The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) saw a total of 23 sold out screenings out of the total 147 films screened over the 11-day festival. Out of the total sold out screenings, seven are local feature films and two are programs for local short films.
Some of the star power that turned up for the festival’s 25th anniversary included world- renowned auteur John Woo, actors Tong Dawei and Chen Bolin, actresses Zhang Ziyi, Juliette Binoche, Cheng Pei Pei, and Natassja Kinski.
More than 100 directors, producers, actors, and actresses from countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Taiwan, Egypt, China, Japan, South Korea also descended in Singapore for what was a vibrant and thrilling festival, filled with meaningful post-screening discussions, master classes, and a film lab.
The festival closed with In the Absence of the Sun by Indonesian director Lucky Kuswandi, who was joined by producer Sammaria Simanjuntak, actresses Adinia Wirasti, Ina Panggabean, Dayu Wijanto, Marissa Anita, and Dira Sugandi on the final red carpet on Sunday evening.
Singaporean director Anthony Chen of Ilo Ilo fame said: “It’s a brilliant comeback for the Singapore International Film Festival and I’m so proud of what the team has achieved. It is the best edition of the festival I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to see it grow in stature in years to come.”
Award-winning Chinese auteur Wang Xiaoshuai commented: “The films selected for the Singapore International Film Festival are of a very high standard, and the festival provides a platform for original, creative and independent-spirited young filmmakers to take flight.”
SGIFF focuses on groundbreaking Asian cinema and discovering new film talents from Southeast Asia, and is known for its dynamic film programming and commitment to the development of a vibrant local film culture.
For more details, please visit the SGIFF website at www.sgiff.com.
