Singapore’s filmmaking talent is highlighted at the Cannes Film Festival with multiple feature and short films selected for prestigious screenings.

Following significant achievements at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, Singaporean filmmakers continue to gain international recognition. The 77th edition of the festival features notable Singaporean contributions, including two feature films and two short films.

The feature film “Viet and Nam,” co-produced by Singapore’s Lai Weijie, is set to compete in the Un Certain Regard section, while “Mongrel,” directed by Chiang Wei Liang, will be showcased at Directors’ Fortnight. Additionally, the short films “Withered Blossoms” by Lionel Seah and “Cold Cut” by Tan Siyou will participate in the La Cinef and a special program under Directors’ Fortnight, respectively.

These films have received support from the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) through grants aimed at nurturing local talent and supporting co-productions within Southeast Asia. Both “Viet and Nam” and “Mongrel” have secured global distribution deals, a testament to the international appeal and quality of these productions.

Justin Ang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media, Innovation, Communications and Marketing at IMDA, expressed pride in the continued success of Singaporean films on the global stage. He highlighted that over 30 Singaporean projects have premiered at Cannes to date, showcasing the city-state’s growing influence in the international film industry.

The support from the SFC and IMDA has been crucial for these filmmakers. Lai Weijie, involved in both featured films, acknowledged the early support from the SFC which boosted the projects’ potential. Chiang Wei Liang, the director of “Mongrel,” shared his excitement about presenting his film internationally, recognizing the collaborative efforts from Singapore, Taiwan, and France in bringing his vision to life.

This year, the SFC’s involvement in the Marche du Film marks nearly two decades of promoting Singaporean media content and facilitating international collaborations. The Singapore-Philippines pavilion will feature around 20 Made-with-SG titles and host networking sessions aimed at fostering partnerships with global media entities.

Source – IMDA