• The IFC marked the culmination of a ground-breaking initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of Asian filmmakers.
• Sands China’s sponsorship aligns with its commitment to support the development of local artistic talent.

The first International Film Camp (IFC) took place in early April at Sands China’s integrated resorts. The camp successfully concluded with the selection of eight innovative projects, whose creators will receive financial sponsorship and guidance from professional mentors, along with potential opportunities for overseas screenings.

Organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy, the event took place from 9 to 13 April, with the patronage of the Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, and under the sponsorship of Create Hong Kong, the Film Development Fund and Sands China Ltd.

Last year’s open call for the camp welcomed applicants aged 21 to 40 from Hong Kong, Macau, Greater China and the wider Asian region. Applicants were required to submit a short film proposal themed “My Hometown”, including 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 were shortlisted for online interviews conducted by a distinguished panel of industry experts, after which 16 filmmakers were chosen to attend the IFC, with eight final projects receiving funding.

Each of the selected projects will receive guidance from professional mentors throughout the production process and a sponsorship of HK$300,000 each to complete their short films. The completed projects will be showcased during the annual Asian Film Festival, and the winners will receive assistance from the Asian Film Awards Academy in applying for international film festivals, providing them with increased exposure and development opportunities in the global film industry.

The five-day camp featured an intensive schedule of activities, including one-on-one mentoring, group discussions and masterclasses covering a wide range of filmmaking aspects from directing and screenwriting to production and distribution.

The mentor line-up included prominent industry figures such as renowned film festival director, producer and writer Roger Garcia, acclaimed Hong Kong director and screenwriter Mabel Cheung, famous Singaporean director and screenwriter Anthony Chen, as well as emerging Macau directors Tracy Choi and Hong Heng Fai, among others.

Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The highly-anticipated inaugural International Film Camp is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between Hong Kong and Macau, marking a significant milestone for the development of the Macau film industry. Exceptional film talent from various Asian regions converged in the city, providing guidance and inspiration for the future leaders of the film industry.

“With its strong and well-planned line-up of instructors, the camp achieved an overwhelming response from registrants and Sands China was honored to be a collaborating partner in this event.

“We are grateful to the organizer and the Asian Film Awards Academy, and our commitment to nurturing film talent remains unwavering as we strive to uplift the film industry in Macau and across Asia. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the talented filmmakers who have received the funding and we encourage all the aspiring participants of the camp to remain steadfast in their beliefs and fearlessly transform their dreams into reality.”