Local filmmakers shine as Singapore International Film Festival comes to a close

Published on Authored by Lakshmy Iyer

The highlight of the recently-concluded Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) 2019 was the first-ever local film clinching the Audience Choice Award. Unteachable, by Singapore-born Yong Shu Ling, a film about a teacher going against the tide of Singapore’s result-oriented education system, clinched the prized award. 

A still from the film Unteachable, by Singapore-born Yong Shu Ling, about a teacher battling Singapore’s result-oriented education system, clinched the highly anticipated Audience Choice Award at the recently concluded SGIFF. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF
A still from the film Unteachable, by Singapore-born Yong Shu Ling, about a teacher battling Singapore’s result-oriented education system, clinched the highly anticipated Audience Choice Award at the recently concluded SGIFF. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF

SGIFF ended on a memorable note for homegrown filmmakers with audiences showing strong support by snatching up all the tickets for the Festival’s opening film, Wet Season by Anthony Chen as well as for all titles under the Singapore Panorama. 

SGIFF had a sold out opening with Singapore drama Wet Season which was screened two more times in packed theatres. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF
The 30th edition of SGIFF had a sold out opening with Singapore drama Wet Season which was screened two more times in packed theatres. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF 

SGIFF, a part of the Singapore Media Festival and hosted by the island nation’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) drew to a close last weekend.

One of Singapore’s largest and longest running international festivals, it celebrated its 30th edition this year. The 11 day period from November 21 to December 1 saw a record audience of over 110,000 at 35 sold-out screenings.

Southeast Asian Film talents recognised under various categories at the 30th Singapore International Film Festival’s Silver Screen Awards, pose with the jury members. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF
Southeast Asian Film talents recognised under various categories at the 30th Singapore International Film Festival’s Silver Screen Awards, pose with the jury members. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF

Celebrating and showcasing the best of independent cinema, the Festival brought together movie enthusiasts and filmmakers from Singapore and the surrounding region, for film screenings, panels, talks, exhibitions and masterclasses.  

Many industry heavyweights graced the festival as they interacted with the audience during the red-carpet galas at Capitol Theatre, Singapore.

I’m Not Your F***ing Stereotype, by Thai filmmaker, Hesome Chemamah, impressed the jury and was awarded the Best Southeast Asian Short Film out of the 18 shortlisted titles at the 30th SGIFF. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF
I’m Not Your F***ing Stereotype, by Thai filmmaker, Hesome Chemamah, impressed the jury and was awarded the Best Southeast Asian Short Film out of the 18 shortlisted titles at the 30th SGIFF. Photo Courtesy: SGIFF

SGIFF presented a dynamic line-up of over 90 films by auteurs from 40 countries that represented the pulse of Asian and international cinema. There was a six-fold increase in the number of films and the offscreen programmes compared to last year which is the highest since 2014, the organisers said.