Sands China Supports ‘International Film Camp’ for Second Consecutive Year
Asian Film Awards Academy calling for applications until July 20
(Macao, June 20, 2025) – The Asian Film Awards Academy announced the second edition of the International Film Camp (IFC) and the opening of applications at a press conference Friday at The Langham, Hong Kong. The camp, which is aimed at nurturing the new generation of Asian filmmakers, is open to applicants now until July 20.
IFC 2025 is organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy with the patronage of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Sands China Ltd., and with Shaw Studios as the official post-production partner.
International Film Camp 2025 will take place at Sands China’s integrated resorts Sept. 11-15, 2025. It offers a platform for young filmmakers from Macao, Hong Kong, and other Asian regions to exchange ideas and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to create feature-length works and develop careers in the film industry. IFC brings veteran Asian film professionals to give individualised guidance to the participants, focusing on both creativity and the industry’s business aspects. Through masterclasses and panel discussions, the camp will help nurture young filmmakers by enriching their creative potential, increasing their industry knowledge, and sharpening their practical skills. While building a solid foundation for a future in the cinema industry, camp participants have a chance to gain sponsorship to fund their productions and an opportunity to screen their creative works at film festivals worldwide through the Asian Film Awards Academy. Those interested in the camp should visit the official International Film Camp website at https://www.afa-academy.com/round/ifc2nd/ to apply and to view eligibility requirements and other important details.
Last year the IFC attracted more than 500 applications from across Asia. After a rigorous selection process, 16 participants were chosen to attend the camp. Among them, eight project winners were selected to receive guidance from professional mentors throughout the production process, a sponsorship to complete their short films, and promotion afterwards. With all eight short films now finalised, two of them, Hong Kong productions “Sweet, Sour and Bitter…” and “Once upon a time there was a Mountain,” made their world premieres in April this year at the 27th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. Additionally, film festivals in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia invited some winning teams for seminars to share their experiences from the first IFC.
This year’s camp has invited John Chong, a renowned Hong Kong filmmaker, to be the chief mentor. Chong has made over 100 films, including “Cloud Atlas,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Initial D,” and the “Infernal Affairs” series. Applicants are asked to submit an original script on the theme “My Best Friend.” The esteemed panel of judges, led by Chong, will then review, evaluate, and conduct interviews to select this year’s 16 finalists for the five-day intensive programme in Macao. Participants will receive one-on-one mentoring with well-established industry professionals, attend exclusive masterclasses, and pitch their final project for the opportunity to become one of the eight winners. Winners then receive HKD 300,000 (approx. US$38,000) in funding to carry out their creative vision for a chance to showcase their short films at film festivals around the world.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, said: “With the collective support from different sectors, the first IFC was well-received. I would like to extend an invitation to all film enthusiasts and people interested in the film industry to join the second edition of IFC, as I believe that participants can inspire each other with creativity through their journey in Macao – a place where diverse cultures converge.”
Highlights from Friday’s press conference included a mega trailer of scenes from each winning film from IFC 2024 for the audience’s enjoyment. There were sharing sessions with IFC 2025 chief mentor John Chong; Hong Kong director and IFC 2025 masterclass speaker Stanley Kwan; Macao director Tracy Choi; and Hong Kong actors Lo Chun Yip, Natalie Hsu, Rachel Leung and Lam Yiu Sing. IFC 2025 director and mentor Roger Garcia delivered his greetings in a video message.
Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., said: “Films are the best medium to tell a city’s story, and the most direct form of promoting cultural tourism. By making Macao an epicentre for movie productions, the synergy between film arts and the tourism industry not only attracts tourists to experience the charm of the city first-hand but also comprehensively enhances its visibility, allowing it to shine more brightly on the international stage. For this reason, we are very honoured to be a sponsor of the International Film Camp for the second consecutive year. Through cooperation with the Asian Film Awards Academy, we support the camp being held in Macao, leveraging Hong Kong’s internationally renowned film industry and the strong foundation and strength of film talent to help moderately diversify Macao’s economy and provide fertile ground for the development of Macao’s film industry. We believe the initiative will help attract world-renowned filmmakers to learn more about the compelling stories in Macao and share them with the world.”
Press conference guests were Dr. Wong; Josie Lin, executive director of the Asian Film Awards Academy; Gary Mak, assistant commissioner for cultural and creative industries and secretary-general of the Film Development Council; John Chong; Stanley Kwan, veteran film producer and writer-director; Chan Hing Kai, Hong Kong film producer, writer-director and IFC 2025 mentor; Mathew Tang, Hong Kong film producer, writer-director and IFC 2025 advisor; Anthony Chen, Singaporean film producer, writer-director and IFC 2025 mentor; Nick Cheuk, Hong Kong director; Tracy Choi; Natalie Hsu; Rachel Leung; Lam Yiu Sing; youth ambassador of the AFA18 Lo Chun Yip, Grant Chum; and DeVonne Iao, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of resort marketing for Sands China Ltd.
Sands China’s sponsorship of the International Film Camp 2025 aligns with its commitment to support the development of local artistic talent under the Macao SAR government's strategy for moderate diversification, as well as the ‘tourism+’ and ‘culture+’ initiatives.
Photo caption: 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.
Photo caption: Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., shares his remarks at Friday’s press conference.
Photo caption: 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.
Photo caption: Guests of honour toast to the success of International Film Camp 2025 at Friday’s press conference.
Photo caption: 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.