Local and international filmmakers gather at first Macau short film festival

Over 1,600 film professionals and enthusiasts from Macau and around the world gathered for the 1st Macao International Shorts Film Festival held recently. Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Galaxy Entertainment Group, the festival featured over 50 short films in competitions and special screenings from local and international filmmakers.

The festival promoted Macau’s film industry through various activities, including screenings, workshops led by industry professionals and panels introducing diverse international and Asian films.

Notable was the “Director in Focus” section on acclaimed Japanese director Shunji Iwai, who was invited to share his filmmaking experience. Special screenings also included post-film discussions with directors from Hong Kong and other regions.

At the closing ceremony at the Galaxy International Convention Centre, awards were given in the “New Voices from Horizon” and “Macao Shorts” categories. Icelandic director Gunnur Martinsdóttir Schlüter won best short film for “Far.” Colombian director Esteban Pedrazza received best director for “Bogota Story.” Locally, Ellen Wong’s “Bubble” earned the title of best Macau short.

Festival organizers aimed to provide an international platform for filmmakers to showcase talent and exchange ideas.

Staff Reporter