★★★☆☆ Review: Josée dir. Kim Jong-Kwan

Beautiful scenery and strong performances can’t save the doomed romance between a paraplegic and university student. Pitched as a romance flick set to evoke tears, lush, gorgeous cinematography, a stirring soundtrack, and two incredibly charming stars in the leading roles, new Korean film Josée seems to have a recipe for success. A remake of Japanese flick Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2003) (coincidentally, an anime … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Josée dir. Kim Jong-Kwan

First-ever hybrid version of SGIFF draws to a close with 30 sold-out screenings

The 31st Singapore International Film Festival drew to a close on Sunday, 6th December, after an exciting 11 days of film screenings and festival activities that showcased ground-breaking Asian cinema from across the region. For the first time ever, the festival took on a hybrid model, which allowed viewers to enjoy many films either in the cinema or at home, as some films were screened … Continue reading First-ever hybrid version of SGIFF draws to a close with 30 sold-out screenings

★★★☆☆ Review: Tiong Bahru Social Club dir. Tan Bee Thiam

The absurd idea of controlling happiness is lost in this manmade pastel utopia.   Touted as ‘Wes Anderson meets Black Mirror’, Tan Bee Thiam’s Tiong Bahru Social Club is a decidedly bolder film, both aesthetically and ideologically, compared to the usual Singaporean fare we’re used to seeing. Set in an alternate reality Singapore, the film’s title refers to a new initiative transforming the gentrified neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru into … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Tiong Bahru Social Club dir. Tan Bee Thiam

★★★★☆ Review: Dear Tenant dir. Cheng Yu-Chieh

Love conquers all, but is that much more difficult when the odds are stacked against you.  Taiwan has often been hailed as one of the most progressive Asian countries when it comes to LGBTQ rights, ranging from having an annual Pride parade, being a mecca for gay culture in Asia, and of course, legalising same-sex marriage since 2019. But as Cheng Yu-Chieh explores in his … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Dear Tenant dir. Cheng Yu-Chieh

SGIFF 2020: Indian Film ‘Milestone’ wins best film at 2020 Silver Screen Awards

The 31st Singapore International Film Festival has announced the winners of its 2020 Silver Screen Awards, recognising the best in film production across the region. This year saw a total of 11 awards presented across four categories, including the Asian Feature Film Competition and Southeast Asian Short Film Competition, in ceremony that was held virtually on 5th of December. The winners of the Asian Feature Film … Continue reading SGIFF 2020: Indian Film ‘Milestone’ wins best film at 2020 Silver Screen Awards

Singapore International Film Festival Film Fund increases the number of film grants for 2021

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has announced that applications for their Film Fund will be open from 1st December 2020. The Tan Ean Kiam Foundation – SGIFF Southeast Asian Documentary Grant (SEA-DOC) and the SGIFF Southeast Asian – Short Film Grant were both introduced in 2018 to support the development of inspiring and thought-provoking films within the region. The grants have been successful, producing projects … Continue reading Singapore International Film Festival Film Fund increases the number of film grants for 2021

vOilah! 2020: Getting a taste of French culture at VUE, café gourmand, and a photography walk

They say that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, a saying that also holds true when it comes to falling in love with a country – through its food. As with every edition, the 2020 vOilah! France Singapore Festival once again showcased the very best of French cuisine in Singapore, ranging from pastries to desserts, wines to fine dining. But … Continue reading vOilah! 2020: Getting a taste of French culture at VUE, café gourmand, and a photography walk

Celebrating the film community: An interview with Boo Junfeng and Emily J. Hoe on SGIFF 2020

With the sheer amount of uncertainty and restrictions brought about by the coronavirus, the journey towards organising one of the region’s foremost film festivals hasn’t been an easy one. But as the team behind the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) will tell you, it’s all been worth it, for the sake of cinema. Taking place from 26th November to 6th December, the 31st edition of … Continue reading Celebrating the film community: An interview with Boo Junfeng and Emily J. Hoe on SGIFF 2020

Film Fanatic: Golden Village brings the heat with Asian blockbusters and more this December

This December, celebrate all things Asian with a slew of blockbusters coming to Golden Village cinemas. Asian superstars Andy Lau, Sean Lau, Gong Yoo, Park Bo Gum, Li Xian and Chen Li-Nung are coming to the big screen once again, as they star in mythical adventure Soul Snatcher 《赤狐书生》, crime action-thriller Shock Wave 2 《拆弹专家 2》 and sci-fi action flick Seobok 《永生战》. From the producer of … Continue reading Film Fanatic: Golden Village brings the heat with Asian blockbusters and more this December

Preview: True Colors Film Festival 2020

This December, the inaugural True Colors Film Festival (TCFF) makes its debut online, as a 10-day festival comprising around 30 award-winning full-length and short films, documentaries and dialogues from 15 countries, all available online for free.  Curated around the theme “One World, One Family”, the films turn the spotlight on the universal experiences of connection, hope, dreams, struggle and transformation; and on the vision of a … Continue reading Preview: True Colors Film Festival 2020