Dated: 21 September 2007
China and Singapore are set to co-organise each other’s film festivals, starting with the first-ever Singapore Film Festival in China in October. This was announced by Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority of Singapore at a press conference in Beijing today.
A major activity under the Singapore Season in China 2007 umbrella, the Singapore Film Festival will present a diverse line-up of six Made-by-Singapore films by award-winning directors such as Royston Tan, Jack Neo, Djinn Ong and Kelvin Tong. Jack Neo’sI Not Stupid Too will open the Singapore Film Festival in Beijing (13 – 18 October 2007).
On the collaboration with the Film Bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), Dr Chia said: "This is an example of the steps we are taking to further open the doors for cultural and information exchange. The Singapore Film Festival is an excellent opportunity for China audiences to gain a greater understanding of our society and the issues facing contemporary Singapore. We also look forward to hosting the Chinese film festival next year.”
Mr Luan Guozhi, Director of International Cooperation, Film Bureau of SARFT said: “The six films selected for the Festival all embody their own personal unique styles, and delve into the nuances of life from different themes and angles. I truly believe that the Singapore Film Festival can help Chinese audiences to better understand Singapore, the beautiful country, her people, as well as their customs. As a result, we can build even stronger ties between the people in China and Singapore.”
Building upon the buzz created by the Singapore Film Festival is a series of MDA-led activities aimed at fostering cooperation between China and Singapore and facilitating business collaborations in all media sectors.
Top on the business agenda is the inaugural China-Singapore Media Business Forum in Beijing on 13 October 2007, where delegates from China and Singapore media companies are expected to network and get updated on the progress of the media sectors, including developments in the fast-growing Interactive Digital Media sector. The forum will feature some 12 Chinese and Singapore speakers sharing insights on investment and business opportunities, as well as government policies relevant to the media industry in both countries.
At the Government-to-Government level, MDA will be sealing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) within the next few months to promote bilateral media co-operation. The MOUs will provide a framework to facilitate business development for both countries' media industry players, as well as to promote each country’s media output and expertise.
Dr Chia said: “Singapore Season in China 2007 is a milestone event which will see China and Singapore collaborate on multiple levels. There is ample opportunity for Singapore to partner Chinese media talents and business given our shared linguistic and cultural links. What makes us different is our unique East-West sensibility and a cosmopolitan outlook grounded in our multi-cultural Asian heritage. These not only add a different perspective to the creative process in media projects, but also make Singapore an ideal gateway for China companies looking to expand beyond their shores. We hope Singapore Season in China 2007 will pave the way for deeper industry exchanges and business collaborations.”
For more information on Singapore’s film industry, refer to Annex 1.
For more information on the Singapore Film Festival, refer to Annex 2.
For more information on the China – Singapore Media Business Forum, refer to Annex 3.
About Singapore Season, China
First launched in London in 2005, Singapore Season is a cultural diplomacy effort to raise awareness of Singapore as a multi-cultural global city and showcase its global connectivity and attractiveness as a place to live, work and play. The patron of Singapore Season is Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Singapore Season London 2005 spanned six weeks and featured performances by Singapore arts groups and artistes at key arts venues, as well as associated events such as the Singapore Conference, the Singapore Evening, the naming of the Uniquely Singapore Clipper, the Singapore Season Film Week and the Singapore Food Festival.
Singapore Season in China 2007 is the second in the series of overseas ventures. Through the programmes, Singapore companies operating in China, and vice versa, will find the Season an excellent platform for generating higher brand profile and awareness especially in Beijing and Shanghai. Since China and Singapore established diplomatic relations more than ten years ago, economic cooperation between the two countries has grown steadily and is expected to increase further. China is now Singapore’s third largest trading partner and top foreign investment destination.
Singapore Season in China 2007 is organised by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council, in collaboration with Contact Singapore, DesignSingapore, Economic Development Board, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, International Enterprise Singapore, Media Development Authority of Singapore, Ministry of Trade and Industry, People’s Association, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore Tourism Board, SPRING Singapore and Urban Redevelopment Authority.
For more information on Singapore Season, visit www.singaporeseason.com
About 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/www.smf.sg.
About State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT)
The State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) is an executive branch under the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. It takes charge of the country's radio, television and film industry as well as supervises China National Radio, China Radio International and China Central Television directly. Other organisations under the direct purview of SARFT include: the China Film Group Corporation, the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe, the China Council for TV Art, the Academy of Broadcasting Science, the Broadcasting Design Institute, the Radio &Television Publishing House, the China Film Art Centre and the Information and Network Centre.
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Beijing
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Huanyu Wu
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In Singapore: Media Development Authority
Phoebe Seow
Assistant Director
Communications
Tel. ：+65 6837 9369
Email:
phoebe_seow@imda.gov.sg
Jasmine Wong
Assistant Manager
Communications
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Email:
jasmine_wong@imda.gov.sg
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