Dated: 3 October 2008
Singapore’s first co-production film with Japan among slate of projects selected
For possessing a latent talent to carry a truly Singapore-made tale that can potentially travel beyond Singapore shores, nine budding directors have each received S$250,000 to direct their feature-length film under the Singapore Film Commission’s (SFC’s) New Feature Film Fund.
Funnyman Alaric Tay (“Thunder Boys”), currently starring as “Andre Chicak” in MediaCorp’s “The Noose”;Ellery Ngiam (“Forgotten Tears”);T T Dhavamanni (“24 Hours of Anger”);Boo Junfeng (“Sandcastle”);Yee-Wei Chai (“Blood Ties”);Yong Mun Chee (“Look Both Ways”);Mika G Yamaji (“Koi”);Wee Li Lin (“Forever”) and Chen-Hsi Wong (“The Innocents –A Time for Youth”) make up the inaugural cohort of nine directors selected.
Except for Wee Li Lin (“Gone Shopping”), the awardees are all venturing into feature films for the first time. All awardees are also writer-directors who either wrote or conceptualised the script for their winning stories.
Out of 39 applications that the SFC received in July this year, 24 were shortlisted for pitching to a panel of judges comprising Mr Kenneth Tan, Director, Singapore Film Commission and Chief Operating Officer, Media Development Authority of Singapore;Mr Michael Werner, Co-Chairman, Fortissimo Films and Ms Maria Lorenzo, General Manager, Golden Village Pictures. Nine finally made the cut.
“The final nine reveal that there is indeed a dormant pool of hidden creative talent among filmmakers in Singapore,” said Mr Kenneth Tan. “The final line-up presents a balanced slate of genres -- ranging from comedy to drama and social commentary, and touching on the supernatural, horror and crime. Refreshing in tone and unique in content, they masterfully capture the myriad scent and flavours of Singapore life. Each a gem of a tale;and many of them pure Singapore stories that can be told only by Singaporeans. We are very hopeful that these films will travel and find a place in the hearts of an international audience.”
Kindly see Annex A for details of selected films, and Annex B for the full list of awardees and synopses of films.
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Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg
Singapore Film Commission (SFC)
The Singapore Film Commission (SFC) is an agency under the Media Development Authority (MDA) which facilitates and assists in film development for Singapore. The SFC's key areas of focus are: Funding, Facilitation and Promotion. Its mission is to nurture, support, and promote Singapore talent in film-making, the production of Singapore films, and a film industry in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.sfc.org.sg.
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