From real to reel

Seven Malaysian films are featured at this year’s Singapore International Film Festival.

Malaysia and Thailand.

Believe it or not, it has been 10 years since Malaysian auteur Liew Seng Tat released his first film, Flower In The Pocket. To celebrate his achievement, SGIFF will screen the film with Liew in attendance.

Liew is also one of the mentors in the festival’s South-East Asian Film Lab, which features our own Vishnu Perumal’s work titled Spiritualized.

Two other Malaysian works showcased in the festival are a 17-min feature titled Kampung Tapir by Aw See Wee (which tells the struggles of protagonist Anne who leaves her home in search of a better life) and Amanda Nell Eu’s Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu (It’s Easier To Raise Cattle) that focuses on two teenage outcasts living in a kampung. Both the films are featured in the South- East Asian Short Film Competition.

As per usual, SGIFF will have its Masterclass programme in which guest filmmakers share their experiences. This year the attendees include Indian director Shekhar Kapur and Indonesian Garin Nugroho.

The festival opens with a film by Chinese director Vivian Qu titled Angels Wear White, which looks at underprivileged minority.

This year, the festival is introducing the South-East Asian Producer’s Network, whereby 11 regional commissioners and producers, including Singapore’s Fran Borgia, Indonesia’s Mouly and representatives from HBO Asia and Astro Shaw, will speak on collaborative filmmaking prospects in the region.

The 28th SGIFF runs from Nov 23 to Dec 3, across various venues on the island, including Marina Bay Sands, Shaw Theatres Lido, National Museum of Singapore and National Gallery Singapore. Ticket sales have started. For more information go to sgiff.com.