International Film Camp 2025 Opens in Macao
18 Emerging Asian Filmmakers Embark on a Week-long Journey
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, the International Film Camp 2025 (IFC) officially opened on September 10 at The Venetian Macao. Eighteen promising young filmmakers from Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, South Korea and Vietnam gathered for an intensive five-day programme of training and exchange. At the end of the camp, eight projects will be awarded production grants of up to USD 38,000 (approximately HKD 300,000) each.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Wilfred Wong Ying Wai, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, together with Chief Mentor John Chong and Programme Director Roger Garcia, delivered welcoming remarks. Dr. Wong said: “We are excited to welcome 18 talented participants. Your creativity and passion are truly inspiring, and we hope this camp will be a space for you to learn, experiment, and grow.” He added: “I sincerely hope that this Film Camp will be a defining milestone in your filmmaking journey. May it be a space for you to learn, experiment, and grow — and may your projects flourish in the months ahead.”
The day’s programme began with the panel “Making My First Film”, moderated by Saville Chan, where Hong Kong director Eric Tsang Hing Weng and Macau director Harriet Wong Teng Teng shared their journeys in making their first films. Anecdotes about working with animals or collaborating with senior filmmakers brought laughter from the floor. This was followed by a masterclass with acclaimed Hong Kong director Mabel Cheung, who engaged participants with her candid reflections and inspiring words. Reflecting on her career, she encouraged the young filmmakers to focus on sincerity and passion in their work: “The most important thing is to tell the story you most want to tell — only then can you truly move the audience.” Her advice resonated strongly with the participants, drawing warm applause and a lively Q&A session.
In the afternoon, the panel “Where is the Money? Project Markets & Institutions” examined film financing and industry mechanisms. Moderated by IFC Advisor Matthew Tang, it featured distinguished guests Jacob Wong, Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Industry Office (HKIFF Industry); Cindy Chan, Head (Film Production) of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the HKSAR; and Hoi Kam Un, Member of the Board of Administration of the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government. Together they offered insights into funding opportunities and industry practices across the region.
Later in the day, participants met in small groups for one-on-one mentoring with four mentors — renowned screenwriter Chan Hing Ka, veteran filmmaker Chen Daming, Singaporean director Anthony Chen, and Roger Garcia— before presenting their ideas to Chief Mentor John Chong for further feedback.
In the evening, participants and guests revisited five short films funded by last year’s inaugural IFC: Pop It (Macau), A South Facing Window (Mongolia), Ride Your Horse (China), Catching Alternative (China), and Once Upon a Time There Was a Mountain (Hong Kong). Several of these titles went on to international film festivals, underscoring IFC’s role as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers.
The first day concluded with laughter, applause and animated discussions. With the camp now in full swing, participants will continue over the coming days to explore key topics such as distribution, markets and financing, while engaging with more leading figures from the Asian film industry.
The International Film Camp is Organized 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.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
