A forum was held in Beijing on Dec. 9 to explore filmmaking in Macao, the area's local film industry and future prospects as the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland approaches.

Participants of the "Interlacing Light and Shadow, Building Dreams for the Future: Macao's Return to the Motherland 25th Anniversary Film Creation Forum" pose for a group photo in Beijing, Dec. 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of CFLAC]

Hosted by China Film Co., Ltd. and the Film Art Center of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC), the forum gathered industry insiders and experts to discuss Macao's local film industry, reflecting on the development of the special administrative region since its return to China on Dec. 20, 1999.

Two new films produced by China Film Co., Ltd. were highlighted at the event: Tracy Choi and Tong Ka-Fai's "Promise of Decades" and Harriot Wong's "Revisit." Both capture the authentic lives and vibrant essence of Macao, showcasing the region's historical evolution and cultural ethos from the perspectives of ordinary people. 

"Audiences can feel the intense and simple emotions of the Macao people, their inclusive nature, optimistic spirit and the warmth of gradually drawing closer to the mainland people across time and distance," Fu Ruoqing, producer of both films and chairman of China Film Group, said while discussing the two films. 

"Promise of Decades" will be released in theaters on Dec. 14, while "Revisit" is set for a Dec. 19 release.

Fu also noted that in the past 25 years Macao has continuously flourished with the strong backing of the motherland, achieving remarkable accomplishments both economically and culturally. 

Song Zhiqin, executive deputy director of the CFLAC Film Art Center, echoed these sentiments, stating that he believes the creation of these two films is not only a heartfelt tribute to the journey of Macao's return and development but also a vivid expression of the modern zeitgeist. With "Promise of Decades," which was screened for experts before the forum, Song pointed out that the film retraces historical memories from the viewpoint of ordinary people and highlights the brilliance of humanity across time. 

As Macao has integrated into the national development framework over the years, many touching stories have emerged. Ren Yue, the general distributor of both films and deputy general manager of China Film Group, mentioned that these two cinematic projects stood out to her among many scripts due to their sentimental value. One portrays a love story that has lasted for twenty years through thick and thin, while the other explores the deep familial bond between a grandparent and grandchild. "Such emotions are most directly felt by Chinese audiences. More importantly, this also portrays the cultural integration and the deep kinship between the mainland and Macao," she added. 

Experts explore Macao filmmaking during two panels at the "Interlacing Light and Shadow, Building Dreams for the Future: Macao's Return to the Motherland 25th Anniversary Film Creation Forum" in Beijing, Dec. 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of CFLAC]

Tracy Choi, director of "Promise of Decades" and a native Macao filmmaker, shared at the forum that the production of "Promise of Decades" was the first time she had worked with fellow filmmakers from the mainland. She mentioned that she consistently adjusted aspects of the film during the creative process to make it more relatable to contemporary audiences, especially those on the mainland.

Zhong Chengxiang, a veteran researcher at the China Central Institute for Culture and History and an art critic, praised the aesthetic characteristics of Choi's film. He noted that the film excellently showcases fundamental motifs of the Chinese spirit, such as the inclusion of fireworks to symbolize the pursuit of beauty in love and a bridge to represent Macao's close ties with the mainland, an ode to national unity and the well-being of the people. Despite not focusing on grand events, the film subtly weaves in the significant historical context of Macao's return to the motherland through these and other details.

Producing these Macao-themed films is an attempt for mainland and Macao filmmakers to jointly explore contemporary themes and tell Chinese stories, setting precedents for such cooperation and experiences.

Yin Hong, vice chairman of the China Film Association and a professor at Tsinghua University, believes that "Macao's film industry can rely on close cooperation with the mainland to develop local resources on one hand and to tap into a larger market and integrate more creative resources on the other," he said. During his time speaking, Yin went on to say that films produced in Macao should "represent" local, national and global cinema as well as stress themes related to cultural tourism and cultural industries such as fashion and food. "By leveraging film, Macao can craft a new urban image, transforming it into a world capital of fashion, conventions and arts," he added.