David Ma

@davidmaa and I needed @willywonkarwai to take a photo of us for the @screennsw short to feature announcement and we got a little bit carried away 🤔 🎀🕺

Announcing the six films that are part of our curation for the Sydney Cinematheque at @artgalleryofnsw - New Perspectives in Asian-Australian cinema! The selection features a variety of 6 diverse shorts by Sydney-based filmmakers of different diasporas. The line-up includes: THE DANCING GIRL & THE BALLOON MAN - dir. David Ma (@davidmaa ) TO FLY A KITE - dir. Berni Jiang (@berni.jiang ) ASIAN GIRLS - dir. Hyun Lee (@hyunleeee ) MARROW - dir. Diamond Tat (@diamond_tat ) CHINATOWN’S LAST EMPEROR dir. Tyler Kang (@tks.studio ) LUCKY PEACH - dir. Grace Tan (@graceytt ) These filmmakers and their films have been featured at SXSW, MIFF, Clermont-Ferrand, BFI London and more. The films cross genres (including a documentary, horror and experimental short) and range between experienced filmmakers to young up-and-coming directors exploring their unique cinematic voices. All of these shorts have a completely unique perspective on the place of their perspective diasporas in modern Australia. Sydney Cinematheque, AGNSW, Sydney Wednesday, April 15th, 6pm Curated by Celeste. With support of Ruby Arrowsmith-Todd (AGNSW) Tickets now available via the link in bio!

ANNOUNCEMENT: CIFF and ACMI will present seven short films in a one-off screening celebrating a new generation of Chinese-Australian filmmakers who are making their mark across both national and global cinema. The award-winning selections span 2012 to 2024 and have premiered at Festival de Cannes, Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London, MIFF and more. Featuring filmmakers from across the Australian diaspora, alongside directors from Singapore and mainland China who have lived and worked in Australia, the program explores the ideas and experiences shaping contemporary Chinese-Australian youth identity. The screening will also be followed by a panel discussion moderated by artist and curator Nikki Lam (@curiousother ) with filmmakers from the program. Featuring: FARAWAYS (2012) — dir. Audrey Lam IDOL (2020) — dir. Alex Wu (@aoxunw ) THE DANCING GIRL & THE BALLOON MAN (2023) — dir. David Ma (@davidmaa ) BONG XI FA CAI (2024) — dir. Johnathan Lo (@willywonkarwai ) WITHERED BLOSSOMS (2024) — dir. Lionel Seah (@lionel.seah ) A GENTLE NIGHT (2017) — dir. Qiu Yang (@whosqiuyang ) TUI NA (2022) — dir. William Duan (@dpphnx ) Curated by Victor Tang (CIFF), with support from Ella Cawthorn (ACMI). Where: ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne When: Thursday, March 26, 7.30pm Book tickets now via link in bio 🔗

"From the onset I wanted to shoot in an observational documentary style with unobtrusive long lenses." @davidmaa speaks to DN about developing his documentary style cinematography so key to the voyeuristic feel of 'The Dancing Girl and The Balloon Man', his short film where romance blooms between a dim sum shop assistant and a street performer in Sydney's bustling Chinatown. Watch it & read our full interview with David over on DN ⏯️ // Credits // Production company: Floating Leaf Pictures David Ma - Director - @davidmaa Georgia Noe - Producer - @georgiayesnoe Johnathan Lo - Executive Producer, Actor - @willywonkarwai Robyn Liu - Actor - @robynjliu Cinematographer - @jackmcavoy Production Designer - @lauraisabelmurray 1st AD: @stuart.beedie Costume Designer: @andrew.fraser Hair and Makeup Artist: @ameeliaeve Gaffer: Nico Nalbandian 1st AC: @camxrobertson Translator: @yaoyao11cn Script Supervisor: @fernmeisim Colorist: @yannikronenberg Sound designer: Liam Egan Composer: @sydyson @nerdiecuzz Titles Designer: @w__h____

