Iranian film industry icon Jafar Panahi will attend the 35th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) to commemorate the lifting of the 14-year travel ban. The festival’s lineup spotlights Singapore’s emerging talent and international filmmakers.
The festival will open with director Yeoh Siu Hua’s Stranger Eyes, the first Singaporean film to premiere in main competition at the Venice Film Festival.
Director Panahi will be receiving the festival’s Honorary Film Award, which recognizes filmmakers who have made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to Asian cinema, and will participate in an exclusive conversation session. Several of his films will be screened, including “The Circle” and “This Is Not a Film.”
Director Panahi said, “It is an incredible honor to be selected as the recipient of the SGIFF Film Honor Award.” “Since visiting the festival in 1998 with my film The Mirror, I have been passionate about this festival, which aims to foster and encourage emerging filmmakers and film critics while promoting Asian filmmaking. I have been deeply impressed by his accomplishments.”
The festival will introduce new initiatives under the leadership of new general manager Jeremy Chua. These include the debut of Mediacorp artist Rebecca Lim as the inaugural Festival Ambassador, and the revamped Audience Choice Awards for Singaporean films and co-producers.
“As a big supporter of Singaporean cinema, I am excited to be a part of SGIFF as its inaugural ambassador,” said Mr Lim. “Our local creators have a unique ability to capture the essence of everyday reality as well as dreams and aspirations.”
Mr Chua, a prolific producer whose films are regularly selected at A-list film festivals including Cannes, added: Our extraordinary homegrown talent. ”
The festival will screen over 30 Singapore and Singapore-made feature and short films. Notable entries include “Spirit World,” starring Catherine Deneuve and directed by Eric Koo, which closes the Busan International Film Festival. Other notable films include Mike Wiluan’s “Orang Icang,” Duong Du Linh’s “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” and Wong Chengxi’s “City of Small Blessings.”
Director Wiruan said, “We are extremely honored that ‘Orang Ikang’ has been selected as SGIFF’s Southeast Asian premiere. Thanks to the support of the Singapore Film Commission, we are proud to be able to screen this film on our home turf. ”
Director Lin said: “As a Vietnamese who considers Singapore his second home and who has built his entire filmmaking career while living here, I am extremely honored to be able to share ‘Don’t Cry, Butterfly’ with my friends and colleagues. I’m proud and happy,” he added.
The opening film, “Stranger Eyes,” depicts the lives of a couple grappling with the disappearance of their child and the unsettling arrival of a mysterious DVD recording their private moments. Director Yeo said: “SGIFF has been really important to me throughout my career as a filmmaker, and I’ve shown every film here since my first film. It’s a real honor to have my film included in this festival. .”
The revamped Audience Choice Awards are now open only to Singapore Films and Singaporean co-productions, and are aimed at raising the profile of local filmmakers and increasing their chances of securing local distribution deals. There is.
Highlighting the festival’s commitment to local films, SGIFF’s program director Tong Kay Wee said: “SGIFF always showcases Singaporean cinema and encourages local filmmakers to share their stories with local and international audiences. We have taken great pride in providing a platform. This year’s selection of local films reflects the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that define our vibrant film industry.”
The full program lineup will be released from October 28th, and the festival will run from November 28th to December 8th.