New to being a fan of film? Not sure what to look out for? With the return of the SGIFF in 2022, here are what you can expect and how to further enjoy your experience!
1. A View Beyond The Bay: Local Artist Highlight
Photo credits: Geylang by Boi Kwong
Ever wanted to explore Singapore's film scene but never knew where to start? SGIFF's Singapore Panorama series features local films starring and created by local talent.
Check out Geylang by Boi Kwong (26 November, 7.30pm), which might be more interesting for a mainstream audience with its depiction of the local red light district in a crime thriller setting.
For lovers of the stage, Boom by Derrick Chew, a film adaptation of local playwright Jean Tay's stage play of the same name, will be having its world premiere at this festival. Feel your heartbreak and mend with the ups and downs of an ageing mother and her son as they battle the never ending strive towards progress.
For more style, you can check out Baby Queen by Lei Yuan Bin (30 November, 8pm), which depicts drag in Singapore through the eyes of local drag queen Opera Tang in her journey through being queer in Singapore. You may cry, you may cheer, or you may do both!
Various short films will also be in 4 segments, from 26 to 27 November. For all but the VR segment, you can stay after the show for a Q&A with the filmmakers. It's definitely a must go for budding filmmakers.
2. Beyond the Silver Screen: Forums by Industry Professionals
Photo credits: Future of Cinema
Want to learn more about the ins and outs or the past, present and future of filming? Get into the heads of budding filmmakers from all over the world at the various forums by invited filmmakers. These forums are entirely free, and you can check out the list of forums here!
Check out Mildly Offensive, Sometimes Accurate (29 November, 7pm) under Singapore Panorama for a fun game-like talk by industry professionals involved in Singapore's arts scene, including film, theatre and music. Hosted by Hossan Leong, you'd be hearing the tea about casting, acting and being in an industry most Singaporeans don't consider.
3. World Immersion: VR Screenings
Photo credits: In Times Like These... by Jevon Chandra, Yanyun Chen, Corentin Derbre, Alex Scollay
Virtual Reality takes SGIFF by storm with two films being screened for the 4th short film segment (27 November, 12pm - 5pm). With each session being about 20 minutes and $5 a ticket, don't worry about motion sickness or an emptied wallet! See some of Singapore's first forays into the virtual dimension, with films The Seven Step Verse and In Times Like These... being showcased.
4. A World Of Similarities: International Film Screenings
Photo credits: Arnold is a Model Student by Sorayos Prapapan
Find themes and patterns to relate to in the many international films SGIFF is showcasing.
From the strain of a strict education in Thailand's Arnold is a Model Student by Sorayos Prapapan (30 November, 4pm & 3 December, 4pm) to the anger against the injustices of your social class in World War III by Houman Syedhi (29 November, 9.30pm), find reflections of your society in others and feel the sincere depictions of reality in the works of these international filmmakers.
5. And The Award Goes To: Competition and Accolades
Photo credits: Convenience Store by Michael Borodin
Be a part of history when you watch films at SGIFF as part of the audience when you vote for the Audience Choice Award! Scan the QR code up to 60 minutes after the screening to vote for it to be screened on an additional day alongside the winners of the Silver Screen Award!
Furthermore, catch award winning films through the likes of The Outstanding Contribution to Southeast Asia Award, Asian Feature Film Competition, Southeast Asian Short Film Competition. The best of the best are lined up ahead so do not miss it!
Want to learn more about SGIFF? Find out more about the festival and purchase your tickets here!
đ 24 November - 4 December
đ Location: Various
đ Ticket Prices: $15 (adult), $14.50 (student), with concessions for bulk purchases