Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA 2019) unveils a stellar line-up of 23 cinematic works for Singular Screens, the Festival’sinternational selection of exceptional new films celebrating independent voices across the world.
SIFA announced an extended Festival programming, including an additional show for the sold-out hit Frogmanand an engaging workshop showcasing internationally-acclaimed director Tadashi Suzuki’sunique actor training method, the Suzuki Method. There will also be three additional talks and a screening of a documentary about Shiro Takatani, one of the founders of experimental company Dumb Type.
“We are immensely excited to be able to work together again with like-minded partners to present award-winning works that push the boundaries of traditional cinematography. With new locations, new programmes and films, SIFA 2019 will provide more accessible touch-points for audiences.”
SIFA Festival Director, Gaurav Kripalani
Opening Singular Screens on 18 May is Demons, a Singaporean production directed by filmmaker Daniel Hui whose award-winning works have been making waves at film festivals in Rotterdam, Hawaii, Manila, Seoul, Bangkok, and Vladivostok. Following the story of an aspiring actress, Vicki, who lands her dream role in a new theatre production, Demons is a wicked, satirical horror film that explores the human psyche and interpersonal relationships, while exposing the power structures underlying artistic practices.
Directed by João Salaviza & Renée Nader Messora, The Dead and the Others tells the story of a Brazilian teen who attempts to escape his spiritual fate and struggles between staying true to ancient traditions and conforming to the modern world. Born out of the real- life experience of the two filmmakers who spent nine months living with the Krahô people in Pedra Branca, a village in northern Brazil, the film was awarded the Jury Prize at Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival 2018.
Winning five awards in renowned international film festivals, director Malene Choi’s feature debut, The Return, will also be showcased at SIFA 2019. Inspired by Malene Choi’s own Korean-Danish roots and stories of fellow adoptees in Seoul, The Return is a reflective and personal account of the impact that international adoption has on the lives of children.
Festival go-ers can look forward to screenings at various locations, including the Screening Room at the Festival House. SIFA 2019 will also mark the first film screening at the newly opened Oldham Theatre, AFA’s first-ever resident cinema situated at the National Archives of Singapore.
On the back of overwhelming demand, Frogman, hailed as a “360 degree heightening of thesenses”, will have an additional show on Saturday, 25 May 2019 at 5pm. A thrilling murdermystery by critically-acclaimed UK company curious directive, Frogman breaks out of the traditional mould of storytelling and leads theatre-goers into an immersive digital experience, integrating live theatre and virtual reality.
Audiences can also look forward to greater interaction with artists, as well as an insider look into their artistic journey and works through the four new programmes added to this year’sline-up:
Energy, breath, balance and voice come together at the Suzuki Method of Actor Training Workshop as Kameron Steele, actor, assistant director, teacher and translator at the Suzuki Company of Toga (SCOT), takes participants through the Suzuki Method, a world- renowned method of actor training developed by internationally-acclaimed director Tadashi Suzuki.
Dutch actor Thomas Dudkiewicz shares his experience working as an artist in a collective –the challenges, rewards and principles of their work ethos – in Hierarchy-free Work Ethic: What it means to be a collective.
Trace the evolution of Japanese artist Shiro Takatani’s artistic journey and see his works come to life in Shiro Takatani between Nature and Technology, a film conceived by award-winning Italian director Giulio Boato.
For full details of the additional programmes and the film line-up for SIFA Singular Screens, please refer to the Annexes below. Ratings for all films to be advised. Tickets for the films and Frogman go on sale on Friday, 12 April 2019, 9am at sifa.sg and at all SISTIC authorised agents.
TICKETING INFORMATION:
Singular Screens
Ticket: $12 per film
Bundle of 3 different films: $30
Suzuki Method of Actor Training Workshop
Ticket: $20
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