Asian Film Academy Awards’ “International Film Camp 2026” Concludes Successfully
Five-day intensive training programme in Macao; “international film camp network” launched. LAM Ka Tung calls veteran actors an “untapped treasure”; Fala CHEN encourages young filmmakers to pursue their dreams. Eight outstanding projects awarded hk$300,000 each.
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), 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, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Film Development Fund and Sands China Limited, and supported by Shaw Studios, Tencent Miora and Netshort, International Film Camp 2026 was held from 18 to 22 September 2026 at Sands China’s integrated resort in Macao. The five-day programme concluded with a Closing and Awards Ceremony on 22 September, where eight outstanding projects were selected for production funding.
Throughout the five-day programme, established directors, screenwriters and producers served as mentors, providing participants with one-on-one guidance and sharing their professional filmmaking experience. Before the conclusion of the Film Camp, participants pitched their projects to a jury comprising Josie LIN, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy and International Film Camp; veteran film producer DING Yuin Shan; and Fala CHEN. Eight projects were selected to receive HK$300,000 (approximately USD 38,000) each in production funding to produce a short film based on the theme “When Strangers Meet”. The completed films will be presented as a short-film collection and screened as part of AFAA’s annual film programmes across Asia. The Academy will also support the filmmakers in submitting their works to film festivals, increasing their international exposure and future development opportunities.
Dr Wilfred Wong Announces the International Film Camp Network
Speaking at the ceremony, AFAA Chairman Dr. Wilfred WONG, GBM, GBS, JP, said that filmmaking requires tremendous passion and an inner spark, all in the pursuit of creating memorable moments for audiences. Addressing the participants, he said: “Although the Film Camp has come to an end, your stories are only just beginning. Cinema is about people and creativity, so there is no need to be overly concerned about the impact of AI and other emerging technologies. A screenplay must reflect genuine emotions from within rather than simply computer-generated data. Only works with warmth can truly move an audience, and that is what you should strive to achieve.”
Dr. WONG also announced the establishment of the “International Film Camp Network”, saying: “The Film Camp was founded with the hope of bringing people together and planting the seeds of cinema across Asia. Over the past three editions, we have welcomed 50 outstanding alumni. Together with our mentors, advisors and guest speakers who are keen to stay involved, we already have the foundation of a professional community. Going forward, the Asian Film Awards Academy will provide a platform to strengthen these connections, facilitate the sharing of resources and build a strong community of filmmakers across Asia.”
LAM Ka Tung and Fala CHEN on Life On and Off Camera in the Film Industry
Ahead of the awards ceremony, acclaimed actor, producer and screenwriter LAM Ka Tung joined actor, director and screenwriter Fala CHEN for a panel discussion, sharing their experiences of working both in front of and behind the camera.
LAM Ka Tung: Letting New Talents Glow and Veteran Actors Shine Again
LAM reflected on his transition into behind-the-scenes creative work and producing. He explained that his interest in screenwriting grew from reflecting on acting and the state of the film industry, and from a desire to reshape the way audiences perceive different characters through his work behind the camera.
Addressing the generational gap facing Hong Kong cinema, LAM called for more opportunities not only for emerging actors, but also for experienced performers whose talent and skills have often gone underused. Citing Time, which he produced and in which he cast veteran actor Patrick TSE in the leading role, LAM noted that many performers with decades of experience are too often confined to stereotypical or marginal roles without being given a genuine opportunity to demonstrate what they can do.
“These veteran actors are treasures — they simply haven’t been put to good use,” he said. “Through my work, I want to show that if they are given the right stage and room to perform, they can still shine in a way that no one else can. That was what originally motivated me to become a producer.”
Asked whether he might direct a film himself in the future, LAM remained open to the possibility. For him, the screenplay would first have to convince him completely; if the right script came along — one that genuinely moved him — he would not rule out stepping into the director’s chair.
Fala CHEN: From Actor to Director, Chasing the Dream Bravely
Fala CHEN also spoke candidly about her approach to acting and her journey from actor to director. She described her passion for performance as a pursuit of artistic exploration and personal growth as an actor, rather than the glamour of being a “star”. For CHEN, compelling storytelling ultimately comes down to emotion, people and conflict: only by exploring a character’s inner world and presenting authentic human conflicts can a work truly resonate with audiences.
Looking back, CHEN revealed that she had no concrete plan at the time — she had not mapped out her career or even considered whether she might eventually work in Hollywood. Colleagues warned her that four years was too long and that audiences might forget her, but she went ahead with the decision anyway, moving her entire household, including her cat, simply because she wanted to pursue what mattered most to her. It was only around the time of her graduation, when an opportunity to perform in the United States emerged, that she began putting those four years of training into practice.
Speaking about her transition from acting to directing, CHEN admitted that although she had experimented with student short films over the years, she initially lacked the confidence to lead a large film crew. “When I was an actor, I was only responsible for one part of the production. I never imagined that I would one day have to lead so many people.” Encouragement from experienced producers and friends ultimately gave her the confidence to take that crucial first step. Once she began directing, CHEN realised that years of working on set had prepared her far more than she had thought. She found herself deeply familiar with the filmmaking process and particularly enjoyed building a project from the ground up with her team.
Her latest short film, Bloodline, which she wrote and directed, allowed her to assemble the team she wanted from the early stages of pre-production and create the film together from scratch — an experience she described as both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
Seeing so many young filmmakers and female creators at the Film Camp also left a strong impression on her. “Today, I saw so many incredibly young creators here, especially female directors, who have shown tremendous courage by taking that first step right from the beginning. I find that very inspiring, and it makes me feel hopeful about this industry. I may have waited many years myself, but I hope everyone dares to pursue their dreams.”
Awarded Projects:
Giri — WONG Ka Ki (Hong Kong)
Imitation — Erica KWOK (Hong Kong)
Tower — CHAN Chon Sin (Macao)
Folding Mainland — QU Zhizheng (Chinese Mainland)
Under a Burning Sun — BO Hanxiong (Chinese Mainland)
We Came Back to Strangers, Dad — Ilimbek MAKSATBEKOV (Kyrgyzstan)
What Remains of the Ordinary — Shubha Kumar PAUL (Bangladesh)
Yesimde — Ainamkoz YEMZHAROVA (Kazakhstan)
About the International Film Camp
The International Film Camp is organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, under the patronage of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Sands China Limited, and Shaw Studios.
