Set in industrial Thailand, Kirsten Tan’s debut feature film is a story about Bo (Penpak Sirikul), a disillusioned architect, and his elephant. An official selection for Sundance 2017, POP AYE has earned praise and marks the first time a Singaporean has won an award at the festival. POP AYE effectively captures the essence of ritual, and took us to the base of the story of how it … Continue reading Review: POP AYE dir. Kirsten Tan
When you have a figure as huge as Pablo Neruda, it seems odd that a biopic bearing his name as its title has him not as the sole protagonist, but a deuteroganist, a policeman tasked with arresting him his co-star in this film. But acclaimed Chilean director Pablo Larrain (who also directed Jackie in 2016) clearly reveals the reasons behind this in his latest scintillating film Neruda. Luis Gnecco … Continue reading Review: Neruda dir. Pablo Larrain
Chronicling 5 years in the life of ex-New Orleans Saints football defensive back Steve Gleason after being diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Gleason is an intimate look at the declining health of a man who had it all and the immense love and support he receives and an incredible strength within he uses to carry on living. Gleason’s story is a heartbreaking one: the film … Continue reading Review: Gleason dir. Clay Tweel
The small, 94 resident town of Uncertain lies discreetly hidden in the depths of Texas. In Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands’ documentary, we’re offered a glimpse at the lives of these people living on the fringe, and their tiny, self-contained community. Although completely real accounts, the three men featured in Uertain feel like they were plucked straight out of a work of fiction. Enter Wayne, a hunter … Continue reading Review: Uncertain dir. Ewan McNicol & Anna Sandilands
Films about minorities only spring up every so often, so it’s worthy of a celebration whenever one does receive a release. And films about two minorities, almost unheard of. So when a film like East Side Sushi comes along, it’s almost certainly a miracle and essential viewing. East Side Sushi follows Juanna (pronounced wa-na and played by Diana Elizabeth Torres), a tough, hardworking single mother who works an … Continue reading Review: East Side Sushi
The inaugural Russian Film Week has landed in London! Featuring over 20 films across multiple cinemas, the Russian Film Week is aimed to showcase the very best of new Russian cinema, as well as shows about Russia. The festival will also feature masterclasses and workshops in film by various figures in Russia cinema, from directors to writers, as well as musical performances and exhibitions across … Continue reading Russian Film Week 2016
Mrs K only received a single screening this year at the 27th Singapore International film festival, but oh what a night it was. With a red carpet evening at the iconic and historic Capitol Theatre, Singapore welcomed the stars of Mrs K: veteran Hong Kong martial arts actress Kara Wai, Taiwanese rocker Wu Bai and Malaysian newcomer Siow Li Xuan, alongside director Ho Yuhang. Mrs K was screened as the … Continue reading SGIFF Review: Mrs K+Red Carpet
We were very privileged to get a chance to head down to the surprisingly emotional press conference of Lulu the Movie, and absolutely love the work the cast and crew have done. Lulu the Movie looks set to be as successful as Borat was (though less offensive), with Michelle Chong taking the world by storm by introducing the character to countries as far flung as Shanghai and London and delighting and … Continue reading Getting Up Close and Personal with Lulu and Co.
If you’re Singaporean, chances are you’ve caught Channel 5’s hit comedy The Noose. Michelle Chong in particular has always had her share of fans, and has played countless memorable roles, from the hapless maid Leticia to SPG Barbarella. Now, brace yourself as everyone’s favourite PRC on TV finally makes it to the big screen in Lulu The Movie. Michelle Chong is an immensely talented woman, having both written and … Continue reading Preview: Lulu the Movie
Local director K Rajagopal’s debut feature A Yellow Bird will be receiving its Singaporean premiere during the 27th SGIFF! A Yellow Bird stars TV actor Sivakumar Palakrishnan as Siva, an ex-convict released after serving time for eight years. As a minority and burdened with a broken past, life after prison isn’t easy, and Siva navigates the relations with his mother (Seema Biswa), a Chinese prostitue (Huang Lu) and … Continue reading Preview: A Yellow Bird (SGIFF 2016)
