The Singapore International Film Festival was launched to give local cinema enthusiasts a chance to see the best non-commercial and independent films which are not screened in local cinemas. Since its launch, it has grown to become one of the most significant film festivals which focus on promoting Asian (first and foremost, South Asian) cinema.
Although not accredited by the FIAPF, SGIFF is one of the largest film events in the region. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year. The program of the festival features about 150 films from more than 50 countries. Alongside competitive and non-competitive screenings that take place at several venues across the city, it includes masterclasses, panel discussions and talks featuring guest experts.
Since 1991, the festival has been awarding the Silver Screen Awards to the best Singapore and Asian films. SGIFF’s Asian Film Competition is divided into two categories, Asian Feature Films and South Asian Short Films. The winners of the South Asian Short Film Competition are eligible for consideration in the Live Action Short Film/Animated Short Film category of the Academy Awards.
In the Asian Feature Film Category, the international jury gives awards in the following nominations: Best Film, Best Director, Best Performance, and Special Mention. The Southeast Asian Short Film Category features the following nominations: Best Southeast Asian Short Film, Best Singapore Short Film, Best Director, Special Mention, and the Youth Jury Prize given out by the participants of the Youth Jury & Critics Program.
The Singapore International Film Festival also hosts the Southeast Asian Film Lab. It’s a six-day story development workshop aimed at first-time feature filmmakers from Southeast Asia which focuses on stories exploring Southeast Asian identity. The workshop includes masterclasses, individual consultations with established filmmakers, and a pitch in front o the industry jury.
Photo by Studio Alpha
