Love and unity: Celebrating Macao's return to China through film

As Macao has continued to progressively integrate into China's development framework since its return to Chinese sovereignty 25 years ago, many heartwarming stories have surfaced, inspiring a new film titled "Promise of Decades," soon to be released in Chinese theaters on December 14.

"Promise of Decades" follows the thorny journey of a long-distance relationship between two lovers, one based in Macao portrayed by actress Laurinda Ho, and the other in Beijing played by actor Zi Sha. The film begins during Macao's reunification with the Chinese mainland in the late 1990s and spans two decades.

As a film centered on Macao, the film shines a spotlight on local landmarks and iconic local snack foods and also goes further to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which forges closer connections between Macao and the Chinese mainland,  

During the film's premiere in Beijing on Wednesday evening, Laurinda Ho shared her sentiments about filming in her hometown, expressing a profound sense of intimacy and familiarity. She stated that it was an immense honor for her to revisit Macao's transformations and developments through her portrayal in this film, marking her debut as a film actress.

Director Tracy Choi, who is a native of Macao, believes that the film is of great importance in helping the younger generation to understand Macao's history and inherit its culture.

"Audiences can feel the intense and simple emotions of the Macao people, their inclusive nature and optimistic spirit, as this movie showcases the local customs and vibrant spirit of Macao," said Fu Ruoqing, the film's producer and chair of the China Film Group, adding that he believed the future film cooperation between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao will continue to deepen.