The 27th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), the leading festival in Southeast Asia for independent cinema, will welcome a stellar ensemble of filmmakers and professionals to Singapore to share their expertise at the yearly silver screen affair.

They will form the jury panel of its much-anticipated Silver Screen Awards at Marina Bay Sands, receive recognition from the SGIFF, and engage festivalgoers during master classes, forums, talks and In Conversation sessions.

Jury Panel of the Silver Screen Awards

First introduced in 1991, the Silver Screen Awards marks the first Asian film competition in the international film festival circuit, and aims to create awareness of the rich filmmaking talents in Asia. The Awards includes two main categories – Asian Feature Film Competition and Southeast Asian Short Film Competition, and will take place on 3 December 2016 at Marina Bay Sands. This year, Japanese director and Cannes Film Festival regular Naomi Kawase will lead the jury panel of the Asian Feature Film Competition.

Spotlight on Two Established Asian Filmmakers at the 27th SGIFF

In addition to recognising Kawase’s flair in cinema by appointing her as jury head of the Asian Feature Film Competition, the SGIFF will also cast a spotlight on some of her filmography, characterised by its poetic introspection, and celebration of humanity and nature. Five of her films will be screened under a special programme Focus: Naomi Kawase.

The SGIFF will also recognise Hong Kong film director Fruit Chan for his tenacious dedication and passion in portraying Hong Kong and its colloquial culture authentically in his films by presenting him with the Honorary Award this year. The Honorary Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to Asian cinema, especially within their own country, and will be presented during the Silver Screen Awards.  Five of Fruit Chan’s significant works, will be screened under a special Tribute to Fruit Chan.

Opportunities for Festival Goers to Interact with the Filmmakers

Besides screening some of these directors’ films at the festival, including Yau’s latest film The Mobfathers that stars Anthony Wong and Chapman To, the SGIFF also aims to facilitate and expand the conversation on filmmaking, encourage in-depth exchanges and create a vibrant festival with an immersive experience for all festival goers.

The 27th edition of SGIFF, which runs from 23 November to 4 December 2016, will take place across various venues, including Marina Bay Sands, National Museum of Singapore Gallery Theatre, Shaw Theatres Lido, National Gallery Singapore Auditorium, The Arts House Screening Room, Filmgarde Bugis+ and Objectifs Chapel Gallery. Ticket sales for SGIFF will begin on 28 October 2016.

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