Dated: 5 May 2016
Mediapolis @ one-north will also be showcased
The Media Development Authority (MDA) will be leading a contingent of eight local production companies to promote a slate of over 20 film projects at Cannes Film Market (13 –24 May). The eight companies participating under the Singapore Pavilion at Cannes are Akanga Film Asia, Axxis, gsmprjct°média, Hot Cider Films, Infinite Frameworks, Monsoon Pictures, Oak3 Films and Upside Down Concepts.
Said Dr Christopher Chia, MDA's Chief Executive Officer: "From a production perspective, the number of Singapore-produced films has been steadily growing over the years;from a mere two productions in 1995 to 12 feature films in 2007 and now, more than 20 local productions will be represented at the Cannes Film Market. This is a direct result of several co-investment schemes developed by the Singapore Government, including the New Feature Film Fund and the Stereoscopic 3D Film Development Fund, as well as media financing options through the S$1.3 billion (US$0.9 billion) private equity anchored in Singapore to date."
Among the slate promoted at Cannes is Ho Tzu Nyen's HERE, which is being screened in the Directors’ Fortnight section and in consideration for the Golden Camera Award, which recognises the Best First Feature of the festival. HERE is produced by gsmprjct°média, M’GO Films, Akanga Film Asia, Oak3 Films and Tzulogical Films. Its screening at Cannes will mark the film’s world premiere and is the fifth consecutive year that at least one Singapore film is selected for showcase or in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. HERE's theatrical release in Singapore is scheduled for this June.
The Singapore Film Commission (SFC), an agency under MDA, will also be promoting the nine film projects green-lit last year under its New Feature Film Fund. These include the recently completed Blood Ties 还魂, which marks the directorial debut for Chai Yee Wei. The thriller is a co-production between Oak3 Films, Hot Cider Films and SFC, and stars talented newcomer Joo Yee Leong and veteran Hong Kong 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). The film, produced by Lim Suat Yen for Oak3 Films, is tentatively scheduled for theatrical release in September 2009.
The Singapore film slate also includes Amphibious, the first stereoscopic 3D film to be developed out of Singapore, which will be directed by world-renowned fantasy filmmaker Brian Yuzna and will star Bosco Francis (My Magic) as a fanatic Elvis Presley fan sea captain who battles a gigantic sea scorpion in a visual effects-laden action-adventure tale.
Another title is Freedom Formula: Ghost of the Wasteland, based on the comic book series created by Edmund Shern, about a futuristic genetically engineered racer who learns that his bloodline has the power to change society. The film is the first Singapore intellectual property to be developed into a tent-pole film franchise by Hollywood's New Regency studio. It will be co-produced by Bryan Singer’s production company Bad Hat Harry Productions and will be developed as a potential directing vehicle for Bryan Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns). Barry Levine, founder of Radical Publishing, is attached to produce with Jesse Berger and Michael Zoumas (Coraline, Mimic) attached as executive producers.
Please see the Annex for listings of the Singapore film slate.
Mediapolis @ one-north
This year, MDA’s expedition to Cannes has an additional agenda. Together with JTC Corporation, MDA will be promoting Mediapolis @ one-north, a 19-hectare self-contained media cluster with an array of soundstages, digital post-production facilities and R&D labs. Positioned as the infrastructural conduit that will enable Singapore to host international media players and big-budget projects, Mediapolis @ one-north is targeting full completion by 2020. Its first tenant is award-winning Singapore media company, Infinite Frameworks, which is currently developing a soundstage and digital studio complex that is slated to be ready by 2011.
Visit the Singapore Pavilion during Cannes Film Market at C9, Riviera Hall in the Palais des Festival in Cannes, France.
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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
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