High Life

HIGH LIFE #13 Oct 2017 95 “My script was funded by the government in October 2014, I created it by myself,” he says. “When I received the subsidy in 2014 from the government, I felt it was a real responsibility for me to help people who are working in the local film industry to evolve and gain some real working experience – including providing them with a professional job with payment. “The government really helped us with the start of the project. The funds were all used up during our 25-day shooting period and around 70 to 80 per cent of that was on staff.” Passing Rain is a typical Macau film in accordance with Chan’s definition, which is that it’s “created by a Macau local and telling a story of Macau.” The film explores ideas of fickleness and uncertainty, narrated with black humor and a surreal touch. The name implies that life, like the weather, is full of unexpected changes, but in the end these things, no matter good or bad, will eventually pass. Chan tells us frankly that he learned a lot himself while making the film. “This is my first feature film and it was my first time coordinating a team of dozens of professional people over such a long period of time,” he explains, adding, “My communication skills made big progress too.