French Film ‘No Skate!’ Clinches Best Short Film at 2nd Galaxy Entertainment Group Macao International Shorts Film Festival
The 2nd Galaxy Entertainment Group Macao International Shorts Film Festival concluded on September 20, 2025, celebrating a vibrant showcase of global and local cinematic talent. The prestigious Best Short Film Award was presented to the French production “No Skate!,” directed by Guil Sela. The festival, co-organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), served as a significant platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of the film industry in Macao.
Festival Highlights and Awards
The week-long festival, which ran from September 14 to 21, 2025, featured a diverse array of over 60 short and feature films from 31 countries and regions. Screenings took place across multiple venues, including Galaxy Cinemas and Cinematheque•Passion, offering audiences a rich cinematic experience.
The coveted Best Short Film Award for “No Skate!” recognized Guil Sela’s work, highlighting its compelling narrative and artistic merit. The film, described as a comedy, is set during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and follows two characters who share a disdain for skateboarders, leading them on an improvised adventure. Sela, a filmmaker born in 1996, has previously seen success with films like “Montsouris Park,” which won an award at the 2024 Semaine de la Critique.
Macao’s own filmmaking talent was also celebrated, with Chan Siieong’s “Waves Under the Sea” earning the Macao Unit Award. Additionally, “Granny Pirate3: Typhoon Again” by Vitty Ho Wai Tong received a Jury Special Mention in the Macao Shorts section, underscoring the exceptional talent within the local film community.
Other notable awards presented included the Best Director Award to Tawfeek Barhom for “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now,” the Innovative Storytelling Award for Gonçalo Almeida’s “Atom & Void,” and a Jury Special Mention for Dina Rezaei’s “Conex”. The East Asia of Tomorrow Award was presented to “Dear Kankan” by Hana Zhang and Eugene Lee.
Fostering Macao’s Film Culture and Industry
The festival served not only as a platform for showcasing films but also as a crucial hub for industry professionals and emerging filmmakers. It featured a robust program of extended activities, including professional forums, thematic workshops, and “In Conversation with Director” sessions. These initiatives were designed to foster cross-cultural exchange, enhance professional skills, and create more learning and networking opportunities for local and international film practitioners.
President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leong Wai Man, emphasized the bureau’s commitment to supporting short film production and developing Macao’s film and television arts. The goal is to establish the Macao International Shorts Film Festival as a benchmarking platform for global short film production and exchange, thereby promoting Macao as a vital hub for international film culture. Jason Anderson, Chairperson of the International Advisory Board, expressed pleasure with Macao’s dedication to short films and emerging talent, noting that supporting these filmmakers boosts their confidence and helps them reach international stages.
This recent event is part of Macao’s broader strategy to develop its cultural and creative industries, aiming to become a “City of Performing Arts”. By connecting the international market with the Asian market, the festival leverages Macao’s geographical location and unique cultural identity to promote local filmmaking talent and foster international collaboration. The continuous support from the Macao government and organizations like Galaxy Entertainment Group is instrumental in positioning the festival as an increasingly important international platform for directors of short films and enriching Macao’s cultural landscape.
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