International Film Camp 2025 is being held Sept. 11-15 at Sands China’s integrated resorts. The camp will help young filmmakers from Macao, Hong Kong, and other Asian regions exchange ideas and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to create feature-length works and develop careers in the film industry.
Event Announcement & Organisers
At a June 20 press conference in Hong Kong, the Asian Film Awards Academy unveiled IFC 2025, co-sponsored by Sands China Ltd., the Film Development Fund of Hong Kong, and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency.
Supported by Hong Kong and Macao cultural bureaus and with Shaw Studios as post-production partner, the camp invites submissions through July 20 at https://www.afa-academy.com/round/ifc2nd/.
Camp Format & Objectives
From Sept. 11–15, 16 finalists will convene at Sands China’s integrated resorts in Macao for masterclasses, panel discussions, and one-on-one mentoring by veteran professionals.
Participants will pitch original scripts on the theme “My Best Friend,” with judges—led by chief mentor John Chong—selecting eight winners to receive HKD 300,000 in production funding and festival-screening opportunities via the Academy.
Guests of honour toast to the success of International Film Camp 2025 at Friday’s press conference.
Renowned Hong Kong filmmaker John Chong chats onstage with veteran film producer and writer-director Stanley Kwan at the press conference. Chong is serving as chief mentor of IFC 2025 and Kwan is the camp’s masterclass speaker.
IFC 2024 Success & Global Exposure
Last year’s inaugural camp drew over 500 applications, of which 16 were selected. Eight winning teams completed funded short films; two Hong Kong entries premiered at Italy’s Far East Film Festival, and several others screened at festivals in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia—demonstrating IFC’s impact on emerging Asian talent.
Mentorship & Industry Engagement
IFC 2025 features chief mentor John Chong—producer of “Infernal Affairs” and “Cloud Atlas”—alongside masterclass presenters Stanley Kwan and Tracy Choi, and mentors such as Anthony Chen.
Through focused guidance on creative and business facets, the camp aims to enrich participants’ artistic vision and industry acumen.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, speaks at a press conference Friday at The Langham, Hong Kong to announce International Film Camp 2025. The camp will be held Sept. 11-15 at Sands China’s integrated resorts; applications are open now until July 20.
Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., shares his remarks at Friday’s press conference.
Leadership Reflections
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, highlighted IFC’s role in inspiring creativity among filmmakers in Macao’s cultural crossroads.
Grant Chum, CEO and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., noted that hosting IFC leverages Macao’s tourism infrastructure and Hong Kong’s film heritage to diversify the local economy and spotlight Macao’s stories on a global stage.
Strategic Alignment & Outlook
Sands China’s sponsorship aligns with the Macao SAR Government’s “tourism+” and “culture+” initiatives and its moderate diversification strategy.
By providing a platform for aspiring directors and producers, IFC 2025 reinforces Macao’s emerging status as an epicenter for regional film innovation and collaboration.
