May 9, 2024
Singaporean filmmakers are indeed making their mark on the global stage, and the 77th Cannes Film Festival is no exception.
Singapore - The Cannes
Film Festival stands as the cinematic excellence, drawing filmmakers and
enthusiasts from around the globe. In recent years, Singaporean cinema has
increasingly made its mark on this prestigious stage, captivating audiences
with its unique storytelling and artistic vision. The 2024 edition of the
Cannes Film Festival once again showcases the talent and creativity of
Singaporean filmmakers, with notable selections that affirm their growing
presence in the international film scene.
Feature Films: Viet and Nam is co-produced by
Singaporean producer Lai Weijie, this film will be competing in the Un Certain
Regard section. Mongrel, directed by Singaporean filmmaker Chiang Wei
Liang will be screened at Directors’ Fortnight.
Short Films: Withered Blossoms is directed by
Lionel Seah, this Singaporean-directed short film will compete in the La Cinef
(formerly Cinefondation) section. Cold Cut, directed by Tan Siyou will
be part of a special program under Directors’ Fortnight.
Supporting Local Filmmakers
Both Viet and Nam and Mongrel received
support from the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and Infocomm Media Development
Authority (IMDA) through grants. Pyramide International acquired world sales
rights (excluding France) for Viet and Nam, while Mongrel was
picked up for sales by Paris-based independent sales company Alpha Violet.
“We are ecstatic that Singapore’s talents have
continued with our strong showing last year to once again make their mark at
the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. For more than 25 years, the Singapore Film
Commission has been nurturing our promising young local directors and film
talents, enabling them to showcase their flair and passion in telling
universally appealing stories on the global stage. To date, we have had over 30
projects by Singaporeans premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, which is
remarkable for a small city-state like Singapore. We wish the competing films
all the best this year,” said Justin Ang Assistant Chief Executive of Media,
Innovation, Communications and Marketing, IMDA.
This success reflects the confidence distributors have
in the quality of these films and showcases SFC’s and IMDA’s support for local
media talents on the global stage.
Over the past 25 years, more than 30 projects by
Singaporeans have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, a remarkable
achievement for a small city-state like Singapore.