In a spectacular display of cinematic brilliance, the 34th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) kicked off its highly anticipated edition, marking the commencement of an extraordinary cinematic journey. The festival, renowned as Singapore’s oldest independent film festival and a pivotal platform for Asian Cinema, opened its curtains with a dazzling Festival Opening at Shaw Lido, Orchard.
A Star-Studded Affair
The Festival Opening was a star-studded spectacle, with luminaries from the film industry, distinguished celebrities, and industry professionals gracing the red carpet. The prestigious event witnessed the return of Chinese actress and producer Fan Bingbing, who headlined the opening night with the premiere of her adrenaline-pumping film, “GREEN NIGHT,” presented as an exclusive SGIFF Special Presentation. Fan Bingbing was also honored with the revived Cinema Icon Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the industry after a three-year hiatus.
Joining the celebration were beloved local actors Peter Yu, Xenia Tan, and Naomi Yeo, each making their mark with noteworthy films like “A YEAR OF NO SIGNIFICANCE,” “WONDERLAND,” “SNOW IN MIDSUMMER,” “LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT,” and “DREAMING & DYING.”
The event also saw the presence of distinguished film directors, including Nelson Yeo, Nicole Midori Woodford, and Jow Zhi Wei, whose films, “DREAMING & DYING,” “LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT,” and “TOMORROW IS A LONG TIME,” respectively, are shortlisted for the prestigious Asian Film Feature Competition. This historical feat marks the highest number of local films nominated in the past 25 years.
Notable filmmakers Kelvin Tong and Chai Yee Wei added to the star power with their films “A YEAR OF NO SIGNIFICANCE” (World Premiere) and “WONDERLAND” (Asian Premiere).
TIGER STRIPES: A Roaring Opening
Amanda Nell Eu’s “TIGER STRIPES,” the Grand Prix winner at Cannes Critics’ Week, took center stage as the festival’s opening film. This multinational co-production, celebrated for its wild and explosive character, explores themes of growth and womanhood. Having previously participated in SGIFF’s Southeast Asian Film Lab in 2017, “TIGER STRIPES” signifies Amanda’s debut as a feature filmmaker, making the festival’s opening a full-circle moment.
Engaging FORUM Talks & Panels
Staying true to its commitment to collaboration and open dialogue, SGIFF presents an array of FORUM panels, offering festival-goers the opportunity to engage with industry visionaries. Highlights include:
In Conversation: Fan Bingbing: A spotlight on Fan’s experiences working across diverse cultures and the future of her illustrious career.
NOT HOUSED: HISTORY OF EXPERIMENTAL CINEMA IN SINGAPORE: An exploration of Singapore’s experimental film history, featuring film practitioners, researchers, and artists.
No Such Thing As ★★★★★: A discussion on the evolving role of today’s film critics and their impact on shaping perceptions.
Singapore Panorama: Mildly Offensive, Sometimes Accurate: A panel featuring six Singapore directors, moderated by Haresh Sharma, confronting the dilemmas of filmmaking in Singapore.
FORUM talks and panels will be hosted at various locations, including Aliwal Arts Centre, Flexispace at LASALLE College of the Arts, Roselle-Simpor Ballroom at Marina Bay Sands, and Oldham Theatre. With over 40 filmmaker Q&A sessions, audiences can gain deeper insights into the craft of filmmaking.
Film Fiesta Continues
SGIFF is a ticketed event, offering regular-screening tickets at $15 with special bundles available. The festival runs until 10 December 2023, with ENCORE SCREENINGS of Silver Screen Award winners scheduled for December 16, 2023, providing audiences with a chance to relive the magic.
