Filmed entirely in Macau, the fictional short movie ‘Hill of Ilha Verde’ revolves around teenager and family-related problems, and depicts what truly lies beneath the dazzling delusion of the city.
The movie had its premiere at the Galaxy UA Cinemas last month, after over six months of pre and post-production and four months of shooting.
Commissioned by local charity the Sin Meng Association, and directed by award-winning, Hong Kong director Cheung King Wai, the movie is now ready to impress local audiences.
The movie portrays a shattered local family, dealing with a wide range of problems, including domestic violence, mental health disorders, and teenager drug abuse.
“The movie brims with solid content, reflecting juvenile problems in Macau. It aims to stimulate locals to contemplate what really matters to society and families,” head of the Sin Meng Association Melinda Chan Mei Yi tells CLOSER.
“This isn’t a commercial movie and the production is financially supported by the Macau Foundation. We’ve spared no effort in supporting many local charity activities, and we’re glad to see this movie become a reality,” she says.
During the pre-production, director Cheung King Wai visited the city and spoke to a number of local teenagers who had behavioural problems.
In order to better know what local youth need nowadays, both physically and mentally, the director also visited schools and the places young people hang out, to explore how they get along with their family and friends.
“Togetherness and mutual understanding are the two big themes explored in the movie,” Cheung says. “It is in fact based on a real story that we found in Macau. We’d like to tell how a little girl from a local broken family grows personally, over one night in the dazzling city.”
“In my opinion, each family has, to some extent, its own secrets that they’re usually reluctant to share with others, and just keep them in their hearts. Only by sincere communication and understanding, can we find a way out,” he notes.
Shooting of the movie commenced in early December 2012 after half year of preproduction, research and casting. Most of the production crew and performers were recruited locally.
“The production aimed to attract and inspire local young talent to realise their potential and to open themselves up to opportunities beyond the gambling and tourism industry,” says Melinda Chan.
Chan believes that the movie production stimulated the local creative industry and unleashed the potential of local young people who are passionate about the film making industry.
“Now we are bringing the movie to different universities and high schools for film screenings. We also wish to do some sharing particularly with students of different ages,” Chan adds.
“We are very satisfied with the movie. Cheung did a great job in such a short period of time. His observation of juvenile problems is impressive. Through his lens, it inspires audiences to think carefully about what family truly means to us,” she concludes.
