Dated: 8 May 2008
Producers Network lined up to facilitate co-productions and foster stronger business ties
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) is presenting a key networking session for Singapore producers at the upcoming Marché du Film, the leading international film market held in conjunction with the prestigious Cannes Film Festival from 14 - 23 May 2008 in France.
The Producers Network is a program dedicated to bringing together producers in Cannes to facilitate opportunities for international co-productions. MDA will host the Singapore Spotlight session on 21 May, which will comprise 200 producers participating in the breakfast meeting, which is part of a series of daily events. The sessions will provide an opportunity for round-table thematic discussions with special guests-of-honour, and attended by high profile distributors, sellers, financiers and talent agents.
A delegation of six Singapore companies - comprising animation, CG, documentary and independent filmmakers, producers and marketers - will promote a line-up of 20 Made-by-Singapore film projects. Included in this diverse line up are Brother No. 2 by Oak3 Films, a feature documentary about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia;The Gene Generation by Ascension Pictures, a sci-fi Hollywood production directed by Singaporean Pearry Teo and The Vintage Film Company’s The Carrot Cake Conversations which showcases Singapore’s location and dynamic culture as four strangers bond over a plate of carrot cake. This is the fifth time MDA is leading a delegation of Singapore companies to the Marché du Film.
Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer of MDA said: “This year’s featured Made-by-Singapore projects show a diversity of the local film industry’s content from animation, drama to multi-lingual feature films. Such content puts Singapore on the international stage to both Asian and Western audiences who are increasingly seeking unique cultural experiences.”
Continuing Singapore filmmakers’ strong showing at international film festivals is My Magic, which has been nominated for the highest accolade at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or (Golden Palm). Eric Khoo’s latest film, which was supported by the Singapore Film Commission, is about a down-and-out magician seeking to mend ties with his estranged teenage son. It is also only one of two Asian films in the main competition.
Last year, Ah Ma (Grandma) by Anthony Chen had the distinction of being one of only 11 short films chosen from a pool of over 3,000 entries for the Palm d’Or Short Film award. The film went on to receive the Special Mention.
Added Dr Chia: “The distinction that Singapore films such as My Magic is gaining exemplifies the growth and internationalization that MDA aims to develop for the film industry in Singapore.”
The MDA Singapore pavilion is located at C9, Riviera Hall.
Please see the Annex for the list of participating companies.
- End -
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
.webp)