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K Who would have thought—having just dimmed Stories have a magical ability to transport CHAIRPERSON’S the lights after the celebrations of our 30th EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S us to different realities. They give us new MESSAGE edition last year, we would be faced with a MESSAGE perspectives, provoke conversation, global pandemic that would bring everything inspire action. They bring us on a journey to a standstill. In the film world, we have seen through someone else’s eyes. productions postponed and cinemas shut. Some of the biggest film festivals in the world Film is one beautiful way in which stories are have been forced to change their formats or told. A group of individuals gather in a cinema cancel their events for the year entirely. serendipitously to experience a film together. When the credits roll and audiences gradually At SGIFF, 2020 was going to be a year for exit, no doubt, each person has a slightly rejuvenation. The team came together in different take on the film. Conversations spark January to envision the future of this festival as people figure out plotlines, discuss what that is beloved by so many in and they missed, make sense of what they just the region. saw—certainly, film inspires connection.

We wanted to embark on the quest of The pandemic has put a pause on these social deepening the appreciation for cinema in connections that we often take for granted. Singapore, and for SGIFF to become the We crave their return, but we push on. leading platform for independent films from Southeast . With our new Executive Local cinemas have reopened, albeit with strict Director Emily J. Hoe coming on board, and safety measures. Filmmakers and their crews Ming-Jung stepping up as Artistic Director, have had to figure out new ways of working. we started to chart the journey forward At the same time, all of us have also made with them. I am very pleased that, despite do with the fact that our home or personal the challenges posed by the pandemic, the screens had become a substitute for the big commitment towards growing our community screen. It felt like a necessary shift in how of film lovers remains stronger than ever. we experience film, but it is nevertheless a substitute. It’s hard to replace that feeling of During the lockdown when we were stuck anticipation when you’re sitting in a cinema at home, films have kept us company eagerly awaiting the start of a film, surrounded and given us a window to escape, to by a community who is just as excited as you imagine and to explore. I invite you to to see how this particular story will unfold. continue this exploration with us this November, accompanied by a whole We miss this feeling of community. We community of film lovers and filmmakers. miss you, every single one of you. We have Whether you are experiencing the films forged ahead with the festival to continue at home or in the cinemas, here’s a to put the spotlight on the amazing works of chance for us to finally connect with one filmmakers in Singapore, Asia and the rest of another again through the movies. the world. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of film with you, and can’t Have a good time at the festival! wait to join you at one of our screenings.

Boo Junfeng Emily J. Hoe

6 7 At the height of the pandemic, SGIFF was Though travel restrictions have curtailed the ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S asked, and we asked ourselves, if cancellation attendance of many filmmakers to the festival, MESSAGE was an option. We had decided early on that some will participate remotely. We believe that the festival should go ahead, taking whatever the semblance of a true festival experience form was necessary. We felt SGIFF had to keep remains vital. Whatever the future holds for going as a supporter of films and filmmakers. festivals, their traditions or new hybrid forms, When cinemas closed, we planned for an online we strongly believe that the ritual of coming festival even though the decision to go online together for a shared experience, and the beauty was not an easy one. However, as cinemas of hearing diverse viewpoints and stories, gradually opened up, a hybrid festival became contribute positively to our sense of community. a possibility. So despite some restrictions, we still have one cinema screening for every SGIFF is grateful to all who have given their selected film, maintaining and fulfilling our time and support to the festival to continue its commitment to a full cinematic experience. mission under the most difficult circumstances; to the filmmakers whose work continues to The films available for consideration in this challenge and inspire us; and, above all, to the edition of SGIFF were conceived and produced audiences, whose enthusiasm and dedication way before the pandemic, and the best films to cinema give film festivals their purpose. about our unique present state are likely to be made in the future, after a time of creative Kuo Ming-Jung reflection. Nevertheless, the films in the programme still speak for the times we live in: personal stories, the search for identity, for one’s belonging, for the meaning of existence, questions of community, of social change and the desire for improvement. These sentiments are as potent as ever. We see filmmakers asking honest and sometimes raw questions through their stories and characters. There is vulnerability but also strength in their message.

