Cinema | Vincent Van Gogh film an instant hit in Macau

The world’s first fully-painted feature film is a hit in Macau, according to organizer Cinematheque Passion, with its first two local screenings selling out just hours after tickets were made available.

In response to public interest in the film, Cinematheque Passion last week announced 12 additional screenings in late December, all of which sold out within hours.

Exploring the last days of one of history’s most illustrious and prolific painters, “Loving Vincent” brings Vincent Van Gogh’s tragic end to the big screen through oil paintings in his instantly recognizable style.

Each of the film’s 65,000-odd frames is an oil painting. 125 professional artists from across Europe traveled to the “Loving Vincent studios” in Poland and Greece to participate in this unique and unprecedented production.

The Times attended a media preview of the film on Wednesday night at the art house, along with representatives of the government’s cultural institutes and several local artists.

Guests at Wednesday night’s screening described the film as “innovative” and “gorgeous”, with one attendee commending filmmakers for their “courage and determination” in making the film.

“I think no matter [whether] you’re a fan of Van Gogh or not, this movie is a must see,” said Dirco Fong, an executive at the Macau Design Center.

“Loving Vincent” had its world premiere on June 13 the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2017, where it won the Audience Award and, according to Cinematheque Passion, earned a standing ovation of more than 10 minutes.

The first round of public screenings began yesterday and will run until November 12. The second round begins on December 22 and ends on December 31. The film is in English with Chinese subtitles. DB