Ajoomma has been selected as Singapore’s Oscar entry for the Best International Feature Film category

SINGAPORE, 4 October 2022 — A comedy drama that follows a middle-aged widow’s obsession with Korean pop culture and her journey to self-discovery, Ajoomma, has been selected by the Singapore Film Commission as the nation’s entry to the 95th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2023, in the Best International Film category.

Ajoomma is the feature directorial debut of Singaporean filmmaker He Shuming, and is produced by Anthony Chen, the Golden Horse and Cannes Film Festival award-winner for Ilo Ilo (Singapore’s entry to the 86th Academy Awards in 2014). The film is making its World Premiere at the 27th Busan International Film Festival under New Currents, the main competition section of the festival. International sales for Ajoomma Is handled by sales company Rediance.

The first-ever Singapore-South Korea co-production is supported by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s New Director grant.

The film has also received 4 nominations at the upcoming 59th Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan which is scheduled to take place on 19 November. This includes Best New Director and Best Original Screenplay, as well as Best Leading Actress for veteran Singaporean actress Hong Huifang, and Best Supporting Actor for Korean actor Jung Dong-hwan.

The highly anticipated film will be released in cinemas in Singapore on 27 October 2022, through Golden Village Pictures.

Mr Justin Ang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media, Innovation, Communications and Marketing, IMDA, said, “Over the years, IMDA has worked with stakeholders of the media industry to develop a support system for filmmakers and Singapore media companies to nurture a growing local pool of storytellers with the capability to produce quality international content. The selection of our first-ever Singapore-South Korea co-production, Ajoomma, as Singapore’s entry for Oscars 2023 is testament that collectively, we have raised the bar on storytelling and production values. We are truly proud of our dedicated and passionate homegrown talent and hope to hear good news in March 2023.”

Producer, Mr Anthony Chen added, “After Ilo Ilo, Pop Aye and Wet Season, Giraffe Pictures is honoured to fly the flag again as Singapore’s Oscar contender with He Shuming’s charming debut Ajoomma. We are just at the start of the film’s journey and look forward to bring laughs and tears to audiences far and beyond our shores. This is definitely the Singapore film of the year to watch!”

ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook (IMDAsg) and Twitter (@IMDAsg).

About Singapore Film Commission

The Singapore Film Commission (SFC), part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority, is charged with developing Singapore’s film industry and nurturing film talent. It is advised by a committee comprising members from the film, arts and cultural community. Since 1998, the SFC has supported more than 800 short films, scripts, feature films, as well as film-related events in Singapore that showcase homegrown talent and works.

For media clarifications, please contact:

Bridget Chang (Ms)
Manager, Communications and Marketing, IMDA
DID: (65) 8118 2764
Email: bridget_chang@imda.gov.sg

Teoh Yi Peng (Mr)
Giraffe Pictures
DID: (65) 9452 5885 (WhatsApp)
Email: yipeng@giraffepictures.asia