IFFAM paving 'A New Avenue to the World of Films'

On 4th November, internationally acclaimed director John Woo will talk about ‘Surviving Across the Globe and Effective Skills in filmmaking’ in a Festival masterclass

The 2nd International Film Festival & Awards.Macao (IFFAM) - held from 8th to 14th December - is themed 'A New Avenue to the World of Films', with this year's edition seeking to establish and build upon this new platform. On 3rd November, the IFFAM Organizing Committee hosted a press conference in the Convention Hall of Macao Science Center at which it announced the spectacular line-up of international celebrities and directors attending this year's glittering filmfest.

Besides showcasing a series of high quality films, the IFFAM organizer aims to tap into unlimited possibilities and new perspectives for this year's Film Festival, offering a platform for budding filmmakers and actors to experiment with new techniques and construct new concepts with their works. Thus, the British Film Institute (BFI) International Film Academy Project has been rolled out to provide a training programme on film production for local youth interested in joining the film industry. The team, led by professional BFI lecturers, will produce a micro film together.

In addition, the IFFAM organizer has invited internationally acclaimed director John Woo to talk about 'Surviving Across the Globe and Effective Skills in Filmmaking' in a masterclass slated for 4th November. Woo will share his remarkable experiences, survival skills in the market, and effective filmmaking skills with the younger generation. Two up and coming Macao filmmakers - Director Tracy Choi and Director Lorence Chan - are invited to join John Woo in the masterclass to share their own thoughts on cinema today.

The IFFAM Organizing Committee has announced Hong Kong singer-actress Miriam Yeung and Hollywood star 'Hawkeye' Jeremy Renner as the Festival's Talent Ambassadors, adding glamour to the Festival's image and reputation.

Organizing Committee

The IFFAM Organizing Committee comprises government representatives, film professionals and others. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes assumes the role of President, while President of MFTPA Alvin Chau, President of Cultural Affairs Bureau Leong Hio Ming, and President of the Management Committee of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau José Tavares are the Executive Vice Presidents of the IFFAM Organizing Committee

International Professional Team

The International Professional Team for IFFAM includes Artistic Director, Head of Festival Management, Ambassadors, International Advisory Board as well as Film Selection Consultants. Mike Goodridge, who has served as jury member for over 25 international film festivals, is appointed Artistic Director, while Head of Festival Management is Lorna Tee.

The International Advisory Board comprises five film experts from Europe, the United States and Asia - namely, Chinese film director and producer Huang Jianxin, American film producer Michael J. Werner, Korean producer Oh Jung-wan, producer and distribution expert from Hong Kong Nansun Shi, and famous Portuguese producer Luís Urbano.

IFFAM's rich and diverse programme

The fascinating programme of this year's IFFAM includes:

Competition: An international competition comprising 10 feature films. A jury of five film personalities will appraise and award the best film works;

Gala: Three of the most important films of the year will be presented out of competition, in a series of red carpet presentations;

Flying Daggers: A selection of six films representing the latest style of genre cinema in Asia;

Best of Fest Panorama: Screening eight award-winning feature films from major international film festivals of the year;

For all the family: A selection of films for families to enjoy a unique and novel screening experience;

'Crossfire': Six genre films selected by three Asian and three non-Asian master filmmakers;

IFFAM Industry Hub: Industry professionals are tapped to participate or present in film forums and International Film Lab Macao;

Masterclasses: International film professionals are invited to share their experiences with local audience and members of the industry.

For more information, please visit IFFAM website: http://www.iffamacao.com.