*13.06 Sat With Post Screening QA
1. Born to Act
Zih-Hao is a stage director busy rehearsing for a play, which takes place in two weeks, while teaching an acting class. One evening, he receives a message informing him that one of the actors in the production is dropping out midway through teaching. Zih-Hao continues the class with a sense of uncertainty while instructing a student to adjust the performance of a scream, and Zih-Hao responds to the challenging reality along with his teaching.
Director· Kong Chi-Leong CHEANG
Kong is a filmmaker based in Macau. Born and raised in Macau, Kong earned his BFA in Film and Video at CalArts, and he was awarded both the CalArts Scholarship and the Educational Grant of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macau. He has written and directed several short films, such as SOUND OF SORROW (2019) and GOODBYE AGAIN MACAU (2018). Kong's works have been screened at the REDCAT, Big Muddy Film Festival and DMZ International Documentary Film Festival. Kong is currently an MA student in Philosophy at the University of Macau.
2. Reincarnated Station
Since ancient times, humanity has persistently sought ways to confront the tragedies of existence. Beyond turning to deities or psychology, philosophy may offer a direction. The "Useless Things Reincarnation Station" is a mysterious shop that deals with all kinds of objects and even people deemed useless by society. At first glance, it appears bizarre and degenerate, but in the end, the philosophically minded shopkeeper reveals a transformative truth. Through a suspenseful narrative that smuggles philosophy into the story, the audience is invited to question entrenched doctrines and search for new revelations.
Director· Jacky LAO Io Kun
Graduated from the Design Department of Macao Polytechnic University, is an independent filmmaker. His previous works feature a psychedelic, visual style, with themes often revolving around surrealism and inner imagination, which he often wrote and directed by himself. In REINCARNATED STATION, he was invited by his friend, screenwriter LI Peijing, to co-create this short film; he moved away from his usual independent mode toward a more formal collaborative production. He sees this challenge as an opportunity for self-breakthrough, presenting the story with his unique visual aesthetics and rhythm.
3. Like Father Like Son
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON is a family drama screenplay set against the backdrop of Macao's social transformation. Through the emotional conflict and reconciliation between a father and son, it explores the clash between traditional and modern values, the challenges of intergenerational communication, and the possibilities of non-blood family relationships.
Director
LAO Yu Heng
Graduated from the Department of Information Management (National Central University in Taiwan) and Master of Film Production from Macau University of Science and Technology. LAO is currently the Program supervisor and host of Radio Television Macau, and also a member of the Macao Youth Theatre Troupe.
YANG Yapei
YANG is an emerging screenwriter and director. She graduated from Shanghai University's Shanghai Film Academy and holds a Master's degree in Film Production from Macau University of Science and Technology. Known for capturing human emotions and social realities through delicate cinematography, her works have been featured in film festivals across the straits. Her short film MENARCHE (as writer and director) was shortlisted for the 10th Singapore Chinese Film Festival. Her latest directorial work, THE ONE WHO LEAVES, set against the backdrop of Macao's Triangular Garden, deeply explores father-son relationships and local sentiments, and was selected for the 2024 Golden Rooster Macau Film Festival.
4. The Cockroach Family
In the Fruit Market of Macao, Ka Kit takes over his parents' precarious business. Faced with the bad consequences of his parents' debts over the past 30 years, Ka Kit is physically and mentally exhausted, and he is unable to cope with the situation.
Director · Niko HO
Since graduating in 2021, the director has helmed or participated in the production of several short films, feature films, and promotional videos. His feature film script MY DRIVER DAD was selected among the Top 20 of the CFDG Young Director Support Program, highlighted at the Golden Rooster Film Project Market, and received the Excellent Screenplay Award in the Film Scriptwriting Advanced Programme. His short film HOLY SMOKE was shortlisted for the final round of the Golden Rooster Short Film Season. THE COCKROACH FAMILY won Best Film at the 9th 86358 Jia Village Short Film Festival. He is currently developing a feature film of the same story and title.