From 4 August till 31 October 2023, members of the Singapore public can participate in a series of activities to celebrate the Singapore Film Commission (SFC)’s 25th anniversary and gain a better appreciation of the local film industry and the talent behind it. The commission has been instrumental in championing the growth of the Singapore’s film industry and has supported more than 800 short films, scripts, feature films, as well as film-related events in Singapore that showcase homegrown talent and works.
Themed “Our Stories, Well-Told”, the celebrations spotlight distinctively Singaporean moments and issues that have shaped some of the best local films and aim to raise the level of appreciation for home-grown content among Singaporeans. The activities include a series of free movie screenings at The Esplanade, industry sharing sessions at Institutes of Higher Learning and on-demand access to Singapore-made content in collaboration with MediaCorp.
Free Screenings of Made-in-Singapore Films in August
In conjunction with National Day, the public can catch free screenings of 25 acclaimed Made-in-Singapore movies and short films at The Esplanade’s Concourse, Outdoor Theatre and Recital Studio. The specially curated line-up spans different genres from comedy and horror to animation and drama, taking place across four weeks from 4 to 26 August.
To kick off the celebrations on 4 August, film enthusiasts will be treated to “kacang puteh” and have the opportunity to interact with cast members of local filmmaker, Mr Royston Tan’s hit “getai” (song stage) film, 881. Award-winning actors, Ms Yeo Yann Yann and Mr Qi Yuwu as well as “getai” veteran, Ms Liu Ling Ling will share with fans their experience working on Singapore’s first musical feature film and how the success of the film propelled their careers. 881 was the highest grossing Asian film in Singapore in 2007, taking in over SGD$3 million at the local box office.
In-person Industry Sharing Sessions at Institutes of Higher Learning
IMDA is organising a series of in-person industry sharing sessions from September to October to raise awareness and instil interest in youths to consider a career in the media industry. Targeted at students between 17 to 23 years old, these sessions will be held across six Institutes of Higher Learning, namely the LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, and Singapore Polytechnic.
More than 1000 students will have opportunities to interact with renowned local media practitioners such as Mr Kin Leonn, who composed all the original music featured in The Breaking Ice; Mr Lim Teck Siang, talented cinematographer known for working on Arnold Is A Model Student; and Mr Sunny Pang, Golden Horse Nominee Stunt Choreographer involved in local crime thriller, Geylang. Through these sessions, students will gain insights into less-seen fields, ranging from cinematography, action choreography to costume and production designing, amongst others. Apart from encouraging greater exploration of careers in the media industry, these sessions will provide opportunities for the students to appreciate and recognise the unsung heroes of the Singapore’s filmmaking industry.
Singapore-Made Content Anytime, Anywhere
From 7 October, best-in-class Singaporean stories that are made in Singapore, by Singaporeans, will be added to Mediacorp’s digital streaming platform, mewatch. These will be offered for free to viewers, as part of the broadcaster’s LIGHTS. CAMERA. SINGAPORE initiative that shines a spotlight on Singapore storytelling and celebrates local stories. This will bring the total number of Singapore-made films on the streaming platform to more than 100.
The public will also be able to catch selected titles on free-to-air television channels, Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham.
“Our filmmakers and producers have been telling compelling stories of the region and Singapore through amazing films over the years. These stories have brought us laughter, tears and also captured what makes us uniquely Singaporean. As we celebrate the Singapore Film Commission’s 25th anniversary, we invite all Singaporeans to revisit these beloved films together. Let us all explore, appreciate, and support our film industry, local talent and works for many more years to come,” said Mr Justin Ang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media and Innovation, IMDA.
Visit www.imda.gov.sg/sfc25