The Dancing Girl and the Balloon Man is now live on @nowness . We poured a lot of love into this film. Give it a watch :) Link in bio. Writer, Director, Editor: David Ma Producer: @georgiayesnoe Executive Producers: @ash_fails @willywonkarwai @ying.says Associate Producers: @deb_zhou @yummyhenry Cinematographer: @jackmcavoy Production Designer: @laura.murrrr 1st AD: @stuart.beedie Costume Designer: @andrew.fraser Hair and Makeup Artist: @ameeliaeve Gaffer: Nico Nalbandian B Cam operator: @2manypeppers 1st AC: @camxrobertson Translator: @yaoyao11cn Script Supervisor: @fernmeisim Colorist: @yannikronenberg Sound designer: Liam Egan Composer: @sydyson @nerdiecuzz Titles Designer: @w__h____ BTS stills: @jeremy.mov

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that To Become a Lion has won @thewebbyawards People’s Voice Winner in Video & Film - Best Art Direction   This film is a love letter to the incredible artistry of Western Sydney’s lion dance troupe, @jinwukoon , and the rich tradition they keep alive through every performance. What began as a way to ward off evil spirits has become a powerful celebration of culture, identity, and community.   The film was created to announce the commissioning of @jinwukoon to design and craft a custom dragon and lions for the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta in 2026.   A huge thank you to everyone who voted and supported in this story. And of course — to the talented team who brought it to life, congratulations.   Director: @davidmaa Released in partnership with @nytopinion   Full credits 🔗 in bio.

Powerhouse has released a short film ‘To Become A Lion’ in partnership with @nytimes Op-Docs. Directed by Sydney filmmaker @davidmaa to celebrate a major new commission with Sydney-based lion dance troupe @jinwukoon which features a bespoke collection of Chinese lion and dragon costumes and a program of performance for the opening of @powerhouseparramatta in 2025. Watch the film in the link in bio.

The Dancing Girl and The Balloon Man will be screening in competition at @sydfilmfest my beloved hometown festival! I’m so proud to have made this with my brilliant collaborators, this film belongs to all of you. Special shoutout to @georgiayesnoe @willywonkarwai @robynjliu Juliana Zhuang, @yuxinjia5 @jackmcavoy @lauraisabelmurray @stuart.beedie @andrew.fraser @ameeliaeve Nico Nalbandian @camxrobertson - a real ride or die crew. And my close friends and family members that contributed to this film, love you. Writer, Director, Editor: me Producer: @georgiayesnoe Cinematographer: @jackmcavoy Production Designer: @lauraisabelmurray 1st AD: @stuart.beedie Costume Designer: @andrew.fraser Hair and Makeup Artist: @ameeliaeve Gaffer: Nico Nalbandian 1st AC: @camxrobertson Translator: @yaoyao11cn Script Supervisor: @fernmeisim Colorist: @yannikronenberg Sound designer: Liam Egan Composer: @sydyson @nerdiecuzz Titles Designer: @w__h____

Honoured to have our humble little film, Yao Yao Goes To Little Bay, in this year’s Sydney Film Festival Dendy Awards. Thank you to all the cast and crew. So many people contributed their skills and talents to this film. Forever indebted to everyone who helped set up gazebos, hold umbrellas, and lug equipment across the beach. This film is a product of your hard work and generosity. Special thanks to my mentors @2manypeppers , @screenkate , and @jackmcavoy . You raise me up so i can stand on mountains <3 Most of all, I’m so proud of @willywonkarwai . What gorgeous words you wrote, and then you brought them to life with $3k and your unyielding grind$et. Floating Leaf 4eva. Producers: @georgiayesnoe and John and me Cinematographer: me ✌️ 1st AC: @2manypeppers Gaffer: @screenkate 1st AD: @jjjrrrrddddd 2nd ADs: @reuben.ward , Angus Jin Hair and Make-up: @not___margaret Editor: Me and John Colour Grade: @yannikronenberg Sound Recordist: James Longhurst Sound Designer: @nerdiecuzz Production Assistants: @1300.info , @ollierodden Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte by Ravel was played by - @gracejjohnson Title card and credits: @hey__eva Stills Photographer: nerdie again Catering: @darcystproject

The film @rebeccaametcalf and I made about the aftermath of the bushfires has been nominated for a Young Walkley in the visual storytelling category! We followed three people in the South Coast town of Mogo in the immediate aftermath of the fires, and then over a period of six months. We’re eternally grateful to the generous people and community who let us into their lives as well as @thefeedsbs for letting us make it. Link in bio to watch the documentary, and a link to financially support Mogo’s ongoing recovery.