BRING YOUR SHORT FILM TO LIFE!
• Pitch your short film project on the theme of “My Best Friend”
• 16 successful applicants will spend a week in Macau in mid-September 2025 (travel and accommodation provided).
- • Enjoy one-on-one mentoring with industry professionals.
- • Participate in masterclasses and panels to enhance your filmmaking skills.
- • Network with veterans and peers
- • Engage in pitching sessions to present your ideas.
- • Eight winners will receive HK$300,000 (approx. US$38,000) each to create their short film, with a length of 15-25 minutes.
- • Complete the short film by December 2025.
- • Opportunity to screen at international film festivals.
International Film Camp:
Date: September 11 to 15, 2025 (To facilitate travel, participants are required to arrive on September 10, and depart on September 16)
Internation Film Camp Introduction
International Film Camp (IFC), a groundbreaking initiative aims to nurture and empower the next generation of Asian filmmakers. With patronages of Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Instituto Cultural of Macau, and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Film Development Fund and Sands China Limited, the IFC will provide a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to interact with industry professionals, gain valuable insights into the creative and commercial aspects of cinema, and receive production funding and distribution opportunities through the Asian Film Awards Academy.
Scheduled to take place from September 11 to 15, 2025, at the integrated resorts operated by Sands China, the IFC promises to be a transformative experience for aspiring filmmakers. Open to talented individuals aged 21 to 40 from Hong Kong, Macao, Greater China, and the wider Asian region, the camp will offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance their skills and knowledge.
One of the key highlights of the IFC is the opportunity for participants to submit proposals for a short narrative fiction film centered around the theme of “My Best Friend”. Applicants will be required to submit a treatment, director’s statement, and production plan, along with a five-minute sample reel of work or works directed by the applicant. A select group of around 30 candidates will be shortlisted for online interviews conducted by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Ultimately, 16 filmmakers will be chosen to attend the IFC.
Content
During the Camp, film industry professionals will be appointed as mentors to share their valuable experiences with the participants. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions and masterclasses covering various aspects of the industry, such as directing, scriptwriting, editing, producing, funding, distribution, and more. This will provide valuable insights and knowledge to enhance their understanding of the film industry.
At the end of the camp, the 16 filmmakers will pitch their short film projects to a panel which will then award 8 filmmakers a production grant of HK$300,000 (approx. US$38,000) each to make their short film.
To promote the works of the emerging filmmakers and enable their projects to reach a wider audience. The Asian Film Awards Academy will curate feature-length anthologies of the short films produced during the IFC and, showcase them in its prestigious Asian Cinerama annual touring programme. Additionally, the Asian Film Awards Academy will be ready to assist filmmakers in submitting their individual short films to relevant film festivals, amplifying their reach and exposure within the industry.
Endorsement Video from Roger Garcia
Endorsement Video from Daming Chen
Endorsement Video from Anthony Chen
Endorsement Video from Chan Hing Kai
Endorsement Video from John Chong
Endorsement Video from Lo Chun Yip
Endorsement Video from Natalie Hsu
Endorsement Video from Stanley Kwan
Endorsement Video from Nick Cheuk
Endorsement Video from Rachel Leung
Endorsement Video from Sing Lam
Endorsement Video from Tracy Choi
주최
후원
스폰서
Post-production Supporter
Asian Film Awards Academy
The Asian Film Awards Academy was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals in 2013 with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
The Asian Film Awards was inaugurated in 2007, where members of AFAA are drawn from its past nominees and winners. Members vote for the Asian Film Awards and participate in various AFAA activities involving film professionals and audiences in Asia and around the world.
www.afa-academy.com
Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, formerly known as Create Hong Kong is established in June 2024 and is a dedicated office set up by the HKSAR Government under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It provides one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conductive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, cultural and creative sectors as industries.
Film Development Fund
The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong. Since 2005, the Government has injected a total of $1.54 billion into FDF to support Hong Kong’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience. In the past, FDF has supported a number of film productions and other film-related projects through various film production funding schemes and other film-related project schemes.
https://www.fdc.gov.hk
Sands China Limited
Sands China Limited (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
www.sandschina.com
Shaw Studios
Funded through the Sir Run Run Shaw Charitable Trust, Shaw Studios is the crowning achievement of its founder Mr. Run Run Shaw, legendary film and television pioneer and respected philanthropist. It is home to over one thousand Chinese classic films and hosts one of the largest and most advanced film facilities in Asia, with a full-service film and digital, picture and audio production and post-production facility, including theatrical Dolby Atmos studio and Dolby Vision colour grading suite.
www.shawstudios.hk
BIOLOGICAL FRIENDS
Hong Kong｜Thriller｜Cantonese｜Digital｜25 min
Director: Genie HUI
Scriptwriter: Genie HUI
Producer: Nick CHEUK
A mother, sensing her older twin consuming her younger in the womb, gives the older away. Years later, the unaware twins reunite and bond as “biological friends.” Their friendship turns nightmarish when the older sister seduces the younger’s boyfriend, leading to a murder. The killer—older or younger?—remains unknown. Who is evil? Who was sent away?
