The 34th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is here, and it’s making waves with some exciting changes. This year, SGIFF is bringing back two prestigious awards, the Cinema Icon Award and the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award, which were last seen in 2019 and 2006, respectively. With a record number of awards up for grabs, it’s clear that SGIFF is at the forefront of celebrating cinematic excellence.
Awards in the Spotlight
The FIPRESCI Award is making a triumphant return after 17 years, giving film critics their moment in the spotlight. This prestigious award not only recognizes the essential role of film critics but also features renowned jury members with extensive experience in global film festival juries.
The Cinema Icon Award for 2023 goes to none other than Chinese actress and producer Fan Bingbing. This award is a tribute to her remarkable filmography, her contributions to bringing Asian stories to life on screen, and the indelible impact she’s made on the film industry. Fan Bingbing herself will grace the red carpet event on the festival’s Opening Night, November 30.
Previously known as the Cinema Legend Award, the Cinema Icon Award boasts an impressive list of past recipients, including luminaries like Michelle Yeoh, Simon Yam, Koji Yakusho, Joan Chen, and Yao Chen.
SGIFF is also presenting the Outstanding Contribution to Southeast Asian Cinema Award 2023 to White Light Post. This award recognizes their outstanding achievements in post-production work, highlighting the essential role they play in shaping the region’s cinema.
Fan Bingbing’s Cinematic Return
Fans of Fan Bingbing have a lot to look forward to during the festival. They can enjoy three screenings of films curated by Fan herself. “Green Night,” “Buddha Mountain,” and “Double Xposure” showcase Fan’s award-winning acting career and her captivating screen presence.
On December 2, Han Shuai’s “Green Night” will be featured as an SGIFF Special Presentation. It offers a unique twist by bringing a gentle yet unflinching female bond into the world of film noir. The story follows two vastly different women on the run in Seoul’s unforgiving drug underworld, leading to a profound tenderness and unwavering solidarity. “Green Night” premiered at Berlinale and is highly anticipated for its Singapore debut at SGIFF.
“Buddha Mountain,” directed by Li Yu, follows the lives of three wayward youths and their landlady, a retired opera singer, as they navigate the complexities of teenage angst and ennui while gaining an elder’s perspective on grief and loss. The film won Best Asian Feature Film at the 24th SGIFF, and Fan received the Best Actress Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Li Yu’s “Double Xposure” is another gripping psychological thriller, diving into the dark corners of a plastic surgeon’s mind as she uncovers her boyfriend and best friend’s affair. The film explores the complexities of trauma in the pursuit of revenge and murder.
