The highly anticipated 34th edition of Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) opened last night, featuring the first film out of an extensive lineup of 101 films from 50 countries. As Singapore’s longest-running independent film festival and a beacon of representation for Asian Cinema, the festival kicked off with a star-studded Festival Opening, with renowned filmmakers, distinguished celebrities, and industry professionals in attendance as they graced the red carpet at Shaw Lido, Orchard.

Chinese actress and producer Fan Bingbing headlined the Opening Night as she returned to the big screen with the adrenaline-pumping GREEN NIGHT that is set to premiere in Singapore as SGIFF Special Presentation. To celebrate her remarkable contributions to the industry, Fan is also the recipient of the refreshed Cinema Icon Award that returns after a three-year hiatus.

Along with Fan, well-loved local actors at the event included Peter Yu, who stars in A YEAR OF NO SIGNIFICANCE , WONDERLAND, SNOW IN MIDSUMMER, LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT, and DREAMING & DYING, Xenia Tan, who stars in WONDERLAND, and Naomi Yeo, who stars in A YEAR OF NO SIGNIFICANCE.

Gracing the event were also notable film directors Nelson Yeo (DREAMING & DYING), Nicole Midori Woodford (LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT), and Jow Zhi Wei (TOMORROW IS A LONG TIME). The three Singaporean films are shortlisted for the highly prestigious Asian Film Feature Competition, marking a historical feat for the Singaporean film industry as being the highest number of local films nominated in the past 25 years ago.

Other notable film directors gracing the occasion include local horror-film master Kelvin Tong, with A YEAR OF NO SIGNIFICANCE making its World Premiere, and Chai Yee Wei with his Asian Premiere, an all-Hokkien film, WONDERLAND.

Amanda Nell Eu’s TIGER STRIPES, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes Critics’ Week, took centre stage as the festival opening film, which was screened for the first time in Singapore. TIGER STRIPES is the epitome of a multinational co-production, and a culmination of regional attitudes and idiosyncrasies, proudly presented on the global stage.

The film revolves around the celebration of growth and womanhood. TIGER STRIPES, which previously participated in SGIFF’s Southeast Asian Film Lab in 2017, wields a wild, explosive character, unafraid to stand out in both comedy and horror. To open this year’s festival with the film is also a celebration of Amanda’s debut as a feature filmmaker, and her journey at SGIFF coming full circle.

“Amanda Nell Eu’s TIGER STRIPES stands as an emblem of the evolutionary strides within independent Southeast Asian cinema. As the esteemed opening film for this year’s Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), it embraces and magnifies the festival’s essence—a vibrant celebration of diversity, culture, and the artistic fabric of the region. TIGER STRIPES authentically encapsulates a profound, breathtakingly raw portrayal, celebrating the spectrum of growth and womanhood. Its narrative, beautifully bold yet brutally honest, resonates as a testament to the extraordinary stories that the festival showcases, heralding Amanda Nell Eu’s remarkable achievement in delivering her first feature film,” said Boo Junfeng, Chairperson, SGIFF.

Emily J Hoe, Executive Director, SGIFF said, “SGIFF continues to be the largest and longest-running film festival in Singapore, and we are thrilled to be bringing together film-lovers to experience the magic of independent cinema and storytelling. SGIFF offers a rare opportunity to see some of the best films of the year, with a special focus on films from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the wider Asian region. We have grown to be a launchpad for talent over the years, and SGIFF 2023 continues to be a stage that filmmakers can rely on to explore the limitless possibilities of film creation and its power to convey important messages to people from all walks of life.”

“As the curtains rise on the Singapore International Film Festival, kickstarting the 10th edition of the Singapore Media Festival, I would like to congratulate the team for a spectacular opening night! We commend the festival’s dedication to showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Asian storytelling, fostering cultural exchange, and honouring the creativity that defines our region’s cinematic heritage. Here’s to the festival’s success and the brilliance of Asian films that we believe will continue to captivate audiences worldwide, “ said Justin Ang, Assistant Chief Executive for Media, Innovation, Communications and Marketing, IMDA.

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