Made-By-Singapore Films Going International

Made-by-Singapore films garnered a new record to date at the recent Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market) from 17 - 27 May 2006. Led by the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the Singapore Film Commission (SFC), the Singapore delegation of nine filmmakers, ten production companies and an impressive line-up of 30 projects (completed and in development) witnessed successful sales of titles to 28 countries and received strong interest from 22 countries.

From the slew of Singapore films which were showcased at Cannes this year, titles such as Zodiac, The Race Begins…,Legend of the Sea, One Last Dance, February 29, I Not Stupid Too, Cages and 1942 secured successful sales to countries such as China, France, India, The United Kingdom (UK) and The United States of America (US), to name a few. More information on the deals/ interests achieved by the Singapore production companies can be found at Annex A.

Commenting on the success of Singapore films at Cannes 2006, Mr Man Shu Sum, Director of SFC and Director of MDA, Broadcast &Film said, “Asian content is the current interest of every film market in the world. The increasing awareness and demand for Singapore-made products at this important trade event for the international film market is an endorsement of Singapore’s unique cinematography that has qualities that can cross language barriers, appeal to international audiences, and more importantly, capitalise on the rising wave for Asian content. Our participation not only gave local filmmakers the opportunity to meet with international distributors to learn more about new trends in filmmaking as well as a better understanding of co-production demands and partnerships, it has certainly heightened the visibility and profile of Singapore filmmakers in the international film fraternity.”

Riding on the success in Cannes, Singapore films are next making their foray into the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), one of China’s foremost film festivals. From 17 - 25 June 2006, three Singapore films, The Maid (Kelvin Tong, Horror), S11 (Gilbert Chan, Dark Comedy) and I Not Stupid Too (Jack Neo, Satirical Comedy) will be screened at SIFF under the International Film Panorama category. The SIFF presents an excellent opportunity for Singapore films to gain exposure in China, where screening of foreign films is limited. Further drumming up Singapore’s presence in the Chinese film market, Mr Man Shu Sum will speak at a roundtable session on the third day of SIFF, where he will introduce Singapore film industry to more than 80 members of the international film industry. Mr Man will be visiting the Shanghai International Television and Film Market together with eight representatives from four Singapore production companies, namely Sitting In Pictures, Red Ink Media, The Right Angle and 6-6-8.

The contingent is supported by MDA’s Market Development Scheme that encourages Singapore media companies to tap new markets abroad. It will leverage on the platform to make further inroads into the China market, seek out partnerships, renew contacts and meet key Chinese government officials and independent media players. Please refer to Annex B for the list of films that will be screened at SIFF.

For more information, please contact:

Ms Tessa Monteiro
Manager, Communications
Media Development Authority
Tel: (65) 6837 9757
Email: tessa_mae_monteiro@imda.gov.sg

Ms Chia Pei Siang
Manager, Communications
Media Development Authority
Tel: (65) 6837 9010
Email: chia_pei_siang@imda.gov.sg

Ms Phoebe Seow
Assistant Director, Communications
Media Development Authority
Tel: (65) 6837 9369
Email: phoebe_seow@imda.gov.sg