Emily Chan
Failed relationships can be devastating for some, but for others heartbreak can also inspire creative projects. Local director Emily Chan used her previous two breakups as the basis for her latest romance film, “Timing,” which will be screened at two local cinemas and one in Hong Kong this summer.
The big winner of the Macao Indies 2015 (see box) has been determined to pursue cinematography as a lifelong occupation since starting her bachelor’s degree in journalism in the city. The 27-year-old, who has also just finished a Masters in journalism in Beijing, told the Times that she intends to foster the local cinematographic landscape with her box office profits.
“I am not a famous director and have no international awards, but having the strength to keep something going is very important. After discussion with the promotion team, all our profits will go straight to the university students as our interns,” pledged Chan, who added that the crew will travel to Beijing in order to gain more experience in film production.
Despite her parents’ long-held opposition to her dream, the director – currently employed by a mainland company on a five-year contract offering a relatively meager salary – believes that celebrated director Ang Lee’s six years of career limbo were what inspired her to carry on.
“If cinematography is what I will pursue until my very last day on earth, this is just the beginning. I wouldn’t aim for awards with any production done before the age of 30. They’re exercises for me, which allow me to handle other films with greater proficiency later,” she said.
Nonetheless, Emily Chan acknowledged that her success has not been without sacrifice. Among other incidents, she was victimized by a producer who exploited her creativity for free. She remains optimistic despite the experience.
In 2014, the Film Production Investment and Trade Fair held by the Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities served as a watershed for Chan, where her awarded film proposal won top accolades and subsequently drew her current employer’s attention.
Looking back on her past, she says that her devotion to cinema has also affected her personal life, since two ex-boyfriends left her due to the priority she placed on building her career: “I’ve got to engage in cinematography. This is what I say all the time to everyone. I’m married to cinematography.” Even so, filming has not only shattered her former relationships but has led her to a new one. Chan says that she is currently in a relationship with the frontman of a local rock band called Blademark. The duo will be busy with a documentary on the musical band for its 10th anniversary.
Having been away from Macau for two years, the director still expressed her heartfelt gratitude toward the city that witnessed her growth since her time as a novice in the industry.
“In “Timing,” there’s this line, ‘Macau didn’t change at all: what changed was its exterior, not its interior.’ This is what a repatriate could tell. Despite out city’s rapid and tremendous development, we do still have a sense of warmth that’s so close to our heart,” said Chan who added that unlike Macau, individual interests override everything back in Beijing. To her, the former Portuguese enclave still has more enthralling scenes to offer. Staff reporter
Macao Indies winner
Emily Chan’s feature “Yesterday Once More” has beaten 24 other homemade productions in the ninth edition of the International Film and Video Festival to take the top accolade, the Jury’s Award. Her latest product, “Timing,” will be screened at Cinema Alegria tomorrow and at Hong Kong’s Grand Cinema in Kowloon today. The film will still be available at Cinema Alegria following its debut. Currently, the director is running a promotional tour at local schools to popularize the film.
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