The closing and award ceremony for the International Film Camp (IFC) 2025 was held yesterday at The Londoner Macao in Cotai, where the eight winning short film projects were crowned.
The camp, hosted and organised by the Hong Kong-based Asian Film Awards Academy, and with Sands China as one of its sponsors, marked its second edition and took place from September 11-15 at The Venetian Macao in Cotai.
During the period, 18 aspiring young filmmakers from the Chinese mainland, Macau, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, India, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea and Vietnam were mentored by film industry veterans and professionals.
In addition to networking opportunities and tackling related courses, the camp participants took part in masterclasses, seminars and one-on-one mentoring, creating short film projects on this year’s theme “My Best Friend”.
This year’s accepted applicants, many of whom were visiting Macau for the first time, increased from 16 to 18, with a Sands China statement provided yesterday noting that this was due to an enthusiastic response and exceptional submissions.
The panel of experts selected eight winners, including Macau’s Jane Zhang for her film project “After Her.” Each winner will receive HK$300,000 in funding to produce their short films.
The Asian Film Awards Academy will provide mentorship for selected films and promote them at various international film festivals, with Shaw Studios assisting with post-production, according to yesterday’s Sands China statement.
Asian Film Awards Academy Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai delivered a speech at yesterday’s event, during which he reflected on the encouraging results of last year’s inaugural edition as well as the achievements by the previous winners and participants. He emphasised that the grants that this year’s winners received are not just financial support, but an investment in their vision and potential.
“With these resources, you can transform your ideas into impactful short films that may reach international audiences and acclaimed festivals”, Wong said.
Moreover, Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock said in his speech: “Cinematic art does not only capture the essence of beauty and life, but also holds the potential to introduce the audience to exploring new destinations”, congratulating winners and also hoping that Macau can serve as a backdrop for their creations in the future.
“Sands China remains committed to nurturing diverse artistic talents and sharing compelling stories of Macau around the world”, Chum said.
*Stay tuned for interviews with Director and Mentor Roger Garcia (高思雅) and two of the camp’s winners.
The eight winners of the International Film Camp (IFC) 2025 pose with Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai (5th from left) and Chief Mentor John Chong (6th from left) at yesterday’s awarding and closing ceremony at The Londoner Macao in Cotai. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
