Premiere of “3rd New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program” Successfully Concludes
In support of the long-term development of Macao’s film industry talent
(Macao, May 23, 2026) – The 3rd New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program held a premiere for its cohort of five Macao-made micro films at The Londoner® Macao Saturday, attended by the films’ young creative teams and a group of guests and practitioners from the industry. Organised by the Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District (CIPA) and sponsored by Sands China for the third consecutive year, the program aims to broaden development platform for Macao’s young filmmakers through funding and training. The initiative aims to nurture Macao’s film talent and foster long-term growth in the field, in line with the Macao SAR government’s “Tourism+” strategy for diversified development and strengthening Macao’s position as a “City of Performing Arts.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Micro Movie Support Program has garnered enthusiastic participation from individuals aspiring to enter Macao’s film industry or practitioners aiming to elevate their skills. More than 400 people have participated in the program’s productions over the years. Among them, Lei Kin Fong, a participant from the previous edition and director of “Memento of Parents,” won an award in a micro film competition in the Chinese mainland. The program has received an overwhelming response throughout the years, with 16 teams submitting scripts for this new round. Following a professional judging process, five teams were ultimately selected and qualified to receive funding.
The five selected films are “Takeaway Nightmare,” directed by Devin Ip; “Reincarnated Station,” directed by Jacky Lao; “Same as the Light,” directed by Achilles Lei; “Rootless Guide,” directed by Leong Hoi Hong; and “Only in the Dream,” directed by Chiang Kun Ieong. The films explore diverse themes such as human nature, the digital era, and emotional journeys of encounters and farewells in life. The production teams spent half a year on filming and post-production, culminating in micro films of around 15-30 minutes each – fully demonstrating their dedication to film creation.
To further expand the horizons of the program’s participants, this latest edition offered them the opportunity to sit in on the “International Film Camp 2025.” Held in September 2025, the camp was organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy and fully supported by Sands China, giving aspiring young Asian filmmakers professional guidance from world-class filmmakers. This arrangement served as a platform for the micro movie participants to gain exposure to cutting-edge industry insights and global trends, while exchanging ideas with both veteran filmmakers and the next generation of Asian filmmakers to enrich their creative vision.
Patrick Wong, president of the CIPA, said: “Since the establishment of our association, we have been committed to fostering the growth of Macao’s creative industries, creating an incubation platform for art, and uniting Macao’s local cultural and artistic forces. This initiative represents a vital milestone in our commitment to nurturing talent. Our aim is to ignite the ‘cinematic dreams’ of aspiring individuals, empowering passionate youth in Macao to boldly create, express themselves, and tell the story of Macao through micro films. The continuity of the program and the presentation of this showcase would not be possible without the unwavering support of all parties involved.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Sands China for their sponsorship for three consecutive editions, which keeps the initiative on the ground. Their strong backing not only demonstrates their dedication to fostering the development of Macao’s cultural and creative industries and nurturing its young film and art talent, but also provides a valuable platform for film enthusiasts to bring their creative visions to life. Furthermore, we are grateful to the Macao SAR government, various community sectors, and all film and art lovers for their support. Together, we will continue to cultivate a new generation of talent for Macao’s film industry, allowing Macao’s original works to reach greater heights.”
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Talent is the core driving force of promoting the sustainable development of the local film industry. Sands China has been providing comprehensive support to Macao’s aspiring young filmmakers through the Micro Movie Support Program. Encompassing professional training, creative resources, and hands-on platforms, the initiative aims to encourage them to showcase Macao’s unique and diverse cultural depth to the world through a fresh lens. We are delighted to see that the program’s participants have created works with a wide range of topics and profound depth, demonstrating the creative power and international vision of a new generation of creators. Since the launch of the program, it has successfully cultivated a new wave of local filmmaking talent, with some of their works earning recognition in micro film competitions in the Chinese mainland, a testament to the program’s encouraging achievements.
“Sands China will continue to promote the development of cultural, art, and film industries in Macao. We look forward to working hand in hand with various sectors to nurture more talent for Macao’s film industry, cultivate a fertile ground for its development, and bring more of Macao’s original stories to a broader stage. This will help amplify Macao’s global cultural presence, thereby consistently promoting the city’s development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
Built upon the CIPA’s New Art Studies in Filming Program, the Micro Movie Support Program offers annual practical training by inviting professional filmmakers from around the world to serve as instructors. The program has imparted technical skills and knowledge in film production to participants, spanning directing, screenwriting, acting, make-up artistry, editing, and special effects, while providing them with filming opportunities. Since its inception in 2011, the course has been enriching the talent pool for Macao’s film industry. To date, the program has trained approximately 420 individuals and produced over 45 short films and micro movies. To meet the industry’s demand for diverse talent, this year’s program has introduced new training modules in film art direction and styling, further enhancing the professional skills of the participants.
Saturday’s premiere was attended by distinguished guests including: Ho Hong Pan, head of the Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Ieng Weng Fat, member of the Cultural Development Consultative Committee; Ian Mak, manager of the Fashion and Creativity Department of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre; Hong Heng Fai, representative of the judging panel of the New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program; Jonathan Tsing and Emily Chan, representatives of the instructors of the New Art Studies in Filming Program – Micro Movie Support Program; Odia Lei, executive producer of the Micro Movie Support Program; Patrick Wong; and Dr. Wilfred Wong.
Photo caption: The 3rd New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program holds a premiere for its cohort of five Macao-made micro films at The Londoner Macao Saturday. The program is organised by the Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District (CIPA) and sponsored by Sands China.
Left to right: Odia Lei, executive producer; Jonathan Tsing, representative of the instructors of the New Art Studies in Filming Program; Ian Mak, manager of the Fashion and Creativity Department of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre; Ho Hong Pan, head of the Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Patrick Wong, president of the CIPA; Ieng Weng Fat, member of the Cultural Development Consultative Committee; Hong Heng Fai, representative of the judging panel of the New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program; Emily Chan, representative of the instructors of the New Art Studies in Filming Program
Photo caption: Guests of honour and the films’ creative teams attend the premiere of The 3rd New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program for its cohort of five Macao-made micro films at The Londoner Macao Saturday. The program is organised by the Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District (CIPA) and sponsored by Sands China.
Photo caption: CIPA President Patrick Wong speaks Saturday at the micro movie premiere of the 3rd New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program at The Londoner Macao.
Photo caption: Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., speaks Saturday at the micro movie premiere of the 3rd New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program at The Londoner Macao.