SGIFF continues its aim to support local and regional filmmakers whose works shape the Southeast Asian identity. This year’s opening film, Tiong Bahru Social Club from Singapore, explores identity through its fantastical style, while the subject of identity is also examined in the documentary Sementara. A highlight of this year’s programme is the strength of short films and documentaries from Singapore and Southeast Asia. SGIFF has also maintained its commitment to Southeast Asian talent with our Film Academy: Southeast Asian Film Lab, Southeast Asian Producers Network, and Youth Jury & Critics Programme.

8 9 CONTENTS

73 films from 49 countries 14 Silver Screen Awards ABBREVIATIONS / LEGENDS Q&A WITH FILMMAKER(S) 19 Talks and Panels Indicates a live or prerecorded 27 Films Venues Q&A with the filmmaker(s). 28 Festival Opening SL Shaw Lido 31 Films in Competition – Asian Feature Film FG3 Filmgarde Bugis+, Hall 3 PREMIERE STATUS 36 Films in Competition – Southeast Asian Short Film FG7 Filmgarde Bugis+, Hall 7 While SGIFF has always maintained a 45 Singapore Panorama FG8 Filmgarde Bugis+, Hall 8 Singapore Premiere policy for all new films, 53 Asian Vision OT Oldham Theatre we are taking an exceptional stance on 65 Cinema Today TPG The Projector, Green Room premiere policy this year in an attempt to 73 Moonlight Cinema ONLINE Virtual Film Screening support filmmakers. For many short films, in 75 Film Academy particular, prior screenings without geoblocking 76 Southeast Asian Film Lab Film Credits may have resulted in worldwide availability. 78 Youth Jury & Critics Programme D Director 80 Southeast Asian Producers Network P Producer RATINGS 81 Film Fund C Cast Please check film ratings on sgiff.com 82 New Waves before purchasing tickets. 83 Film Immersion Programme 84 Donate to the Festival LABELS 87 About the Festival 91 Acknowledgements SEA-DOC GRANT 92 Film Index SEA-DOC Grant indicates that the film has received support from the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation-SGIFF Southeast Asian- Other Useful Information Documentary Grant. Refer to the centrefold for Festival Schedule and Ticketing Information. SEA-SHORTS GRANT SEA-SHORTS Grant indicates that the film has received support from the SGIFF Southeast Asian-Short Film Grant.

LANGUAGE All films will be shown in their original language. Films with non-English dialogue will be screened with English .

All information is correct at the time of print.

Visit SGIFF.COM for the latest Festival updates.

10 11 EXPERIENCING THE HYBRID FESTIVAL

For the first time, some films … IN CINEMA TALKS AND PANELS CONNECT WITH US! will have virtual screenings Due to the reduced seating capacity in For our offscreen events, the In After attending the film screenings and due to tighter capacity limits accordance with pandemic guidelines, Conversation dialogues and panel online events, remember to tell your and public health concerns. tickets are more limited than usual. discussions will be held virtually friends, continue the conversation and We will also connect with Please check sgiff.com for ticketing and available worldwide. share with us your festival experience updates to verify if seats are still using the hashtag #SGIFF31! each other online in our available. Remember to book your Register for free today at offscreen programmes. tickets early to avoid disappointment! sgiff.com/talksandpanels Always check sgiff.com for the latest updates in schedule and our social Our hybrid film festival format channels for exciting festival coverage. allows you to enjoy many of the … AT HOME @sginternationalfilmfest films either in the comforting The films that have virtual screenings darkness of the cinema or are indicated as ONLINE. Each film will @sgiffest be available for 48 hours and may be in the warmth of home. accessed in Singapore only. For information on Covid-19 safety guidelines, please check sgiff.com/faq Sign up for an account with The Projector Plus to view the films at sgiff.com.

For ticketing information, please refer to the centrefold.

12 13 Introduced in 1991, the Silver SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT FILM Screen Awards was the first COMPETITION international competition with Best Southeast Asian Short Film a category dedicated to Asian Best Singapore Short Film cinema. It aims to draw attention Best Director Youth Jury Prize to filmmaking talent from across Asia, with a particular focus ASIAN FEATURE FILM COMPETITION on Southeast Asia. Many of its Best Film nominees and awardees have Best Director since established themselves Best Performance among the region’s most prominent filmmakers. YOUTH JURY & CRITICS PROGRAMME Young Critic Award This year, despite great upheaval and challenges for filmmakers, SOUTHEAST ASIAN FILM LAB SGIFF has decided to reinforce Most Promising Project Fellowship Prize the spirit of the Silver Screen Awards, pressing ahead with two film competitions and two programmes from the Film Academy to encourage and keep alive cinematic storytelling, cherishing film as a form of art for better times. SILVER SCREEN AWARDS

To read more about Films in Competition, turn to pages 31–43.

