influential tome "Hong Kong New Wave Cinema (1978-2000)" which, in its English iteration, was jointly published by Intellect Ltd and the University of Chicago Press, solidifying its status as a seminal work in the field.
