On 20^th March, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau had the honor of inviting a Macau film director, Ms. Harriet Wong to share her career story. Her talk of pursuing her dreams, captivated the audience. Director Wong’s debut film, Revisit, was the centerpiece of the event, as it was based on her personal experiences, and was awarded the “Most Anticipated Chinese Film” at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards.

Revisit was released nationwide last year, and it depicted the heartfelt story of a young woman who, after chasing her dreams in Beijing, returns to her hometown to reconnect with her grandmother. Director Wong revealed during the session that the film was inspired by her deep bond with her grandmother and a fresh perspective on life. She emphasized that being a director requires curiosity, imagination, and creativity. One of her favorite quotes is “In filmmaking, it’s not about finding new landscapes but establishing new visual perspectives.”

She also reflected on her struggles and the challenges she faced in the film industry, underlining the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s passion. Her talk resonated with students, showcasing how life’s setbacks can fuel artistic inspiration. This engaging session was not just a discussion of film and storytelling but also a feast of life wisdom.

“Director Wong shared her experience collaborating with an anesthesiologist-turned-actress during the filming of Revisit, which was a profound insight for me. I came to realize that interdisciplinary collaboration is not a limitation but a wellspring of creativity. It sparks innovative ideas and ignites the brilliance of new possibilities. This perspective deepened my understanding that ‘innovation’ is not born out of thin air but is the artful transformation of existing experiences and life into fresh and meaningful outcomes.” – Shalimar Liang (FBA – International Integrated Resort Management)

“Director Wong shared her life story with us, showcasing her courage to pursue her own path in filmmaking despite her parents’ opposition. As an unknown online fiction writer, I, too, have faced moments of confusion, struggling to balance my studies while trying to maintain my passion for writing. During this period of creative drought, I sought advice from Director Wong. Her thoughtful response not only sparked new ideas but also helped me rediscover my direction in writing.” – Audrey Shi (FLL – Law in Chinese Language)

“After listening to Director Wong’s story, I deeply realized that even when the reality of my current self feels far removed from the dreams within my heart, and even when the journey to achieving those dreams is fraught with challenges and obstacles, steadfast perseverance can make all the difference. By taking every step with determination and purpose, I can gradually move closer to the shores of my aspirations. This unwavering effort is not only a pursuit of my dreams but also the truest tribute to the hopeful version of myself that I once envisioned.” – Wendy Chen (FHS – Pharmaceutical Science)