Name \ Rita Wong Yeuk Ying
Title | Director of CUT Lda., operating director of Cinematheque·Passion (August 2023 – July 2026)
Place of birth | Hong Kong
Years living in Macao | Since a toddler
Macao in one word | Spectacular
Where is your favourite place to watch a film in Macao, and why?
Definitely Cinematheque·Passion. It is the only arthouse cinema in Macao. We are very proud to have one here, so that we do not need to travel elsewhere to experience this kind of programming.
Which three Macao films should audiences be watching right now?
The first is “Kissing the Ground You Walked On” (2022), a feature-length film by Hong Heng Fai. It was selected for several international film festivals and marked a milestone in the development of Macao cinema.
The second is “Girlfriends”, directed by Tracy Choi Ian Sin, which is currently screening. It tells a story of growth, friendship and love among a group of young women from Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The third is “Revisit”, the 2024 feature debut by Harriet Wong Teng Teng. It focuses on a grandchild’s story across two places and three generations.
What is the most memorable film scene ever shot in Macao?
For me, it is an animated film about Macao, “The Lighthouse” (2019), directed by Jay Lei Pui Weng. The lighthouse scenes are memorable. The Guia Lighthouse has been part of local life for a long time. I have been able to see it from my home since childhood. In the film, you watch the landscape around the lighthouse change, and that resonated with me.
A divisive question: cinema snacks – yes or no? And if so, what is the ultimate Macao cinema snack?
Yes, but only at commercial cinemas. Caramel popcorn, of course. It is a childhood memory that lasts forever. For arthouse cinemas, I would say no. Arthouse films demand a higher level of concentration from the audience than commercial films.
If you had to recommend one film that captures the spirit of Macao, what would it be?
“Ah Ming’s Macao”. It is a 1995 short feature directed by Albert Chu Iao Ian, and I think it remains one of the most important films for the people of Macao. It captures the essence of the city and its people, and I believe it was the first feature film about Macao’s culture made by a local filmmaker. It is a very important work.
What misconception do people often have about film culture in Macao?
Many people still think there are very few, or even no Macao films at all. While the local film scene is still in a stage of development, many short films, animated works and documentaries have actually been produced since 2000.
Why should audiences pay attention to Cinematheque·Passion’s programming?
Cinematheque·Passion is a truly unique hub where audiences can watch world cinema, Chinese cinema and Macao cinema. It brings together pioneering works alongside classic selections.
What excites you most about the future of cinema in Macao?
A group of energetic young filmmakers is establishing its own cinematic identity, free from the constraints of the past.
