Talent Ambassador Jeremy Renner is awarded the “Macao East West Actor of the Year”
The Opening Ceremony of the 2nd International Film Festival & Awards．Macao (IFFAM) kicked off at the Macao Cultural Centre at 7:00p.m. tonight (8th December), unveiling an attractive programme of films and activities running from 8th to 14th December under the theme “A New Avenue to the World of Films”. About 800 personages attended the red carpet and the Opening Ceremony including the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Alexis Tam; Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; two of the Executive Vice Presidents of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, namely, President of Macau Films & Television Productions and Culture Association (MFTPA), Alvin Chau, and President of Management Committee of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, José Tavares; Acting President of Cultural Affairs Bureau and Vice President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Kent Ieong Chi Kin; as well as internationally-acclaimed directors, celebrities and film industry professionals from around the world, with Hong Kong reputable host Carol Cheng (Do Do) and famed artist Bob Lam being the hosts of the night.
Strong lineup of prominent guests
Distinguished industry figures attended the Opening Ceremony, including Creative Director of the Mumbai International Film Festival, Smriti Kiran; Director of Qcinema International Film Festival in the Philippines, Ed Lejano; Artistic Director of Jerusalem International Film Festival, Elad Samorzik; Director of Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, Sabrina Baracetti; Director of Tokyo International Film Festival, Takeo Hisamatsu; and Director of BFI London Film Festival, Clare Stewart. Three of the IFFAM Talent Ambassadors – famed Hollywood star 'Hawkeye' Jeremy Renner, famous Asian film actress Miriam Yeung and rising Korean star D.O., dazzled the red carpet, drawing loud cheer from fans and becoming the target for media interviews. Other celebrities from Hong Kong including Simon Yam, Charlene Choi, Aimee Chan, Ivana Wong, Michelle Wai, Kathy Yuen, Daichi Harashima and others were also present at the event.
MGTO Director and President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, remarked in her speech, “With ‘A New Avenue to the World of Films’ as the theme of the Film Festival this year, the Competition section spotlights first and second-time feature film directors to inspire young industry professionals to soar higher. From around the world, we have selected a range of remarkable films highly worthy of the audiences’ appreciation, with our dedication to offering a springboard for young filmmakers to forge their career in the industry. Just recently, Macao has been designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. Besides appreciating all the remarkable films in the Film Festival, we hope all of you may enjoy a taste of the unique culinary culture offered by our city. A wonderful feast of cinematic and gastronomic experiences is here for you!”
Opening performance livens up the atmosphere
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Alexis Tam; Spouse of Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Winnie Chui; Director of the Propaganda and Culture Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Wan Sucheng; Spouse of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Counsellor Qiu Weiwei; Jury President of IFFAM, Laurent Cantet; Jury members of IFFAM, Joan Chen, Jessica Hausner, Lawrence Osborne and Royston Tan; the three Talent Ambassadors; MGTO Director and President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; MFTPA President and Executive Vice President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Alvin Chau, and Artistic Director of IFFAM, Mike Goodridge. The officiating moment was followed by an upbeat and energetic drum performance which further enlivened the Opening Ceremony.
During the Opening Ceremony, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Alexis Tam and Executive Vice President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Alvin Chau presented the “Macao East West Actor of the Year” award to Talent Ambassador Jeremy Renner. IFFAM Ambassadors Choi Dong-Hoon and Shekhar Kapur, Talent Ambassadors Miriam Yeung and D.O. were presented souvenirs.
Opening Film takes audience on an adventure
The Opening Film “Paddington 2” was shown after the Opening Ceremony. Based on the well-known British fictional character in children’s literature, Paddington, this family animation and comedy movie is directed by Paul King, while starring Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins and Brendan Gleeson. In this sequel, Paddington, a bear from Peruvian rainforest, is now joyfully settled with the Brown Family in London. He has been working hard to earn enough money to purchase a precious present for Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, only to discover the gift being stolen. The story then unfolds around his mission to catch the thief.
Film Festival brings together entertainment, interchange, networking and training
In this edition of IFFAM, 48 international films will be screened throughout the sections of Competition, Gala, Flying Daggers, Best of Fest Panorama, Crossfire, Special Presentation, Actress in Focus as well as on the night of the Opening Ceremony.
Starting tomorrow (9th December) until 11th December, the IFFAM Industry Hub will be joined by over 250 industry professionals from 26 countries and regions. On one hand, the Macao Forum, an initiative within the IFFAM Industry Hub, will provide a flexible platform for film industry professionals worldwide to exchange and interact with each other, facilitating interchange of viewpoints among participants on designated discussion topics. On the other hand, the IFFAM Project Market will bring together 14 new film projects in search of investors, distributors or partnerships. A jury panel will select three film projects to be awarded in the IFFAM Project Market Awards Ceremony on 11th December.
The Film Festival also aims to nurture local filmmaking talent and inspire their creative potentials through various projects. 24 young local filmmakers have completed the BFI Film Academy Project co-organized by IFFAM and the British Film Institute (BFI) and produced two short drama films which will be premiered for public admission on 10th December.
This year, IFFAM offers full support to the latest edition of Local View Power organized by the Macao Cultural Centre. 14 films produced under the program will be screened for public admission on 12th and 14th December.
For more information about the 2nd IFFAM, please visit http://iffamacao.com/en/.
