Sands China to bring aspiring filmmakers to the global stage through camp

Sands China Ltd. is supporting a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of Asian filmmakers – the International Film Camp (IFC). The camp took place April 9-13 at Sands China’s integrated resorts, and was organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy with the patronage of the Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR Government, and under the sponsorship of Create Hong Kong, the Film Development Fund, and Sands China Ltd.

IFC was yet another initiative in response to the government’s calls to diversify the economy and boost local talents by merging them with global talents.

It invited world-class film professionals as mentors to provide specialised guidance to the young generation aspiring to develop careers in the film industry, focusing on film creativity and commercial aspects. It was met with tremendous interest, with 550 applications submitted from all over Asia.

The aspirants met their mentors and film professionals, and participated in discussion panels and masterclasses covering a range of topics. They also met with filmmaking pioneers who shared advice with them on how to take their productions to an international level.

Through artistic exchanges, the camp aimed to enrich the participants’ creative potential, enhance their industry knowledge, and strengthen both their practical skills and industry connections, hence laying a solid foundation for their future endeavours in the world of cinema.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, chairman of Asian Film Awards Ceremony, said, “We have been encouraged by the response to this first film camp, and that has demonstrated that there are many young talents out there who want to be part of the next generation of Asian filmmakers.”

Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm for the event and said, “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.”

The mentorship team and guest speakers of the IFC included distinguished members 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, well-known Malaysia director Tan Chui Mui, famous Hong Kong producer Ding Yuin Shan, as well as renowned film editor, veteran producer and screenwriter Liao Ching-sung, Taiwan senior film producer Yeh Jufeng, among others.  Also, representatives from Salon Films and Shaw Studios also shared insights on films post production and distribution.

Eight project winners were selected to receive guidance from professional mentors throughout their production process and were awarded a sponsorship of HKD300,000 each to complete the filming of their short films on the theme “My Hometown.”

“So, I think this is important because there are many film workshops where you go and you talk. You exchange ideas, you meet people, but then after that, what happens?” asked  Roger Garcia.

“They fall down at that stage. And we don’t want young filmmakers to fall down at that stage. I want them to go on off and make a movie.… So, what we are trying to do here is really help at least 50% of the campers to be able to realize their dream. I think that’s very important,” he said.

The eight completed projects will be showcased during the annual Asian Film Festival, providing them with increased exposure and development opportunities in the global film industry.

For the veteran, there are a lot of film labs and film workshops that do this around the world, and in Asia as well but this IFC differs from others.

“Ours is really different, because at the end of the five days, the young filmmakers have to pitch their project to a small panel, and that panel of the 16 filmmakers who are here, the panel will choose eight of them, and give each of them HK300,000 to go off and make a short film. Once they’ve finished their films, we’ll help them with setting up screenings and distribution,” he said.

At the closing ceremony and awards presentation, a panel discussion titled “The Future of Filmmaking” was held, where film directors Jack Ng, Norrie Wong and Sunny Chan shared their recent experiences and insights on creating remarkable works in a fiercely competitive environment.

What the winners say:

The economy is not really good right now and we are new directors, so this funding is a significant help to us and we’re lucky to have been chosen. This camp has allowed us to focus on our projects and not be distracted by budget constraints. As an aspiring director, people will forget you if you don’t continue to make films, so this camp has really played a significant part for me as an aspiring director.

Lee Chak Hang of Hong Kong for “Sweet, Sour and Bitter”

During the camp, I have made friends, created connections. I cannot be more grateful that I got to meet all these great people. Because we are young, we are still young filmmakers, and it is exciting to see that we are all learning and struggling. But it’s good to know that you have peers and you have people that are going through the same journey as you.

Galilee Ma of Macau for “Pop It”