The 2nd International Film Festival & Awards• Macao announces exciting partnership with Shanghai International Film Festival
At a press conference today, the 2nd International Film Festival & Awards • Macao (IFFAM) announced an exciting new partnership with the Shanghai International Film Festival. Ms Alice Azedo Augusto, Secretary General of IFFAM, signed a cooperation agreement with Ms. Fu Wenxia, General Manager of Shanghai International Film & TV Festivals Co., Ltd., on the joint effort to inject new ideas into the future development of the film industry.
Deputy General Manager of Shanghai International Film & TV Festivals Co., Ltd., Ms Wang Ye comments “Macao is one of China’s most fascinating cities and the young IFFAM exudes a dynamic vibe, that’s why Shanghai International Film Festival is pleased to partner up with IFFAM to foster an innovative development of the film industry via the two platforms. We aim to establish a system that bridges industry insiders, films and venture capital from both places, to provide opportunities for young cineastes in Macao to enter the Mainland market while attracting the Mainland’s rising directors to share thoughts in Macao. We also look forward to seeing promising movie projects from both places become part of the Shanghai and Macao film festivals’ initiative to promote cross-border interactions, thereby making a positive contribution to the thriving Chinese film market,”
Ms. Cecilia Tse, Deputy Director of MGTO and Executive Vice President of IFFAM, witnessed the signing of the memorandum for the collaboration of the two international film festivals and believes the cooperative agreement can help to foster exchange between the film industries of Macao and Shanghai, bring local film investment projects to the Mainland and expand opportunities for the industry. At the same time, she hopes the agreement will encourage more film professionals to come to Macao for film shooting. She also hopes that IFFAM will bring about long-term benefits for the sustainable development of the cultural creative industry and tourism industry, forging ahead Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
Ms Alice Azedo Augusto said of the partnership “This is a fascinating experience to collaborate with the Shanghai International Film Festival. We hope to activate the exchange between films and talents from Shanghai and Macao, which will be beneficial to the development of the film industry in Macao.”
IFFAM Head of Festival Management, Lorna Tee was also delighted to announce that Hollywood star Jeremy Renner will join Miriam Yeung as Talent Ambassador at this year’s IFFAM. Miriam Yeung and Renner will represent the cultural exchange between the East and West.
Tee comments “Jeremy Renner is an outstanding actor and producer. He will enhance the mission of IFFAM to connect the East and West with his international profile and appeal. We are happy to welcome him as our Talent Ambassador and to Macao in December to join the festival in showcasing the best of world cinema.”
Academy Award nominee Renner will attend the opening night gala on 8 December in Macao.
Last week the IFFAM announced Mike Goodridge as Artistic Director and introduced a new theme for the festival “A New Avenue to the World of Films” along with three focuses for a new cinematic experience which will connect local audiences with the international industry, and allow new voices to showcase their talent at this year's Festival.
The Jewel of East-meets-West Attraction
It is natural for Macao, a place renowned for its East-meets-West culture, to host a film festival that brings together local and international industry professionals. On this note, six eminent directors are tapped to each present a genre classic that has inspired them, in the hope of broadening the horizons of new generation audience and filmmakers with cinematic classics from different eras.
The 2nd IFFAM will take place from 8-14 December 2017 at the Macao Cultural Centre. The IFFAM Organizing Committee will join forces with this year’s International Professional Team to build on the success of the inaugural festival in promoting Macao as an epicentre of cultural tourism and international exchange and paving the way for future development of Macao’s film and creative industries. 500 local and international media representatives, international buyers, filmmakers, producers, actors, actresses, distributors and investors will join a stellar cast of iconic figures from international film festivals at the cinematic extravaganza.
New Platform, New Perspectives
IFFAM is a place for everyone, from the audience to filmmakers, to be inspired; catalysing new ideas and techniques among new directors, actors/actresses and other practitioners. The IFFAM Industry Hub is open to the whole industry with a view of becoming an intimate, energetic and engaging space for filmmakers and other practitioners to explore new opportunities through networking, exchange and showcase of their work. The International Film Lab Macao, is an initiative that aims to attract 14 film productions with East-meets-West elements, high aesthetic value and a powerful presence.
A Feast for the Eyes & Palate
Like an exquisite dish, a good film with creative spark is something to indulge in. Building on its inaugural vision, this year’s edition of IFFAM will also feature gastronomic elements, both on the screen and in reality.
For more information, please visit the official website: http://www.iffamacao.com