Sands China-backed film camp funds eight short film projects

Eight emerging filmmakers have each been awarded HKD300,000 (US$38,248) in production funding through the International Film Camp (IFC) 2026, a programme sponsored by Macau casino operator Sands China Ltd. The recipients were selected from 16 participants following five days of training and mentoring in Macau. The camp, organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, concluded during September with an awards ceremony at the company’s The Londoner Macao complex. Sands China has sponsored the programme for three consecutive years. This year’s camp received more than 450 applications from aspiring filmmakers across Asia, according to a press release. The selected projects will also receive post-production services from Shaw Studios. The Asian Film Awards Academy will oversee their production and support the submission of some completed films to international festivals. More than 20 aspiring Macau filmmakers taking part in a separate microfilm support programme sponsored by Sands China were invited to attend sessions at the camp. This year’s training covered directing, screenwriting, funding, distribution and pitching. During the IFC award ceremony, actress, writer and director Fala Chen, and actor, writer, and producer Gordon Lam were invited to provide a “closing masterclass” for the participants, per the announcement. Moderated by Hong Kong director and writer Sunny Chan, “the session drew on the speakers’ wealth of experience in acting and film production, as they shared stories from their creative journeys with guests and film camp participants,” Sands China noted. Grant Chum Kwan Lock, Sands China’s chief executive, said the initiative brought emerging filmmakers and industry professionals together in Macau to exchange ideas and support the development of the city’s film industry. “By enabling filmmakers to experience Macau from their own creative perspective, we hope to inspire industry practitioners to see the city with fresh eyes and rediscover the depth and diversity of its cultural heritage,” Mr Chum stated. The effort, he added, could help establish the city “as a fertile ground for creative inspiration, a destination of choice for travellers, and a compelling hub for film production and storytelling”.