The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) will launch SGIFF Family Film Day at Our Tampines Hub on 15th July 2023 . Featuring a captivating lineup of films curated for audiences, the free film screenings promises a series of memorable cinematic experiences that celebrates the magic of storytelling and fosters a love for film among families.

A total of three screenings will take place throughout the day, at 1pm, 3:40pm and 5pm, featuring animated films, adventure shorts, local childhood stories and more. The screenings begin with animated film On Happiness Road (PG). Directed by Sung Hsin-yin, memories of unbridled childhood flood back to Chi, as she travels home after years abroad. A gentle celebration of family and acceptance, On Happiness Road pens a love letter to growing up in 1980s Taiwan.

Winning numerous awards, including Best Feature Film during the 2018 Tokyo Anime Award Festival, Best Animation Feature at the 2018 Golden Horse Awards, as well as Grand Prize, Best Animation, and Audience Choice Award at the 2018 Taipei Film Festival, On Happiness Road was also submitted for nomination to the 2018 Academy Awards in the Animated Feature Film category. The theme song was sung by pop star Jolin Tsai.

At 3.40pm, catch some local films with Singapore Short Films – The Quest of Growing Up (PG), featuring five Singaporean short films that invite you to adventure, in search of friendship, memories, or just plain fun. Curated by the inner-child of SGIFF’s programming team, the films featured are:

Lady E’s Wedding Revenge Plan by Kathleen Bu

Eloise, an eccentric young girl, is terrified of growing up. When her older sister, whom she adores and respects, announces her engagement to her long time boyfriend, Eloise decides that she is not ready for this change and sets out to ruin the wedding.

Ju Ren by Harry Zhuang, Henry Zhuang

A seed is planted. A school of fishes washes up to a barren land. While all the fish leaps into the sea, one digs deep into the land.

Masala Mama by Michael Kam

The young son of a “rag-and-bone” man dreams of drawing superheroes, much to the chagrin of his pragmatic father. When the son steals a comic book from a shop, he learns to find the courage to dream with a little help from the kind-hearted Storekeeper.

Ghongo by Srinivas Bhakta

A little one is in search of Ghongo – the Boogeyman

Happy Birthday by Ang Geck Geck

After attending a classmate’s birthday party, Ceceilia decides that she, too, wants one.

Finally, Family Film Day wraps up with Petite Maman. Written and directed by Céline Sciamma, beautifully explores themes of motherhood, intergenerational connections, and the enchantment of childhood, where childhood, memory, and imagination intertwine in a tender and magical journey.

Also to be screened will be Every Floor Looks the Same by Gladys Ng, who was the winner of the Singapore International Film Festival’s Southeast Asian Film Lab Special Mention Award in 2022. Catch it to find out why a young girl wanders in the urban city, in search of a lost bird, and find a fresh perspective on the human experience and reflect on the significance of finding one’s own path amidst a sea of uniformity.

“SGIFF aims to foster a deeper appreciation for cinema in Singapore and grow awareness for stories and experiences from our own backyard and around the world. With the SGIFF Family Film Day, we want to provide families with a unique opportunity to bond over the magic of film. This special programme of films not only entertains but also inspires and educates young minds, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the art form,” says Emily J Hoe, Executive Director, SGIFF.

Family Film Day takes place at Our Tampines Hub on 15th July 2023 for free. For more information and registration, visit their website here

The 34th edition of SGIFF will return from 30th November to 10th December 2023. For more information, visit https://www.sgiff.com.