The 33rd Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) drew to a close on Sunday night after 11 days of film screenings and off-screen programmes that celebrated and showcased the best of independent cinema from across the region. More than 100 film titles from 55 countries were screened across 6 theatres, including a special Double-Bill Fundraiser with a screening of Singapore Panorama feature film ‘Baby Queen' followed by a live performance by protagonist Opera Tang and her fellow Queens.
“This year marked the full return of the Singapore International Film Festival and it was my privilege to be a part of an event that brought the film community together,” says Emily J. HOE, Executive Director, SGIFF. “The need to showcase the diversity and richness of Asian storytelling to the world remains essential, and this year's success would not have been possible without the dedication and tireless commitment of our wonderful team and volunteers as well as the never-ending support and camaraderie from the film community. I am delighted that this year's festival was a colourful and enriching one and it is my hope that SGIFF continues to foster a deeper appreciation for cinema in Singapore while growing awareness for stories and experiences from all over the world.”
In a festival first, SGIFF opened with a Central Asian film, Assault by Kazakh director Adilkhan YERZHANOV, a testament to the festival's dedication to showcasing remarkable films from the wider Asian region. The festival also saw an exceptional line-up of filmmakers and industry heavyweights participating in physical Q&A sessions and the Festival's Forum programme, where the filmmaking community and the public interacted through a series of fascinating talks and discussions. Industry names such as Lav Diaz, award-winning Filipino auteur; Dennis LIM, Artistic Director of New York Film Festival; NAM Dong Chul, Program Director of Busan International Film Festival; and Elise JALLADEAU, General Director of Thessaloniki Film Festival, offered expert insights into the creative process and developments in cinema culture.
2022 Silver Screen Awards
This year, a total of 16 awards were presented across six categories: Asian Feature Film Competition, Southeast Asian Short Film Competition, Southeast Asian Film Lab, Youth Critics Programme, Audience Choice Award, and the Outstanding Contribution to Southeast Asian Cinema Award. This year's ceremony was held at Hard Rock Cafe, with notable filmmakers in attendance including winners Laha MEBOW (Gaga) and Sorayos PRAPAPAN (Arnold is a Model Student).
The much-anticipated Audience Choice Award was presented to How to Save a Dead Friend by Russian director Marusya SYROECHKOVSKAYA, a coming-of-age story about two kindred spirits who find solace in each other amidst an alienating existence where hope at time feels out of reach as despair threatens to overwhelm. Against the backdrop of autocratic Russia and alienating social conditions, the documentary recounts their joys and struggles with bracing honesty and emotional intensity, through the careful editing of home videos and street footage.
The Outstanding Contribution to Southeast Asian Cinema Award went to In-Docs, a pioneering organisation that continues to platform the regional exchange of ideas and mutual support amongst a stalwart of Southeast Asia's filmmaking communities – documentary filmmakers. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, SGIFF wanted to recognise In-Docs' considerable dedication to championing the region's tireless spirit of documentary filmmaking.
The winning films for Audience Choice Award, Best Singapore Short Film, Best Asian Feature Film and Best Southeast Asian Short Film will be re-screened on 10th December, from 4.30pm onwards at Projector X: Picturehouse to mark the finale of the 33rd Singapore International Film Festival, tickets available here.
“There is an enormous pool of film talent in the region that deserve to have their works screened or be part of the festival's capability development and networking programmes. Our role has always been important in galvanising the pipeline of new talent and supporting them on their cinematic storytelling journey. Likewise, the annual Silver Screen Awards honour the exceptional contribution of filmmakers who have helped shape regional cinema, and celebrate their achievements as they continue to illuminate and bring thought-provoking stories to life. Huge congratulations to all award winners and we hope to continue providing a safe and nurturing space for all filmmakers in the region to grow and shine on the international stage,” shared Thong Kay Wee, Programme Director, SGIFF.
SGIFF Film Fund 2023
Dedicated to supporting filmmakers with compelling stories to tell, SGIFF Film Fund offers two film grants for Southeast Asian film projects. Supported by C47 Investment and White Light Post, the SGIFF Southeast Asian – Short Film Grant (SEA-SHORTS) aims to fund the brightest upcoming names in filmmaking with four grants available. Each recipient will receive a cash amount of S$4,000 and post-production support worth S$4,000. The grant is open to all genres including drama, animation, and experimental short films.
The Tan Ean Kiam Foundation – SGIFF Southeast Asian Documentary (SEA-DOC) Grant is awarded to four mid-length or feature projects annually, and champions important and compelling stories told through the art of documentary filmmaking in the region. The grant has been made possible by the support of the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation since 2018. For the first time this year, the grant is awarded to three production projects, with special consideration to fund an additional project in this category, with each recipient receiving S$30,000 in cash. One post-production project will also be awarded S$20,000 in cash.
“We appreciate the relentless pursuit of documentary filmmakers throughout the pandemic, telling stories from the region that illuminates, resonates and inspires local audiences. As they return in full force in this post-pandemic era, we have increased funding towards production projects, in a bid to elevate support for these filmmakers in capturing narratives unique to the region. We remain committed to assisting them in bringing their films to the big screen, driving necessary conversations while making positive impacts,” said TAN Keng Leck, Vice Chairman of the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation.
The 33rd edition of SGIFF includes selections from past Film Fund recipients:Further and Further Away by Polen LY (SEA-SHORTS 2020) and Divine Factory by Joseph MANGAT (Tan Ean Kiam Foundation – SEA-DOC Grant, Post-Production 2021). Applications for the annual film fund open on 7 December 2022 and close 31 January 2023. More information on submission guidelines can be found at SGIFF.com.
SGIFF is an event of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF), hosted by Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA).
