In the feature image: Left to right: Hideho Urata, Yeo Siew Hua, Thong Kay Wee, Teo Eng Cheong, Minister Josephine Teo, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Jane Yumiko Ittogi, Lew Chuen Hong, Wu Chien-ho, Lee Kang-sheng, Xenia Tan, Boo Jun Feng, Jeremy Chua
The 35th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) commenced on 28 November with a dazzling evening at Capitol Theatre, marking the Southeast Asian premiere of Stranger Eyes. Directed by Singaporean auteur Yeo Siew Hua, this psychological thriller set the tone for a festival that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of Asian cinema, featuring 105 films from over 48 countries—80% of which hail from Asia.
The opening night was a glittering affair attended by Guest of Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Distinguished Guest Minister Josephine Teo, and an illustrious line-up of cinematic talents.
Cast members of Stranger Eyes, including Lee Kang-sheng, Wu Chien-ho, and Xenia Tan, joined director Yeo Siew Hua on the red carpet alongside notable figures such as SGIFF’s inaugural festival ambassador Rebecca Lim and the Small Hours of the Night team. Taiwanese actor Lee Kang-sheng, who stars in Stranger Eyes, was honoured with the festival’s prestigious Screen Icon Award for his contribution to bringing Asian stories to the global stage.
Stranger Eyes and more at SGIFF this year
Premiering as SGIFF’s Opening Film, Stranger Eyes is a co-production spanning Singapore, Taiwan, France, and the United States. The film delves into contemporary anxieties surrounding surveillance, exploring themes of privacy, identity, and technology’s influence on human connection. Having been selected for the main competition at the Venice Film Festival, Stranger Eyes is a testament to cross-cultural storytelling that resonates universally.
Director Yeo Siew Hua remarked:
“This is an unprecedented time when everyone is watching each other more closely than ever before, and yet one gets the feeling that we are understanding each other less. I hope to invite audiences back into cinemas to relish in the act of watching and to relook at each other and the world we live in with patience and openness.”
Honouring Asian talent
The Screen Icon Award, presented to Lee Kang-sheng, underscores SGIFF’s commitment to recognising Asian creatives who shape global perceptions of the region’s storytelling. Lee’s portrayal of a supermarket worker ensnared in a mystery epitomises the depth of his craft. This year also marked a historic double recognition, with Taiwanese actress Yang Kuei-mei receiving the award during the Southeast Asian premiere of Yen and Ai-Lee. Yang’s illustrious career includes four acting accolades from SGIFF, cementing her legacy as a cinematic powerhouse.
Industry conversations and creative collaborations at SGIFF
SGIFF 2024 extends beyond the screen, offering a robust programme of dialogue and collaboration. The newly introduced SGIFF Industry Days, running from 3 to 5 December at LASALLE College of the Arts, serves as a knowledge-sharing platform for filmmakers and industry professionals. Spanning 15 sessions, topics include navigating global markets for Asian-led stories and crafting intimate scenes with authenticity.
The Forum series also returns, bringing audiences closer to cinematic luminaries like Manoj Bajpayee, Lou Ye, and Jafar Panahi. Panahi, the recipient of SGIFF’s Cinema Honorary Award, exemplifies the indomitable spirit of storytelling in the face of adversity. Complementing these dialogues is the ever-popular Mildly Offensive, Sometimes Accurate panel, offering a candid, humorous glimpse into the creative highs and lows of filmmaking in Singapore.
SGIFF: A platform for discovery
Chairperson Boo Junfeng reflected on the SGIFF mission, saying:
“Film thrives on various platforms, but here, we champion the collective experience of watching a story unfold in a darkened hall. It is a celebration of storytelling, visual poetry, and the undisturbed artistry of the medium.”
SGIFF 2024 promises a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences, from its Opening Film Stranger Eyes to the special presentations of The Fable, Spirit World, and The Unseen Sister. The festival runs until 8 December, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the compelling narratives shaping Asian cinema today.
For tickets and the full programme, visit the SGIFF website.
Also read: Get ready for Jean-Michel Basquiat – ‘Behind the Canvas’ Series at Marina Bay Sands this December!
