The opening ceremony for the 13th Macau International Short Film Festival was held yesterday at Teatro Capitol on Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva, kicking off with the opening film “Sweet Freedom” by German Director Dominic Wittrin.
The weeklong event, which is being held at Teatro Capitol for the second consecutive year, will showcase 128 selected short films and music videos from around the world, which were chosen from thousands of submissions for both its International Short Film Competition (SHORTS) and International Music Video Competition (VOLUME).
The Gala Award Ceremony and screening of awarded films and music videos will be held next Thursday, where cash prizes worth 84,000 patacas will also be presented to winners of different categories.
Festival Director Lúcia Lemos told The Macau Post Daily yesterday that holding the festival was “extremely important” given that there are no other festivals showcasing short films in Macau.
“Ours [the festival] is totally devoted to short films in three categories: fiction, documentary and animation”, as well as music videos. Moreover, it gives those entering the competition an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills, Lemos said.
She noted that cinema is “the most democratic” creative medium and enables the different skills that go into the “broad industry” of filmmaking to be utilised. “This is not only for filmmakers”, she said, adding that the festival involves many people in different areas.
Lemos told reporters that the festival also features awards tailored for locals, such as the Best Local Entry and Macau Cultural Identity for films.
Moreover, the event will also feature expanded cinema sessions and masterclasses, where invited filmmakers will talk about their experiences in making films. For the full programme and schedule of the films to be shown, visit https://macauinternationalshortfilmfestival.com/.
The film-fest ends next Thursday, coinciding with the Feast of Immaculate Conception, a public holiday in Macau.
Festival Director Lúcia Lemos (right) and Festival President José Luís de Sales Marques announce the details of the 13th Macau International Short Film Festival yesterday. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