DOUBLES
Hong Kong｜Sports, Drama, Coming of Age｜Cantonese, Mandarin｜Digital｜20 min
Director: Stephenie Kay
Scriptwriter: Stephenie Kay
Producer: LAU Kok Rui
Fox and Charlie, badminton doubles partners, won a competition. After being teased as a couple, Charlie kissed Fox in retaliation, leading Fox to believe Charlie had feelings for her. After expressing her feelings and facing rejection, their relationship suffered. Charlie tries to fix things through badminton.
GEN-ZILLIONAIRE
Hong Kong｜Cyber-Noir Thriller｜Cantonese｜MOV｜20-25 min
Director: Quist TSANG
Scriptwriter: Quist TSANG, Nezumi AMEFURI
Producer: Jonathan LI, Sion MICHEL
Two Hong Kong crypto hustlers who learn the hard way that digital wealth is just another glitch. Blending neon-lit alleyways with glitching blockchain visuals, the film dissects crypto’s pyramid of greed, the performative lies of influencer wealth, and how oversharing makes Gen-Z prey.
I DON’T WANNA GROW UP – WINNER
Hong Kong｜Fantasy, Coming of Age, Drama｜Cantonese｜Digital｜25 min
Director: KONG Ho Yan
Scriptwriter: KONG Ho Yan, LI Ling Long
Producer: Amy CHIN
In Tai O, nine-year-old Skinny lives with his grandmother. After breaking his teeth, he skips the school contest and meets Lo Ting, a boy from the waves. To others, he’s a monster; to Skinny, he’s a friend. They bond over adventures until summer ends, revealing an ancient curse that changes everything—a bittersweet truth about growing up.
POISON BOYS
Hong Kong｜Sports, Drama, Coming of Age｜Cantonese, Mandarin｜Digital｜20 min
Director: Anne Charlotte BERRY
Scriptwriter: Anne Charlotte BERRY, Ian WONG
Producer: Ian WONG
To ease his insecure friend James, Andy reluctantly agrees to look after James’ girlfriend Holly while he’s away. As danger arises from her jiu jitsu class and a film with college boys, James’ frantic texts test Andy’s loyalty. Ultimately, James risks losing both Holly and his friendship with Andy.
POOL UP
Hong Kong｜Drama｜Cantonese｜Digital｜25 min
Director: CHEUNG Lok Hei
Scriptwriter: Kathy WONG, CHEUNG Lok Hei
Producer: Christine WONG
At seventy, Ah-Chung is alone after losing his wife and watching his son emigrate. A photo of his grandson leads him to a local pool, where he meets the eccentric Happy Gor. Drawn into Happy Gor’s petty thefts, they eventually get caught, leaving Ah-Chung devastated by his son’s cold response but finding unexpected companionship in his lonely twilight years.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM – WINNER
Hong Kong｜DDark Comedyy｜Cantonese, Mandarin, English｜HD｜15-18 min
Director: LAM Lo
Scriptwriter: LAM Lo
Producer: CHONG Shuk Fong
Mauve, a divorced Chinese American woman, passionately loves her giant elephant ear plant, “Elly.” When her daughter Clair discovers this, it leads to absurd confrontations and a church’s judgment. As Elly’s health declines, Mauve’s frantic love prompts Clair to understand her, fostering empathy and acceptance between mother and daughter.
AFTER HER – WINNER
Macau｜Drama｜Mandarin｜Digital｜15 min
Director: Jane ZHANG
Scriptwriter: Jane ZHANG
Producer: LEE Yve Vonn
On moving day, XiaZhu finds her 18-year-old self, XiaoXia, in a closet. As they explore the past, their identities blur through intimacy. By morning, only XiaZhu remains, discovering an old Hello Kitty plush in the taxi, symbolizing her new journey.
FRIENDS OF WEDNESDAY
Macau｜Drama｜Cantonese｜Digital｜15 min
Director: SOU Man Kit
Scriptwriter: MAK Kit Wai
Producer: MAK Kit Wai
Every Wednesday, Mother Huang visits her incarcerated son, while Mrs. Chan visits her husband. They bond over small gestures, forming a deep friendship. But when Huang’s son is released and Chan’s husband faces a long sentence, their connection fades, revealing how friendships born in crisis can be fleeting.
KINTSUGI
Mainland China｜Fiction｜Putonghua｜4K Digital｜15 min
Director: FAN Jiangliu
Scriptwriter: FAN Jiangliu
Producer: FAN Jiangliu
Eight-year-old Xin accidentally breaks his father’s cherished cup and lies to hide it. The silence that follows is more terrifying than an outburst. On a foggy mountain hike, Xin must choose between suffocating in his lie or confessing, risking judgment but possibly mending their fractured bond.
