The eight IFC winners gather with guests at Monday’s closing ceremony and awards presentation at The Londoner Macao.
The International Film Camp (IFC) 2025 officially wrapped up Sept. 15 with its awards presentation at The Londoner Macao, announcing eight winning short film projects developed under the theme “My Best Friend.” The camp, now in its second year, has quickly become a launchpad for emerging filmmakers across Asia, empowering the next generation of creative voices.
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, IFC 2025 was held with the patronage of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of Hong Kong and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao, with sponsorship from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (FDF), and Sands China Ltd.. Shaw Studios acted as the official post-production partner.
This year’s camp hosted 18 aspiring filmmakers from eight countries and regions – mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Kyrgyzstan. Over five days at The Venetian Macao, participants received mentoring from international film veterans, attended masterclasses and seminars, and presented their projects to a professional jury. Eight winners were selected, each awarded HKD 300,000 in funding to produce their short films, which will receive continued mentorship and international promotion.
The 18 participants of IFC 2025 gather with guests at Monday’s closing ceremony and awards presentation at The Londoner Macao. The camp focused on creative storytelling and the practices of the film industry, seeking to enrich the creative potential of the participants, increase their knowledge of the film industry, build connections in the business, and strengthen their practical skills through artistic exchanges – in order to lay a solid foundation for reaching their career goals.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, highlighted the camp’s role in shaping careers: “Last year’s inaugural camp yielded encouraging results, with several short films showcased at festivals across Asia and overseas – showing that the IFC is a true launchpad for aspiring filmmakers. Over the past week, 18 young filmmakers from eight Asian countries and regions gave their all in this year’s camp, competing for the eight production grants that will help bring their short film projects to life as they demonstrated remarkable talent and determination. The knowledge, experience, and connections gained throughout the process will serve as vital nourishment for their creative journeys ahead. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of Hong Kong, Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao, CCIDA, the Film Development Fund, and Sands China. Their commitment allows us to deliver a profound programme with its own characteristics, injecting new momentum into Asian films.”
Grant Chum, CEO and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., underlined the connection between film and Macao’s positioning: “Cinematic art does not only capture the essence of beauty and life, but also holds the potential to introduce the audience to exploring new destinations. We believe that through the power of film, we can attract visitors to Macao to experience its charm as a world centre of tourism and leisure and share the compelling stories of Macao with the world. Sands China has partnered with the Asian Film Awards Academy for two consecutive years, bringing Hong Kong and Macao together to host International Film Camp. We have invited outstanding film professionals from around the world to provide guidance to participants from various Asian countries and regions, contributing to Macao’s development as a film production hub. Additionally, we have welcomed up-and-coming local filmmaking talents to camp activities, hoping to cultivate diverse artistic talents to drive the sustainable growth of the film industry in Macao. Congratulations to all the filmmakers who have completed the camp, and we wish you continued success in the global cinematic arena.”
Renowned Hong Kong director, screenwriter, and producer Stanley Kwan shares his career and creative journey at a masterclass held before Monday’s closing ceremony, leaving attendees deeply inspired.
Participants of IFC 2025 attend their first masterclass Sept. 11 at the Adelson Advanced Education Centre at The Venetian Macao.
Vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council and renowned Hong Kong director and producer Mabel Cheung shares her creative insights with participants of IFC 2025 Sept. 11 at the Adelson Advanced Education Centre.
A participant raises a question during the first masterclass of IFC 2025 at the Adelson Advanced Education Centre Sept. 11.
John Chong, renowned Hong Kong filmmaker and chief mentor of IFC 2025, talks about his filmmaking career Sept. 12 at the Adelson Advanced Education Centre.
An IFC participant uses professional film equipment at an IFC session Sept. 13 at The Venetian Macao.
The camp’s faculty included leading names such as Hong Kong filmmaker John Chong, who served as chief mentor, alongside acclaimed directors and producers Anthony Chen, Brillante Mendoza, Mabel Cheung, Chan Hing Kai, Meng Xie, and Roger Garcia. A highlight was a masterclass by Stanley Kwan, who shared his creative journey with participants.
Building on the success of its first edition, IFC 2025 expanded the number of participants from 16 to 18, reflecting the growing demand and the exceptional quality of submitted scripts. Last year’s funded short films were showcased at multiple international film festivals, affirming the camp’s impact on the global cinematic stage.
By supporting IFC 2025, Sands China reinforces its commitment to nurturing creative industries and aligning with Macao’s “tourism+” and “culture+” strategies, helping position the city as a dynamic hub for international cultural exchange and film production.
The eight winners that were selected to receive funding for their short films are:
| Director | Country / Region | Film Project |
| Jane Zhang | Macao | After Her |
| Phạm Hoàng Minh Thy | Vietnam | Death in Tokyo |
| Sreeram Pattathil | India | Delivery |
| Tynystan Temirzhan | Kyrgyzstan | Forgive me, Friend |
| Kong Ho Yan | Hong Kong | I Don’t Wanna Grow Up |
| Xu Hangcheng | Mainland China | Land Breeze |
| Lam Lo | Hong Kong | The Elephant in the Room |
| Han Tianchu | Mainland China | The Night Journey |
