Dated: 6 May 2010
Riding on Asia’s growing presence in the international film scene, the Media Development Authority (MDA) will be promoting a slate of 102 film projects, of which 25 are new titles from both established and up-and-coming local filmmakers at the Marché du Film or Cannes Film Market which runs from 12 to 21 May in Cannes, France. This figure marks a 25% increase in the number of new films headed up to Cannes compared to 2009. Please see the Annex for listings of the new films.
From romantic comedies and adventure flicks to animation features and thrillers, these new film projects cover a wide spectrum of genres as well as storylines and include a mix of both completed and in-production titles. Examples of in- production titles include Neon Sign, the first Singapore-China-Korea film co-production funded through MDA’s International Film Fund, and Bait, Singapore’s first stereoscopic 3D action thriller co-produced by Singapore’s BlackMagic Design, and the first film under the Australia-Singapore co-production treaty. Bait, which is currently in pre-production, has been pre-sold to over 24 territories worldwide.
Commenting on the new slate of films, Dr Christopher Chia, MDA's Chief Executive Officer said: “As the local film sector matures and the filmmaking community becomes increasingly business–savvy, more of our media players are concentrating on co-producing commercially viable, internationally marketable projects. In fact, of the 25 new titles that we are bringing to the Market, two-thirds are currently in various stages of production”.
Among the slate promoted at Cannes are those supported through the Singapore Film Commission’s New Feature Film Fund (NFFF). They include Boo Junfeng’s Sandcastle, which is screening at the Cannes International Critics’ Week and is also in the running for the Camera d’or or Golden Camera award, a distinction for best first feature film in any one of the Cannes’ selections - the Official Selection, the Directors' Fortnight or the International Critics' Week. Sandcastle’s debut at Cannes marks its world premiere and is the sixth consecutive year that a Singapore film is featured in the Festival. Sandcastle is scheduled for release in Singapore later this year.
In addition to Sandcastle and the inaugural batch of NFFF films, the SFC will also be promoting four new NFFF projects at the Market, including Endless Day directed by Ho Tzu Nyen;Get Meaty directed by Han Yew Kwang;Camera directed by James Leong and Causeway by Alson Ho, for pre-sales. Other films in the Singapore slate include locally released Love Matters and Where Got Ghost, both co-produced by Neo Studios.
Visit the Singapore Pavilion at the Cannes Film Market at C9, Riviera Hall in the Esplanade Georges Pompidou in Cannes, France.
Calls-For-Proposals
MDA recently announced two calls for proposals: the International Film Fund (IFF) and International Animation Fund (IAF). The IFF, launched at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, is now in its second year and is open for worldwide submissions until 12 July 2010. Through this fund, MDA will co-invest up to S$5 million per project. Selected projects must involve a Singapore company as executive producer or co-producer and will be represented by Hong-Kong based international sales agent, Distribution Workshop.
The International Animation Fund is also open for submissions of new animation content for all platforms from television series to theatrical features. Similar to the IFF, the Animation Fund will see MDA co-investing up to S$5 million for each qualifying project. Selected projects will be represented globally by FremantleMedia Enterprises. All applications must be submitted by 30 June, 2010. For more information on the calls, please visit www.smf.sg.
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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, animation 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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