35th Singapore International Film Festival Kicks Off with Thrilling Local Premiere and New Initiatives

The 35th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is set to captivate audiences from November 2024 with a powerful lineup of over 30 Singaporean and made-with-Singapore films, showcasing the vibrancy of local cinema on the global stage. This year, SGIFF introduces exciting new initiatives, including its first-ever festival ambassador, Mediacorp Artiste Rebecca Lim, and the revamped Audience Choice Award to deepen audience engagement and celebrate homegrown talent.

Opening the festival is Stranger Eyes, a psychological thriller by acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua. This gripping film, the first Singaporean feature to compete in the Venice Film Festival, delves into the eerie unraveling of a couple’s life after the disappearance of their child and the unsettling arrival of mysterious surveillance DVDs. The film’s intense narrative underscores SGIFF’s commitment to bold storytelling that reflects modern anxieties and global trends in cinema.

Adding to the excitement is SGIFF’s new General Manager Jeremy Chua, a seasoned film producer whose vision aims to elevate Singaporean cinema by making it more accessible and celebrated both locally and internationally.

Festival Highlights: Local Talent in the Spotlight

SGIFF 2024 proudly showcases a diverse selection of Singaporean films, including the highly anticipated Spirit World, directed by Eric Khoo and starring French icon Catherine Deneuve. This supernatural drama, which made waves at the Busan International Film Festival, will open the festival’s Horizon section, exploring themes of legacy and artistry through a magical narrative set against Tokyo’s vibrant cultural landscape.

In addition to major feature films, SGIFF presents innovative works such as Orang Ikan by Mike Wiluan, blending folklore and historical drama, and Don’t Cry, Butterfly by Duong Dieu Linh, which brings a feminist twist to Southeast Asian horror. Films like City of Small Blessings, directed by Wong Chen-Hsi, delve into personal struggles within Singapore’s evolving urban landscape, resonating with local and international audiences alike.

New Initiatives: Celebrating Local Cinema

This year’s festival marks a pivotal moment for SGIFF with the introduction of its first Audience Choice Award, which will focus exclusively on Singaporean films. This initiative aims to boost visibility for local filmmakers and give audiences the power to champion their favorite productions. Alongside this, SGIFF welcomes Rebecca Lim as its inaugural festival ambassador, inviting a broader audience to discover the eclectic array of Asian and international films showcased at the festival.

Cinema Honorary Award: Honoring Jafar Panahi

SGIFF’s highest accolade, the Cinema Honorary Award, will be presented to celebrated Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. Known for his bold, humanistic storytelling, Panahi’s works have long challenged societal structures. SGIFF will screen several of his acclaimed films, including The Circle, offering audiences a chance to engage with the filmmaker’s powerful commentary on social justice.

Join the Celebration

SGIFF 2024 promises a rich cinematic experience, with films that reflect Singapore’s growing presence in international cinema. The full festival lineup and ticketing information will be available from October 28, 2024.