Short-film tackles drug and alcohol effects on families

A locally produced short film, “Choices of Life” has been screened twice to the public over the past week, aiming to relay positive messages on choices, hope and courage.

The plot is adapted from the true story of Hedy Kou, a local university student and artist, who grew up in a family that faced significant problems by the use of drugs and alcohol.

As drug addiction still remains a taboo and sensitive matter in the region, Kou said that she felt the need to share her personal story to show solidarity with youths who are also undergoing what she has experienced.

“Many tragedies were caused by the traditional belief of not fouling one’s own nest and I’m glad to be lucky to find my way out. So I feel the need to share my story to those who are facing adverse challenges and tell them they are not alone,” she said. 

Kou is currently studying a bachelor’s degree in social work, with the aim of assisting students who are surrounded by problematic families.

“A social worker at my school helped me a lot with the problems I faced, so I want to reach out to others who are facing the same difficulties,” she remarked.

As seen in the movie, Kou’s mother was sentenced for three years due to drug usage, and showed attempts of smuggling drugs from Zhuhai to Macau.

With the participation of Hong Kong actress Leila Kong and local drama actor Jacky Li, the movie was produced by SP Entertainment and organized by the Macau Volunteers Association for Cultural Creativity and Arts.

Li remarked that the drug problem should be openly talked about, and stressed that this problem exists in the territory.

“We must talk about it because it’s sensitive. We should face this sensitive topic and talk more about it because drugs and alcohol [addiction] is existent in Macau,” said Li.

For the local association, the recently produced micro-film was its third micro movie-project.

Winnie Cheng, managing director of the association, agreed that the topic of the movie reflects a common pattern in society, hoping that the movie can bring educational and cultural value to the audience.

Speaking to the Times, Cheng noted that the short film is also aimed at promoting anti-drug awareness to the local youth.

“We also want to promote the local movie industry, yet at the same time, we want to let this story be heard and known so it could have some positive impact to the society,” Cheng shared.

Meanwhile, director of SP entertainment Hyper Lo said that funding and sponsorship still remains a setback in the media and entertainment industry.

According to him, the entertainment company has received sponsorship from local government institutions yet did not receive funding for the newly released short film.

“We were quite frustrated because we needed to start from scratch. […] We aren’t as famous as those from Hong Kong or China [but] we really found a lot of support [and sponsorship] from different [private] institutions in Macau,” Lo expressed.

Meanwhile, the production company also expressed its interest in presenting its movie to any schools and institutions.

‘Our Seventeen’ screened at festival in Inner Mongolia

Local film ‘Our Seventeen’ was screened at the 26th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival last week in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia.

The film was shown during the “Hong Kong and Macao Film Showcase” session of the festival, allowing the local audience in Inner Mongolia to gain exposure to Macau film culture.

‘Our Seventeen’ is a movie of local stories, which narrate the inner struggles of young people growing up. The film is also like a letter to the characters’ youth, written as they live through tremendous changes. According to a statement issued by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the movie received a positive response from the public.

The Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, is one of the most prominent film festivals in China, and has the longest history of any film festival in the country. During the event, the Macau delegation also exchanged views on the latest trends within the industry with representatives of film industries across the world.