Dated: 3 March 2010
Four new films will be awarded funding by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) under its New Feature Film Fund (NFFF). Chosen from 46 applications, the four films are Endless Day directed by Ho Tzu Nyen; Get Meaty directed by Han Yew Kwang; Camera directed by James Leong and Causeway by Alson Ho, a 20-year production veteran and award-winning television commercial director making his directorial debut. Please refer to the Annex A for more details on the projects.
Ho Tzu Nyen’s Here was selected for Directors’ Fortnight at last year’s Cannes Film Festival while James Leong’s forte is in documentaries, having garnered local and international festival attention with works such as Passabe (2006), and Homeless FC (2007). Han Yew Kwang’s television film 18 Grams of Love, which also made waves in the international festival circuit, was well-received by local audiences for its quirky humour and local flavour.
Commenting on this year’s selection, Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority said, “Local films have been gaining traction in the international film circuit in the last five years with participation rates more than doubling from 30 in 2004 to over 70 in 2008. We believe that our filmmakers are now ready for the next step in filmmaking, creating commercially viable content for both the local and international mainstream audience. And this year’s shortlisted films epitomize this strategy as it gives these new and emerging directors a chance to hone their expertise and bring Singapore stories, told from a Singapore perspective, to life for a global audience.”
All four projects, currently in various stages of development, are slated to receive up to 50% of their respective total production budgets or a maximum of $500,000. Similar to the inaugural round of funding in 2008, recipients can tap on an additional amount of up to $30,000 for advertising and promoting the films in Singapore.
In 2008, the SFC selected nine projects for funding under the NFFF. Of these, Blood Ties, directed by Chai Yee Wei, saw a theatrical release last September, while Look Both Ways, directed by Yong Mun Chee, has completed post-production. 24 Hours of Anger, directed by award-winning television veteran T.T. Dhavamanni will premiere in local cinemas in April this year, while Wee Li Lin’s Forever is currently in editing. Sandcastle by Boo Junfeng is also in editing and will be represented worldwide outside Singapore by Fortissimo Films. Koi, to be directed by Mika G. Yamaji, and Thunder Boys, to be directed by Alaric Tay, are still in development. Please refer to Annex B for information on 24 Hours of Anger and Forever.
Annexes
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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 Trusted Global Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote industry growth in film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animationand 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.
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