14 15 ASIAN FEATURE FILM COMPETITION JURY

JOÃO PEDRO RODRIGUES MARY STEPHEN MOULY SURYA JOHN TORRES João Pedro Rodrigues is a Portuguese Mary Stephen collaborated with French New Mouly Surya studied literature and filmmaking John Torres is a filmmaker, writer and musician filmmaker based in Lisbon. His films have Wave director Eric Rohmer for more than 25 in Australia. Since her debut film, Fiksi (2008), from Manila, , whose films have been screened at Cannes, Venice, Locarno, years editing and co-composing music. She she has won numerous local and international been screened widely at international festivals. Toronto and Berlin, among others. His was the assistant to his then-editor Cécile awards. Her latest film, Marlina the Murderer His debut, Todo Todo Teros (2006), won the debut feature, O Fantasma (2000), was in Decugis and the editor for Rohmer’s films in Four Acts (2017), premiered at Cannes Dragons & Tigers Award for Young Cinema competition at . His fifth including Winter’s Tale (1991) and The Romance and was released in 14 countries including at Vancouver International Film Festival, and feature, The Ornithologist (2016), won the of Astrea and Celadon (2007). In the past the US and Canada. In 2018, it bagged a the NETPAC and FIPRESCI Critics awards Silver Leopard for Best Director at Locarno. decade, Stephen has worked with independent record 10 awards at the Citra Awards of at SGIFF. He has made five features and In 2016, the Pompidou Centre in Paris hosted filmmakers and producers worldwide in the her home country, . The film was numerous shorts as well as a multichannel a complete retrospective of his work. capacities of editing, associate-producing and also Indonesia’s entry for Best Foreign work that was shown in Rotterdam and Berlin. coaching, while still making her own films. Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.

16 17 The Festival offers a series of SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT FILM dialogues and panel discussions COMPETITION JURY by filmmakers and industry experts who will provide insights into their creative processes, and how to navigate a fast-changing film and media landscape. With these, we hope to inform, inspire and encourage the continuing conversation between filmmakers and audiences.

HO TZU NYEN NAWAPOL WANG CHUN-CHI THAMRONGRATTANARIT Ho Tzu Nyen is a Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit Wang Chun-Chi is the director multidisciplinary artist from is a self-taught director, film of Film Institute. Singapore. Spanning the critic and screenwriter. His She received her PhD in mediums of film, video, works have earned critical Cinema-Television Critical performance and installation, acclaim for their unique and Studies from the University his works have been shown eccentric style. In 2012, his of Southern California. As extensively at galleries feature debut 36 won the New an academic, her research worldwide. Most recently, Currents Award at Busan. His revolves around issues of he was co-curator of the 7th other features, Mary Is Happy, gender and sexuality and the Asian Art Biennale in Taipei Mary Is Happy (2013) and Die cultural history of film. She (2019). Ho represented Tomorrow (2017), have been is currently the chairperson Singapore at the 54th screened internationally. of Taiwan Women’s Film Venice Biennale (2011). Association and was formerly a programmer for the Women Make Wave Film Festival.

TALKS AND PANELS 18 FILMSTALKS IN & COMPETITON PANELS 21 –Founder and director – – for more details. more for Shozo Ichiyama Shozo Filmex, of Shozo Ichiyama is known for the many award-winning films he has produced. He is the head mentor for this year’s Southeast Asian Film Lab. See page 76 Online | 60min | 7pm | This event will be held online, open to participants worldwide. For more details and to register for this event, please visit sgiff.com/talksandpanels 1 Dec, Tue Tue 1 Dec, Japanese producer Shozo Shozo producer Japanese 30-year distinguished Ichiyama’s career has seen him enable some of the biggest names in international Hsiao- Hou Kitano, Takeshi cinema: Hsien, Samira Makhmalbaf and, most Jianotably, Zhangke. Having begun his career the at Shochiku studio, he quickly broaden to sought ways his horizons and champion to voices, creative and independent international alongside working filmmakers and those in . He has long been an new advocate of talent, which he has increasingly sought promote to as his career own and reputation expanded. have His determination encourage to voicesnew led him launch to the Filmexfestival in 2000. He Tokyo his on collaborating currently is Singapore. from project first Ichiyama will be discussing aspects his suchof career, as working with co- international directors, notable production, finding directors new and selecting projects he believes in. What does he value in directors? new What areas should aspiring filmmakers focus And on? what is the production? independent of future IN CONVERSATION WITH WITH IN CONVERSATION SHOZO ICHIYAMA FG3

