International Film Festival and Awards Macao (IFFAM) - Red Carpet personalities and Chinese Cinema, 'Better Days'

Macao 12.15pm (UK 4.15am)

A GALAXY of stars from Asian (Chinese) cinema descended on the red carpet as the International Film Festival and Awards Macao got under way last night (December 5).

Stars from Better Days in Chinese Cinema strand walk the red carpet at the Old Court Building cinema, Macao

For six days (December 5-10), the tiny island state now part of China and run under the same system as in Hong Kong (one country, two systems) becomes a hub for film lovers all over the region and indeed globally.

There are some 50 film features on offer and various stands showcasing both new Chinese cinema and films from Macau itself as it marks 20 years of being part of China and ending its some 400-year association with Portugal (as a colony).

Gitanjali Rao director of the animated feature ‘Bombay Rose’ which features in the international competition section – see our interview with Rao at London Film Festival

We will be looking at points of interest for South Asian film lovers – ‘Bombay Rose’ – which premiered in Venice and came to London Film Festival is in the international competition. Director Gitanjali Rao walked the red carpet last night. She spoke to us in London, so we will be looking at new films and personalities we haven’t covered at previous festivals.

Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar is set to come here with Variety’s Rising Asia stars.