Introduction to the Singapore International Film Festival
The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is set to kick off from November 26th to December 7th, featuring over 110 films from more than 45 countries. This year’s festival is particularly exciting, with a focus on Singaporean talent and a diverse range of films from around the world.
Argentine Filmmaker Lucrecia Martel to Chair the Jury
Argentine filmmaker Lucrecia Martel will serve as the jury chairwoman for the festival’s 10-panel Asian competition. Martel is a renowned filmmaker known for her unique storytelling style and will bring her expertise to the judging panel. She will also present her first non-fiction work, "Our Earth," during the festival.
Expanded Asian Feature Film Competition
The Asian Feature Film (AFF) competition has been expanded to include filmmakers from all stages of their careers. Previously, the competition only selected up-and-coming filmmakers who had directed a maximum of three feature films. This year’s lineup includes a diverse range of films, including "amoeba" by Tan Siyou, "Mag Mag" by Yuriyan Retriever, and "Always" by Chen Deming, which won the CPH:DOX award.
Films in the Asian Feature Film Competition
The competition lineup also features films from Thailand, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Some notable films include "A useful mind" by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, which won the Grand Prize at Cannes Critics’ Week, and "Cactus pears" by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, which won the Sundance World Cinema Grand Jury Prize. Other films in the competition include "Human Resources" by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, "Form of Momo" by Tribeny Rai, and "Black rabbit, white rabbit" by Shahram Mokri.
Singaporean Talent Takes Center Stage
The festival will feature a strong lineup of Singaporean films, with 30 feature and short film titles showcased. The "Singapore Panorama" section will open with "The old man and his car" by Michael Kam, which stars veteran actors Lim Kay Tong and Richard Low. Other local titles making their world premiere at the festival include "sandbox" by James Thoo, "At home at work" by Adar Ng and Dave Lim, and "Cendol" by Qi Yuwu.
Increased Focus on Local Short Films
The festival has doubled its local short film selection compared to last year, presenting a total of 28 works in the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition and Singapore Panorama. This increased focus on local short films demonstrates the festival’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing Singaporean talent.
Conclusion
The Singapore International Film Festival promises to be an exciting event, with a diverse range of films from around the world and a strong focus on Singaporean talent. With Lucrecia Martel at the helm of the jury and a expanded Asian Feature Film competition, this year’s festival is not to be missed.
