In order to raise the public awareness of the film and related industries in Macao and to enhance public understanding of the development of the city’s screening industry over the past century, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has produced a documentary entitled “Interpretation of Images”, which focuses on the history of the cinemas and screening industry in Macao. Meanwhile, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has organized public screenings. The documentary “Interpretation of Images” will be screened at the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of Cinematheque·Passion from 2 March onwards, which will be running concurrently with an exhibition at No. 9 and No. 11 Travessa da Paixão, introducing the history and stories of Macao’s century-old cinema development. The exhibition is open to the general public with free admission.
The premiere of the documentary “Interpretation of Images” was held today (27 February), at 3pm, at Cinematheque·Passion. The ceremony was officiated by the Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Wan Sucheng; the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mok Ian Ian; the Director of Macao Government Tourism Office, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; the director of the documentary “Interpretation of Images”, Lao Keng U; as well as several interviewees of the documentary “Interpretation of Images”, including Macao historian Chan Shu Weng and former projectionist of the Rialto Theatre, Ma Kam Hong. The Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Cheong Lai San; the executive producer of “Interpretation of Image”, Chu Iao Ian; interviewees of the documentary “Interpretation of Images”, including the painter of the former Cinema Ping On, Lai Ieng and the painter of the former Cinema Jai Alai UA, Chan Iu Pui; the Head of the Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries, Ho Hong Pan; the Head of the Division for Planning and Developing Cultural and Creative Industries, Kuong Chon Mei; other participating interviewees, historians, artists and local film and television practitioners also attended the ceremony.
Macao has been a gateway for the intersection of Chinese and Western civilizations. Since the opening of the first cinema, the Victoria Theatre, in 1910, Macao’s screening industry has developed at a pace with the world’s cinema industry, and has undergone phases of rise and fall over the past century. “Interpretation of Images”, a documentary on Macao’s screening industry, directed by Lao Keng U, shows the creative force behind local film and television practitioners, and presents the evolution of Macao’s screening industry, from its start-up, golden era, decline to recovery, over the past century. Through the interviews with historians and cinema practitioners, the documentary tells the story of the vicissitudes of Macao’s screening industry over the aforesaid period and presents the cultural landscape of the city from a fascinating historical perspective. The Cultural Affairs Bureau hopes to enhance residents and tourists’ understanding and awareness of the film and television industry in Macao, and to encourage the development of local film and television productions.
“Interpretation of Images” will be screened at the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of Cinematheque·Passion from 2 March onwards, which will be running concurrently with an exhibition at No. 9 and No. 11 Travessa da Paixão, introducing Macao’s film industry through the combination of physical and visual materials, showcasing the individuals, incidents and artefacts behind the scenes that have led to the growth of the industry, and relating the history and stories of Macao’s century-old cinema development. All are welcome and admission is free.
Cinematheque·Passion is open from Tuesdays to Sundays (including public holidays) and closed on Mondays. The ticket office is open from 10am to 11:30pm, and the exhibition hall and film information room are open from 10am to 8pm. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will strictly follow the relevant epidemic prevention guidelines of the Health Bureau and implement appropriate measures for the cultural activities. All participants must wear their own masks, undergo temperature checks, and present a valid health code of the day. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Cheong at 8399 6280 during office hours.
