F7. Best Editing (Nominee)
SLATE
From Sal Mak
A young woman meets an unexplainable predicament of drawing blank Mahjong tiles, launching her into a surreal, alternate world that leaves more questions than answers.
I'm currently a Law and Media student at UNSW, growing up in Hong Kong with a multilingual background. Previously in 2024, my film 'Mid Autumn Forever was nominated for the same category - with my crew now growing from 2 to 7 people for 'SLATE'. My projects often explore my upbringing, family, loss and mortality through experimental cinematography, unconventional narratives and absurd comedy. My crew also consists of students of multicultural heritage, reflecting authentic, shared experiences.
What inspired you and your work?
‘SLATE' uses Mahjong as a central motif, reflecting a cultural staple of my Cantonese background. The narrative was particularly influenced by my grandparents in the contrasting images of Mahjong games and hospitals, as well as my mother's recollection of dark, smoky Mahjong rooms in her childhood. My creative inspiration came from shows like M*A*S*H, and films including Mahjong Horoki, Citizen Kane, Edward II and A Clockwork Orange.