SGIFF 2023: A Cinematic Extravaganza of Firsts and Landmark Classics”

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is back for its 34th edition, promising an unforgettable cinematic journey that’s brimming with excitement. This year, SGIFF is all set to showcase a diverse selection of 101 films from 50 countries. It’s a celebration of storytelling through films, bringing together filmmakers, cinephiles, and audiences from around the globe.

The Grand Opening: “Tiger Stripes”

The grand opening of SGIFF 2023 kicks off with a spine-tingling choice – “Tiger Stripes.” Directed by Amanda Nell Eu, this horror film holds immense significance. Not only did it make history as the first Malaysian film to win the prestigious Grand Prix prize at the Cannes Film Festival Critics’ Week, but it also received a Special Jury Mention at the Fantasia International Film Festival and the HR Giger ‘Narcissa’ Award for best feature film at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival. “Tiger Stripes” tells the story of 12-year-old Zaffan, whose journey through puberty takes an eerie and terrifying turn, setting the tone for a thrilling cinematic experience.

Singapore Shines at Asian Feature Film Competition

In a historic moment, Singapore makes a triumphant mark at the 34th SGIFF. Three remarkable Singaporean films have earned their place in the highly prestigious Asian Feature Film Competition, a remarkable achievement in the past 25 years.

“Tomorrow is a Long Time,” directed by Jow Zhi Wei, delves into profound themes of urban loneliness, coming-of-age, and the intricate dynamics between a father and son in contemporary Singapore.

“Dreaming & Dying,” helmed by Nelson Yeo, explores magical realism and nostalgia, weaving a tapestry of repressed desires and entangled memories.

“Last Shadow at First Light,” directed by Nicole Midori Woodford, is an emotionally resonant family mystery that leads a Singaporean-Japanese girl on a journey to her mother’s hometown.

World Premieres Galore

The 34th edition of SGIFF boasts a staggering 20 world premieres, a testament to the diversity and innovation of global filmmaking. “Valli” from India explores the complex landscape of gender fluidity through the journey of a transgender religious devotee.

“A Year of No Significance,” directed by Kelvin Tong, takes audiences back more than 50 years to Singapore in the 1970s, exploring themes of career choices, language barriers, and father-son relationships.

“The Tenants” from South Korea offers a chilling glimpse into a dystopian Seoul, highlighting the harsh realities of corporate culture and socio-economic dystopia.

Introducing LANDMARK

In a nod to cinematic classics, SGIFF introduces a brand new section, “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, David Lynch’s iconic film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” (1992) will be screened, following its meticulous restoration in 2022.

Get Your Festival Pass

For the first time ever, a pre-sale of the SGIFF Festival Pass is available for $200, offering unlimited access to all screenings during the 34th SGIFF (excluding Festival Opening, Special Presentation, and ticketed FORUM events). Festival passes are limited and will be on sale until November 20, 2023.

Single-film tickets are priced at $25 for the Festival opening film, $20 for Special Presentation films, and $15 for all other films. Ticket sales start on October 26 for SGIFFriends Early Bird and October 27 for the public.