• It’s a wrap for the 2nd International Film Festival & Awards.Macao!
  • Macao SAR Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam (right) presents the Career Achievement Award to Udo Keir
  • MGTO Director and President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, addresses the Awards Ceremony
  • Film star Jeremy Renner - well known as ‘Hawkeye’ - on focus at the red carpet

2nd International Film Festival & Awards.Macao a Hit!

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The 2nd International Film Festival & Awards.Macao (IFFAM) - held from 8th December to 14th December, 2017 and themed 'A New Avenue to the World of Films' - showcased 48 outstanding movies from around the world, with 16 films in two programmes aimed at nurturing local movie talent. The films were screened in Macao Cultural Centre, Macau Tower and Cinematheque Passion throughout the Festival period. The grand prizes of the Competition section, the highlight of the Festival, were unveiled at the awards ceremony on 14th December, attended by about 800 red carpet invitees, including world famous directors, actors, members of the movie industry and other guests.

Competition prizes unveiled

The Competition section - spotlighting first and second-time feature film directors this year - pitted ten selected films against each other. Best Film went to Hunting Season, the Jury Prize went to Wrath of Silence, while Best Director went to Xavier Legrand, the director of Custody.

Best Actor went to Song Yang in Wrath of Silence, Best Actress went to Jessie Buckley in Beast, Best Technical Contribution went to Benjamin Kračun, Director of Photography of Beast, Best Screenplay went to Samuel Maoz, Writer-Director of Foxtrot, Best New Young Actor went to Thomas Gioria in Custody, while the Macao Audience Choice Award went to Borg McEnroe.

In praise of outstanding filmmakers

As well as the above awards in the Competition section, an array of accolades was presented at the Awards Ceremony to commend prominent films and filmmakers for their achievements. Donnie Yen was awarded International Star of the Year, while Udo Keir was honoured with a Career Achievement Award, and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema - NETPAC Award went to Angels Wear White.

The IFFAM Organizing Committee and Variety Magazine - an influential American film and TV magazine - jointly conferred the Asian Blockbuster Film 2017 on Wolf Warrior II, while the Variety Asian Stars: Up Next Award went to seven actors and actresses as follows: Celina Jade, Ludi Lin, Piolo Pascual, Rajkummar Rao, Shioli Kutsuna, Chutimon Cheungcharoensukying and An Seo Hyun.

Three projects win IFFAM Project Market

The IFFAM Project Market provided an ideal platform for 14 projects to receive advice from invited experts with regard to scriptwriting, production, financing and distribution, plus participation in Public Pitching. MIHARA, The Girl With No Head and The Last Savage won the IFFAM Project Market Awards, each receiving US$10000 in sponsorship from the film industry.

Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director and President of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, delivered her remarks at the Awards Ceremony, saying that the organizing team had done their best to shape every section into profound and rewarding experiences, driven by a strong commitment to help young filmmakers venture into the global film industry and reach new heights.

Moreover, she said that IFFAM has become an exchange platform for industry professionals from across the world, a tailor-made training programme for filmmaking aspirants to broaden their international perspectives. She also hoped to foster cultural and creative industry development and immerse local audiences in a new appreciation of international films.

For more information, please visit: www.iffamacao.com.