Ahead of the Macao International Film and Video Festival, Alice Chan talks to actor-director Thomas Lim about the challenges and opportunities of independent filmmaking in Macau.

Too few outsiders look beyond Macau’s casinos in search of the enclave’s more authentic spirit, but Singaporean actor and director Thomas Lim is one of them. For Lim, Macau undoubtedly “holds a special little place” in his heart and that’s why he decided to make his feature film directorial debut in the city. Entitled Roulette City, Lim’s film will be showing as part of the Macao International Film and Video Festival this fortnight.

With few people making films in Macau, Lim, an experienced actor in his own right, saw in the city an opportunity to launch his directorial career, despite the obvious drawback of there being very few experienced professionals in the immediate vicinity to help with the actual film production. Explaining that Macau was his “safe haven” during his time as an actor in Beijing, Lim says he would visit the SAR whenever he needed to go for a visa run or wanted an escape from other problems. Through theatre jobs he had done on and off in the city, Lim acquired a community of talented friends in the local theatre circle long before moving there in 2008. “In the beginning, I moved there because of them in the sense that they’re very genuine people,” Lim says of his friends. “Eventually, I developed a special liking for Macau; the location is beautiful. There’s a lot of texture and character in the streets, which helped save a lot of work in art direction for Roulette City.”

On the Macau film scene, Lim remarks, “I think everybody would agree that there isn’t really an industry to speak of.” He continues, “There are a handful of people who like to make films and get together to discuss films, which is cool, but people need to be more proactive because it’s through action that films are made, not discussion.”

A firm believer in the potential of low budget film projects, Lim finds it a pity that so many think they need to have a proper set up before they can launch a career in filmmaking. “I’m not from a film school kind of background where I’ve been taught to believe I need 50 crew members or street cameras before I can make a film.” In 2005, he and a friend went to Cambodia to shoot a film on almost no budget, which instilled in him a belief that films can be made at a very low cost and also gave him the confidence to make his own feature in Macau.

“When people believe they need a proper set up, they will find themselves waiting for money all the time.” Unfortunately, Lim feels that too many would-be aspiring filmmakers are doing just that – waiting around for the money to magically appear. “There’s almost no funding channel in Macau, so not a lot of films are made here, not even short films.”

Asked about what additional commercial or government support is needed in order for the Macau film scene to thrive, Lim says, “At the end of the day, it’s up to the filmmakers to prove their work, show at least their dedication or how serious they are.” With that in mind, he suggests to anyone interested in the industry to just take the first step and start with low budget short films. “That’s how things in life work; you have to prove something before you can get something bigger. There’s no luck – when you’re in action, you’re just bound to run into people who may be able to help you.”

The Macau Indies, part of the Macau International Film and Video Festival, is one such way to take the first step, says Lim. “I wouldn’t say it has an impact to the extent that young people really get inspired because of the film festival, but it does serve as a form of encouragement and is definitely a good platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work.”

The Macao International Film and Video Festival runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 11 at the Macao Cultural Centre. For the full schedule and additional information see www.ccm.gov.mo.