Participants of the International Film Camp 2025 attend a lecture session, engaging with mentors and industry professionals during the intensive week in Macau. Asian Film Awards Academy
The decision to continue the initiative in 2025 stemmed largely from the success of the first edition. “Last year’s inaugural camp produced encouraging results, with several short films screened at festivals in Asia and overseas, showing that the IFC is a true launch platform for aspiring filmmakers,” said Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the AsianAsian Film Awards Academy.
Repeating last year’s model, applicants under age 40 from across Asia submitted their scripts, with 18 selected from among hundreds of candidates. They arrived in Macao with a short film project already in hand and, over the intensive five-day course, took part in scripting, directing, production, and pitching sessions with some of the industry’s most respected figures, through masterclasses and one-on-one mentoring. More than learning, these were days of effective creative confrontation, where participants tested, defended, and refined their ideas in direct contact with acclaimed professionals.
Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the AsianAsian Film Awards Academy (right) sits next to John Chong (left), Chief Mentor of the International Film Camp, on the first day of the camp. Asian Film Awards AcademyAcademy
At the end of the week, a jury selected eight winners, each awarded HKD 300,000 to bring their projects to life, in collaboration with Shaw Studios for post-production. The support does not end there: the IFC continues to accompany the winning films as they enter festivals, opening doors to circuits that would otherwise be difficult for most of these young filmmakers to reach. This was the case from the very first year, when the short films of the inaugural edition premiered at prestigious events and won international awards.
Each year, the IFC sets a theme for the candidates. In 2024, it was “My Hometown”, which resulted in eight unique short films. In 2025, the challenge became “My Best Friend”.
The IFC’s model stands out for its rare combination of practical training and technical and industrial support. It is organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with the patronage of the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), and sponsored by the Hong Kong Film Development Fund, the Hong Kong Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), and Sands China Ltd.
Participants of the International Film Camp buildbuilds network and foster deep friendships. Asian Film Awards Academy
Sands China hosted the IFC at its properties, providing the infrastructure needed for participants throughout the decisive week. Together, these partners create the conditions for Macao to establish itself as a hub of cinematic creation. “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 Macao’s captivating stories with the world,” said Grant Chum, CEO and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., at the Awards and Closing ceremony.
It is this structure, according to Roger Garcia –– IFC’s director for both editions –editions that makes the difference: “I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that they already bring projects prepared before coming here. When they arrive, they have sessions with the mentors who help them improve their scripts and also their pitching skills, because an important part of this is having to present the project to the panel that will give them the funding.”
Roger Garcia, Director of the International Film Camp, talks with young filmmakers after a lecture. Asian Film Awards Academy
The opportunity to learn from acclaimed filmmakers adds further value to the programme. “We had Brillante Mendoza, a Cannes Film Festival award-winner, and Mabel Cheung, a veteran from Hong Kong, who are active filmmakers with a great deal of experience.”
For John Chong, Chief Mentor of the 2025 edition, the IFC is also an exercise of authenticity: “I think the most important thing is to keep learning. Because the world is changing so rapidly and the market is very volatile, it is essential never to stop learning.” He adds: “When they’re just starting out, they should follow their own ideas and follow their hearts… They need to be able to move themselves first before they can move others.”
With only two editions, the IFC has already placed Macao firmly on the map of emerging cinema, linking the city to new talent and films competing at major international festivals. As Garcia concludes: “When people understand this process and what we are trying to do at the IFC, it helps to put Macao in quite a good position.”
