In commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR, MGM and Macau’s acclaimed artist Lok Hei collaborate to present the “Macao: Back to Common Roots Narrative Film” (Film) at MGM Theater. As a multi-media opus interweaving visual art and cutting-edge technology, the Film transcends time and space to illustrate Macau’s history and culture. This masterpiece is a potent tool of patriotic education that deepens the understanding of history for residents, especially the youths, as well as reinforces their affection for the Motherland and Macau.
The premiere of the Film was unveiled today (January 11) at MGM Theater, with guests of honor including Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Ao Ieong U, Representative of Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture; Yan Zhichan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Liu Xianfa, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Dou Guojie, Senior Colonel and Director of the Political Work Department of the People's Liberation Army Macau Garrison, Kou Hoi In, President of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR; Ip Sio Kai, Deputy General Manager of the Bank of China Macau Branch; Kenneth Feng, President, Chief Strategic and Financial Officer of MGM; and Lok Hei, Executive Producer of the Film.
The Film is jointly organized by Macao Cultural Development Promotion Association and MGM, sponsored by Bank of China Macau Branch, supported by the Department of Publicity and Culture and the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Education and Youth Development Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office and Macao Holy House of Mercy. Following the launch of the documentary “Back to Common Roots” made for the 15th anniversary of the establishment of Macau SAR and “Back to Common Roots Orchestra Concert” in 2019, the production team remodeled the majestic 100-meter-long scroll painting — Lok’s magnum opus featuring his artistic trademark using fiber pens — into an innovative, digitalized version screened at MGM Theater.
The 28-minute Film chronicles the transformation of Macau over the past centuries. It comes with two versions: the Cantonese version with Chinese and Portuguese subtitles, and the Mandarin version with Chinese and English subtitles. Audiences can marvel at the enthralling visual effects of the 900-square-meter ultra-HD LED screen at MGM Theater. The Film, enriched by compendious narration and original background music of the documentary, will enlighten audiences with its artistic appeal and gripping depictions of Macau’s history.
Lok Hei, Executive Producer of the Film, said: “The Film recounts the period spanning from 500 years ago when Macau was once a fishing village to Macau’s Return to the Motherland in 1999. It relates the city’s historical development via the medium of paintings. Ever since ‘Macau’ marked its first appearance on the world map, the city has been regarded as part of the Mainland and reached myriads of record-breaking achievements making its people proud. Understanding our roots enables us to live and thrive in this city with confidence, this is exactly why we created the Film in the first place.”
Pansy Ho, Co-Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said online, “With the support of the nation, the Macau SAR has successfully implemented ‘One Country, Two Systems’ and developed a peaceful, loving and pleasant city for its residents. As an enterprise rooted in Macau, MGM has been committed to perpetuating the spirit of ‘Loving the Motherland and Loving Macao”, and the key of which lies in bolstering patriotic education for the youth. MGM will continue to ride on its edges to nurture youths’ interest in Macau’s history, which is crucial for local youths to deepen senses of belonging, identity and pride as a Chinese and Macau’s resident.”
The “Macao: Back to Common Roots Narrative Film” will be on view at MGM Theater from time to time between January 23 and the end of 2022. Free admission is available for ticket holders. The show will be first open to education institutions, government departments and community associations. For ticket reservations or inquiries, please contact Kong Seng’s ticketing hotline at (853) 8295 5838. The date and time of the next show will be announced on the 15th of every month. Please scan the QR code below to learn more about the release date, screenings, details and latest news.
