International Film Camp (IFC), a groundbreaking initiative aims to nurture and empower the next generation of Asian filmmakers. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Sands China Limited, and Shaw Studios as sponsors, 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 18 to 22, 2026, 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 “When Strangers Meet”. 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. 

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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.