International Film Camp 2026 Convenes in Macao for Creative Exchange
International Film Camp 2026 gathers filmmakers in Macao to connect, exchange ideas, and unleash creativity.
International Film Camp 2026 gathers filmmakers in Macao to connect, exchange ideas, and unleash creativity. The five-day creative camp kicked off on 18 September, with a warm welcome from Dr Wilfred WONG, chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, and Roger GARCIA, the director of International Film Camp. Both greeted the participants and motivated a new generation of filmmakers, encouraging everyone to seize this opportunity and to create bravely, officially opening the third International Film Camp.
Dr WONG shared the vision behind the Camp: to pass the torch in the Asian film industry and light up the future of new talents. “Making films is not an easy path,” he told the participants. “Make the most of these five days—talk with your mentors, meet new friends.” His heartfelt words energised the next generation of filmmakers and opened the five-day creative journey.
An Actor’s Life: Honest with Yourself, Open to Criticism
The first session, An Actor’s Life, featured actor Philip NG, who shared insights from his acting career. He urged everyone to be honest with themselves: to recognise their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and learn to accept criticism. Asked what he looks for in a director, he said communication and trust are crucial. He cited Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In as an example—the director first gave him a clear framework and direction, while leaving enough space for him to perform freely under guidance.
Making My First Film: Four Emerging Directors from Hong Kong and Macao
The second session welcomed four emerging directors—CHAN Kin Long, Albert LEUNG, and Norris WONG from Hong Kong, and Harriet WONG from Macao. They shared their journeys to their first features, from securing funding to developing ideas. Though their inspirations and creative approaches differed, they shared one conviction: your first film must be about the subject you are most passionate about.
Asked about the challenges of shooting on set, they named the same two key words: communication and trust. A film is never a solo effort; working well with the team is an essential lesson for any director.
Masterclass: From Screenwriter to Director
The final masterclass welcomed two Hong Kong filmmakers who both moved from screenwriting to directing: Anselm CHAN and Jack NG. Both agreed that while the script is the foundation of a film, once on set—especially for directors—communicating well with actors becomes even more crucial. How to make actors truly understand the images and ideas in the director’s mind is a lesson every director must master.
Anselm CHAN also encouraged young creators: even if the subject of your first film isn’t your favourite, treasure every opportunity to make movies. Do it well, and the next opportunity will come. Finally, Jack NG left the audience with one line: “Do you really love storytelling? If so, be strong, and keep creating.”
Day 2 was packed with invaluable sharing—not only on filmmaking, but also on how to bring work to audiences. Participants went deeper into short film creation, festival strategies, and producers’ perspectives!
Looking Back at the Original Spark after Cannes Glory
The first session brought together two acclaimed filmmakers to share their unique film journeys. Raymond RED, the first Filipino to win the Short Film Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, recalled his humble beginnings with a Super 8 camera—aiming simply to express himself.
TANG Yi, who won the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2021, shared her transition from accounting and music to film school at NYU. Both speakers recounted their unforgettable Cannes experiences, highlighting how awards can open doors, connect filmmakers with sales agents, and build prestige. Yet, they agreed, staying true to one’s core passion is what truly fuels a career.
Short Films & Festival Strategy: Emotion First and Submit Smart
Jukka-Pekka LAAKSO, Festival Director of the Tampere Film Festival, walked participants through the programming process behind reviewing 7,500 annual submissions. He emphasised that genuine emotional connection is key when selecting films. On the production side, he encouraged filmmakers to prioritise gaining exposure and working with trusted partners.
Producer’s Perspectives: Humanity Crosses Borders, Trust Builds Collaboration
Renowned film producer and professor REN Zhonglun shifted the lens to film investment. From a producer’s perspective, he reminded young filmmakers that filmmaking is a collaborative, long-term journey. Beyond creating a great piece of art, a director must treat their crew, actors, and investors with fairness and respect.
He also advised students to embrace new technology, stressing that staying sincere, mastering technology, and capturing universal human emotions are key to success.
Directing: Understanding, Respect, and Decisiveness
The final session of Day 2 welcomed two internationally renowned directors: award-winning Singaporean writer, director, and producer Anthony CHEN, and Chinese writer and director CHEN Daming. The panel centred on the core elements of film directing—camera work, guidance for actors, style, and on-set leadership.
Both agreed that a director must understand and respect their actors. CHEN Daming encouraged directors to study acting, noting that when shooting, he prefers capturing actors’ natural moments rather than imposing a framework. Anthony CHEN emphasised building mutual trust first, then guiding actors to reveal genuine emotion. Both stressed that a director must be decisive on set and project confidence even in uncertain situations.
The International Film Camp
The International Film Camp is organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with patronages of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, and the support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Sands China Limited, and Shaw Studios as sponsors.