LAND BREEZE – WINNER
Mainland China｜Drama｜Thai｜Digital｜15 min
Director: XU Hangcheng
Scriptwriter: XU Hangcheng
Producer: Maenum (Chagasik) LOU
FON rides her father PAKPOOM’s motorbike to meet MAEK at a cactus farm. They play, but when Fon hears Maek call Pakpoom “Dad,” she realizes he’s her half-brother. On the way home, she accidentally breaks the cactus and wants to confess, but Pakpoom doesn’t notice. Fon walks off into the night as fireworks light up the sky.
NAKAMA
Mainland China｜Drama｜Japanese｜Digital｜15 min
Director: ZHANG Yaoyuan
Scriptwriter: ZHANG Yaoyuan
Producer: Mizue KUNIZANE
Thirty minutes before the Aomori High School Championship, Yuko’s paddle vanishes. This match is her last shot at a professional dream. Bullied, dismissed, and abandoned, she fights alone. Desperate for a fair chance, she realizes the outcome seems rigged, leaving her with a choice she cannot escape.
THE NIGHT JOURNEY – WINNER
Mainland China｜Drama｜Putonghua｜Digital｜20 min
Director: HAN Tianchu
Scriptwriter: HAN Tianchu, WU Yang
Producer: Derek ZHANG, LI Wanying
Bai Jun visits Zhu Hong’s newlywed home and hears his visions of family life. They detour to their childhood hideout, an abandoned high-rise, reminiscing about the Prophet’s Night Journey, though Zhu Hong has forgotten the earring Bai Jun gave him. That night, Bai Jun dreams of hoofbeats leading him back to the tower, where a radiant rider appears, revealing the missing earring.
DEATH IN TOKYO – WINNER
Vietnam｜Dark Comedy｜Japanese, English｜DCP｜15 min
Director: PHAM Hoàng Minh Thy
Scriptwriter: PHAM Hoàng Minh Thy
Producer: Eiko MIZUNO GRAY
Hương, a 25-year-old Vietnamese woman, meets Yakusho, a middle-aged Japanese man from an online dating app, at Dazai Osamu’s gravesite in Tokyo. They plan to commit suicide at Tamagawa canal, but a film crew asks Hương to play a dead body in a bridal outfit. As she floats in the canal, operated by Yakusho, reality and performance blur, forcing them to confront their fears about life and death.
DELIVERY – WINNER
India｜Drama｜Hindi, English｜Digital, UHD, 4K, DCP｜20-25 min
Director: Sreeram PATTATHIL
Scriptwriter: Sreeram PATTATHIL
Producer: Divya KHARNARE
Raghav, a young writer in Mumbai, is overwhelmed by the city’s chaos and loneliness. An accidental encounter with food delivery man Somesh leads to unexpected interactions. What begins as conflict evolves into a friendship through shared meals and conversations. Delivery explores how small connections can help us find belonging.
FISH AND MILK
Bangladesh｜Drama｜Bengali｜4K Digital｜15 min
Director: Raka Noshin NOWER
Scriptwriter: Raka Noshin NOWER
Producer: Tanveer HOSSAIN
What is true friendship? Bokul (70), a retired schoolteacher in Dhaka, lives with her cat, Messy. When her doctor warns her about asthma from pet dander, she lies about having a pet. Choosing love over health, she discards her medicine. A visit from her daughter Raka reveals the truth, leading to tension, but Bokul stands firm—love is worth the cost.
FORGIVE ME, FRIEND – WINNER
Kyrgyzstan｜Drama｜Kyrgyz｜2K｜20 min
Director: Tynystan TEMIRZHAN
Scriptwriter: Tynystan TEMIRZHAN
Producer: Suium SULAIMANOVA
Seventeen-year-old Sanzhar wakes beside his best friend Tariel’s mother, confused by his feelings. During a game, he snatches the prize—a trip to Egypt—from Tariel, but it feels hollow. That evening, he lies beside Tariel in silence. In the morning, he slips away under fresh snow, covering his face with the mother’s scarf, his breath steaming through it.
MOON WATCHING
South Korea｜Horror, Family Drama｜Korean｜Digital｜25 min
Director: Daniel LEE
Scriptwriter: Daniel LEE
Producer: CHOI Hyun-gun
Young Kihyun cares for his brother Kitae, who transforms into a wolf each night. Desperate to help, Kihyun secretly medicates him. When a village dog is found mauled, fear of the “wolf monster” grows. Kihyun’s attempts to fix Kitae lead to an accident, but Kitae takes the blame for him. Moon Watching is a fable about caring for an ill loved one and accepting them as they are.