Dated: 26 February 2009
First film under the Singapore Film Commission’s New Feature Film Fund due for a theatrical release
Production of the first of nine films –Blood Ties 還魂 - under the Singapore Film Commission’s (SFC) New Feature Film Fund will begin principal photography on 1 March 2009. The announcement was made today following the traditional Chinese prayer ceremony held yesterday.
The all-star ensemble cast of Blood Ties 還魂 includes talented newcomer, Joo Yee Leong and Hong Kong veteran actors Cheng Pei-Pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Kenneth Tsang (Memoirs of a Geisha), along with local actors David Leong (Painted Skin), Vincent Tee (Singapore Dreaming) and Maggie Tan (Becoming Royston).
Helmed by first-time feature film director, Chai Yee Wei, Blood Ties is a thriller with a supernatural twist. It is a co-production between Oak3 Films, Hot Cider Films, and SFC. It is tentatively scheduled for a theatrical release in end of July 2009.
The film is being produced by Lim Suat Yen from Oak3 Films, whose production credits include The Missing Star, Chicken Rice War and That One No Enough. It is executive produced by Zaihirat Banu Codelli, and Lai Jason from Oak3 Films and Chai Yee Wei from Hot Cider Films who also wrote the original screenplay.
Ms Zaihirat Banu Codelli, Executive Producer, Oak3 Films said: “We are delighted to be supporting Yee Wei’s feature directorial debut and the opportunity to bring his original work to the big screen. This production is a good blend of highly experienced and aspiring cast and crew. Blood Ties promises to tease audiences with unexpected twists and turns.”
Blood Ties 還魂 stars 14-year-old Joo Yee Leong as Qin, who is possessed by her dead brother, Shun, to exact revenge on the seventh day of his death. Cheng Pei-Pei stars as Madam Lee, coping with the recent death of her son, Shun, played by David Leong. The film also stars Kenneth Tsang as Woon, a senior ranking police officer, and Vincent Tee as Shen, Shun’s partner.
Chai Yee Wei, Director said: “This project has been in the works for two years and I am just so grateful that we are finally shooting the film now. Hopefully I will be able to craft a film that will make everyone, the cast, the crew and all those who have sacrified so much, proud.”
“As the first film to commence production under the New Feature Film Fund, Blood Ties marks a milestone in our burgeoning film industry. We hope that this production will provide inspiration and encouragement for emerging talents to take the step forward and produce their debut film under the fund. What makes it more compelling is the opportunity to work with industry veterans who have a strong background in film production,” said Kenneth Tan, Director, SFC and the Media Development Authority of Singapore’s Chief Operating Officer.
Launched by SFC last year, the New Feature Film Fund aims to provide first-time Singapore filmmakers with the opportunity to direct their feature film in collaboration with experienced film production companies. Beyond production costs, the New Feature Film Fund also provides up to S$20,000 in funding support for first time feature film directors to market their film, upon completion of the final film.
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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) that facilitates and assists 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
Oak3 Films Pte Ltd
Founded in 1996 in Singapore by Suat Yen Lim, Zaihirat Banu and Jason Lai, Oak3 Films has an established reputation for high quality work in the region. In 2004, Oak3 Films embarked on a first ever Germany - Singapore co-production, House of Harmony, a 2 part mini series with FFP New Media GmbH and ZDF. Adapted from a novel by international best-selling author, Barbara Wood, this series premiered on ZDF to 6 million viewers throughout Europe. Missing Star, a feature film co-production with Cattleya Films (Italy) alongside award-winning Italian director Gianni Amelio, shot in China and Italy, was in competition and premiered to a worldwide audience at the 2006 Venice Film Festival. It was also screened at Toronto Film Festival in the Masters Section. In 2006, Oak3 Films partnered with RGM holdings and Furst Films, to associate produce Girl in the Park, adapted from a novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and director, David Auburn, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kate Bosworth, shot in the United States.
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