The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is back, and it’s rolling out the red carpet for its 34th edition, promising movie lovers an unforgettable cinematic journey filled with record-breaking firsts. With a lineup that spans 101 films from 50 countries, this year’s SGIFF is all set to celebrate the art of storytelling through movies, bringing together filmmakers, cinephiles, and audiences for an enriching cinematic experience like no other.
TIGER STRIPES: The Spine-Tingling Opening Film
SGIFF 2023 kicks off with a spine-tingling choice for its opening film – “TIGER STRIPES.” Directed by Amanda Nell Eu, this internationally acclaimed horror film made history at the Cannes Film Festival by clinching the prestigious Grand Prix prize at the Critics’ Week. As the first Malaysian film to achieve this feat, “TIGER STRIPES” is already making waves globally. The film promises a hair-raising journey, narrating the story of 12-year-old Zaffan’s terrifying transformation during puberty. Brace yourself for an artistically compelling and culturally resonant experience that sets the tone for the entire festival.
Singapore’s Cinematic Triumph in Asian Feature Film Competition
This year, Singapore has a lot to boast about at the SGIFF, with three remarkable films making their mark in the highly prestigious Asian Feature Film Competition. These films delve into profound themes, showcasing the incredible talent emerging from the Lion City:
“TOMORROW IS A LONG TIME” by Jow Zhi Wei explores urban loneliness and the complex relationship between a father and son in contemporary Singapore.
“DREAMING & DYING,” directed by Nelson Yeo, weaves magical realism and nostalgia into a captivating narrative.
“LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT,” helmed by Nicole Midori Woodford, takes audiences on an emotional family mystery journey.
World Premieres Galore
Prepare to be amazed by a staggering 20 world premieres at SGIFF 2023, demonstrating the diversity and innovation of global filmmaking. Among them, “VALLI” from India explores gender fluidity and liberation through the story of a transgender religious devotee. “A YEAR OF NO SIGNIFICANCE” by Kelvin Tong takes us back to 1970s Singapore, and “THE TENANTS” from South Korea offers a chilling glimpse into a dystopian Seoul.
Introducing LANDMARK: A Cinematic Journey Through Classics
Building on the success of ALTITUDE, SGIFF introduces a brand-new section called LANDMARK, in partnership with the Asian Film Archive (AFA). LANDMARK focuses on the curation of newly-restored classics from different regions worldwide. As part of this initiative, the meticulously restored “TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME” by David Lynch, celebrating its 30th anniversary, will be screened at the festival. It’s a unique opportunity to savor cinematic gems of the past while embracing the diversity of global cinema.
The SGIFF Festival Pass: Your Ticket to Cinematic Bliss
For the first time ever, a pre-sale of the SGIFF Festival Pass is available for purchase at $200. This pass grants unlimited access to all screenings during the 34th Singapore International Film Festival, excluding the Festival Opening, Special Presentation, and ticketed FORUM events. It’s a cinephile’s dream come true, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of film. Festival passes are limited, so grab yours before they’re gone.
Single-film tickets for the Festival opening film, Special Presentation film, and others will be available for sale from 26 October 2023, for SGIFFriends Early Bird and 27 October for the public.
