Three emerging filmmakers from Macao to watch

The first Macao Day — held during this year’s Giornate degli Autori (GdA) in Venice — gives a stage to some of the territory’s rising talents. Four short films by Macao-based filmmakers screen on August 30 in the independent sidebar, accompanied by a roundtable panel and a post-screening session. The four films are Waves Under The Sea by Chan Si Ieong, Chuff Chuff Chuff by Chao Koi Wang, Dirty Laundry by Maxim Bessmertny and animation Mui by Wong Weng-chon.

The partnership with GdA is supported by Galaxy Entertainment Group Macao International Shorts Film Festival, which is co-­organised by the Macao government’s cultural affairs bureau and Galaxy Entertainment Group. The short film festival’s second edition runs from September 14-21 at Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort and Cinematheque Passion.

Screen International introduces three Macao filmmaking talents. 

Chan Si Ieong

Chan is preparing her feature debut Waves Under The Sea, about an 18-year-old boy who returns to his village to bid farewell before studying abroad. The project was showcased at the HKIFF Industry Project Market during Hong Kong Filmart in March, where it won a Hong Kong In-Development Project Award.

The short film of the same name, which Chan made as her graduation project from Hong Kong Baptist University’s Academy of Film, screens in Venice on Macao Day.

Chan draws on creative inspiration from her hometown of Shanwei, a coastal city in Guangdong province. She explores overlooked but important details of contemporary society through her work, which often centres on children and marginalised individuals.

“Macao is a small yet vibrant city with a colonial history and rapid modern development, offering a rich tapestry of human stories,” says Chan. She hopes her work will showcase the culture and creative vitality of the region, bringing the unique perspectives and potential of Macao filmmakers to the global stage.

Chao Koi Wang

Born and raised in Macao, Chao studied at Taipei University of Arts and began working between Macao and Taiwan after completing his master’s degree.

He has already gained recognition for his short films. Come, The Light won best short at FIRST International Film Festival in 2015 and Goddess won three awards at Taoyuan Film Festival in 2023. His latest short film Chuff Chuff Chuff received the special jury prize at the Golden Harvest Awards in 2025 and presents on Macao Day at Venice.

Chao’s feature debut I Blow Out Candles Before Making A Wish is in post-production as a collaboration between Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Shot primarily in Macao, the story centres on the friendship between an immigrant from Taiwan living in Macao and a little girl. Chao is also set to direct TV feature No One Beneath The Roof for Taiwan’s Hakka TV in September.

“Macao is small in both size and population, and its cultural and artistic development has not been very robust during my younger years. However, this limitation is also an advantage,” says Chao.

“We were accustomed to absorbing information and cultural influences. This eclectic way of learning and consuming culture has greatly shaped my identity as a filmmaker.”

Tracy Choi

Macao-born Choi studied film production in Hong Kong and Taiwan, before making her directing debut with 2016’s Sisterhood. She has since worked on co-productions with Hong Kong and Mainland China including Lonely Eighteen (2023) and Promise Of Decades (2024).

The exploration of women’s experiences underpins much of her story­telling, focusing on female growth and empowerment. As with Sisterhood, Choi’s upcoming feature Girlfriends received production funding from Macao’s Cultural Affairs Bureau. This collaboration between Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan tracks the journey of a girl across 15 years and reunites Choi with Sisterhood cast members Fish Liew and Jennifer Yu. It is set to premiere this autumn.

“Working across different markets provides valuable insights into their unique demands and expectations,” says Choi. “It allows me to find a balance between preserving my creative voice and adapting to the needs of each region. My vision is to create films that are rooted in Macao but resonate with global audiences.”