Space Intellectual Hard Sci-Fi Film to Launch in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao S.A.R Establishment
The first hard sci-fi film jointly financed by Macao and the Mainland will feature an all-star team of technical consultants including Yang Liwei
Space Intellectual, produced by China Great Wall Art Culture Center and Macau-Pan Entertainment Holdings Limited, with the support of various agencies including the China Film Group Corporation, the China National Space Administration, the China Space Foundation, the National Astronomical Observatory of China and the Macau Academy of Cinematic Arts of the Macau University of Science and Technology, is the first new mainstream hard science fiction film to be projected that was jointly financed by Macao and the Mainland since the establishment of the Macao S.A.R. The launching ceremony took place on December 12th, 2018 at the Macau University of Science and Technology with the support of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited.
Officiating guests launch the production of Space Intellectual
The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao S.A.R.; Mr. Xue Xiao Feng, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of The Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R.; Ms. Wang Dong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macau; Mr. Ho Veng On, Commissioner of Audit of Macao; Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee and Director of Macau-Pan Entertainment Holdings Limited; Mr. Shi Jun Guo, Director of China Great Wall Art Culture Center; Chair Professor Liu Liang, President of the Macau University of Science and Technology; Mr. Han San Ping, Honorary Director of the Macau Academy of Cinematic Arts of the Macau University of Science and Technology; Mr. Jin Yun, Director of China Russian Cooperative Development Fund, as well as cast members including Mr. Ray Lui, Ms. Yao Xingtong and Ms. Clara Lee. The event was also attended by guests including Mr. Eddie Wong Yue Kai, Member of the Executive Council of Macao S.A.R. and Vice Chairman of University Council of Macau University of Science and Technology; Mr. Wan Sucheng, Director for Publicity and Cultural Affairs Department, Liaison Office of The Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R.; Ms. Lau Wai Meng, Director of the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau; Mr. Leong Iok Sam, Commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau; Ms. Leong Wai Man, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Mr. Luk Wing Fai, Representative of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau; Dr. Tong Ka Lok and Prof. Pang Chuan, Vice Presidents of M.U.S.T.; Prof. Zhang Zhi Qing, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Arts of M.U.S.T. and Prof. Ying Hong, Director of the Macau Academy of Cinematic Arts of M.U.S.T.
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao S.A.R., Space Intellectual focuses on hard sci-fi concepts and pays tribute to the rapid development and world-renowned achievements of China’s aerospace industry. Filming is expected to complete by 2019 with the premiere planned to take place in Macao. In addition to the technical support provided by the China National Space Administration, the China Space Foundation and the National Astronomical Observatory of China, the project will also consult a team of top Chinese aerospace experts, including China’s first astronaut in space Major General Yang Liwei, to recreate the highest level of realism and push for a hard science fiction blockbuster that perfectly combines new mainstream cinema with scientific concepts.
Guests attending the launching ceremony
Mr. Shi Jun Guo, representative of one of the production companies, remarked that “Space-themed science fiction has been extremely popular in recent years. Despite intense competition, we have remained faithful to our philosophy, namely, to treat the subject matter with respect, pursue realism, work with real science and enhance quality with our professionalism, with the objective of moving our audience with genuine emotions in the story. I believe our work will be appreciated and approved by our audience. At the same time, the film is our way of saluting the aerospace dream and our space explorers in the past, the present and the future!” He further explained that the decision to work with various local organizations was based on the fact that Macao offers an artistic environment that thrives with imagination and promotes creativity. Local film, television and multi-cultural events in recent years including the Macau International Film Festival and Awards have also been successful in creating conditions conducive to the project. Furthermore, apart from the support of young local filmmakers led by Mr. Han San Ping, technical advisory support will also be provided by the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences at the University, which has garnered much attention in recent years.
Mr. Shi Jun Guo
Space Intellectual is set in the year 2049, when the launch of the cutting-edge spaceship “Phoenix” marks a new milestone of human space settlement. During the voyage, however, the ship disappears after an encounter with a black hole, prompting the ship’s creator Professor Zhong Xingguo to assemble and lead an international space rescue mission. In the film, Zhong is the main driving force behind the rescue effort, and in a climate dominated by films featuring Hollywood heroes saving the world, the character of a Chinese scientist saving humanity from peril carries special significance.
From the launch of the first Chinese satellite in 1970, to Major General Yang Liwei traveling in space on the first manned mission Shenzhou 5, to the successful launch of Tiangong 2, China’s aerospace industry has long caught the attention of the entire world. Chair Professor Liu Liang, shared during his speech his admiration for the achievements of China’s aerospace industry and the dedication and sacrifice of Chinese astronauts, and stressed the importance of remembering them and passing the torch to the next generation, in alignment with the creative objectives of Space Intellectual.
Chair Professor Liu Liang
Space exploration-themed films turn our attention to the horizon of human space development and the importance of continuing the saga of exploration as humanity continues its journey into the future. As a first step, Space Intellectual will provide the audience with a unique visual feast complete with dazzling visual effects and gripping space rescue drama. It is more than a film, it is also a display of the fruits of our country’s development in technology and the arts, as well as a gift in honor of our country’s 70th birthday and the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return.