ASIAN VISION ASIAN min 113 P56 –A frequent collaborator – – 3.30PM is a closely observed –Closely associated with the the with –Closely associated – – 29 NOV, SUN29 NOV, career. filmmaking Hui’s Ann of portrait KEEP ROLLING KEEP Man Lim Chung’s directorial debut Rolling Keep Man Lim Chung Lim Man Annof Hui, Man Lim Chung is a veteran Hong Kong art director and production designer. Hong Kong New critically Wave, acclaimed director Ann Hui has been figure a key of 1970s. the since cinema Kong Hong Ann Hui Ann Online | 60min | MAN LIM CHUNG 9pm | profiles acclaimed acclaimed profiles —is Hui’s fierce —is

This event will be held online, open to participants worldwide. For more details and to register for this event, please visit sgiff.com/talksandpanels inspirational approach life. to achievements, and share her her share and achievements, extraordinary career and cinematic cinematic and career extraordinary with Man reflect on to her Hui will be in conversation

carries from her over attitude life. to the subjects her of stories, which her profound humanism towards independence towards her work and and work her independence towards Keep Rolling Keep Man Lim Chung’s documentary documentary Chung’s Lim Man body of films—and is reflected in body films—and of What shines through her remarkable

anxieties Hong of life. Kong that capture the most intimate socially realist aware dramas best known her for nuanced and adaptations. all, Above she is period melodramas and literary literary and melodramas period martial arts films and thrillers to her diverse oeuvre ranges from New Wave of the of ’70s and ’80s,New Wave the groundbreaking Hong Kong over four decades.over figurein A key Keep Rolling Keep of career filmmaking charting her Hong director Kong Ann Hui, 30 Nov, Mon Nov, 30 ANN HUI and IN CONVERSATION WITH WITH IN CONVERSATION 20 FILMSTALKS IN & COMPETITON PANELS 23

, was the by Lav Diaz, is a producer is a writer- a is is a Singapore-based A Lullaby the to (2018), won the Golden (2016) and Apprentice , directed by her frequent Disappearing Landscape A Lullaby the to Sorrowful premiered Cannes at Film Bianca Balbuena Bianca based in the Philippines. She produced Sorrowful Mystery which was awarded the Silver Bear Berlinale at 2016. She is currently a mentorLocarno’s at Open Doors programme. Borgia Fran critically with credited producer acclaimed films such as Sandcastle (2010), (2013), Mystery (2016). His latest film, A Land Imagined Leopard Locarno at Film Festival. Chen Anthony director and producer from Singapore. His debut feature IloIlo Festival 2013, and was awarded the Camera d’Or. His second feature film, Wet Season opening film SGIFF of in 2019. is a producer Glachant Isabelle based in Asia. She is known for the first official French- 11 co-production, Chinese Flowers Xiaoshuai. Wang collaborator She founded two production Shadows Chinese companies, and Shasha & Co. Production. Thi BichTran Ngoc is a producer bothof commercial box office hits films feature independent and that travel the festival circuit.She co-founded Autumn Meeting in 2013, an international platform supportto young filmmakers in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia. Online | 60min | 7pm | This event will be held online, open to participants worldwide. For more details and to register for this event, please visit sgiff.com/talksandpanels PANELDISCUSSION Southeast Asian Producers Network: Accessing International Co-production—Why and How? Mon Nov, 30 recent in energy and talent The Southeast Asian cinema are widely recognised. With limited and often unstable funding across its many countries, working with partners international and regional accessfor co-production to has become crucial many for projects. With the introduction the of Southeast Asian Co-production Infocomm Singapore’s by Grant and Authority Development Media the Singapore Film Commission, demand. in are producers local canHow the generation next of producers gain a foothold in co- knowledge What production? What acquire? they should qualities must they possess? Is co-production suitable for everyone or every project?

, (2018) is a is a director , her feature debut, is a writer and director , screened this at SGIFF. , his co-directed feature is an artist whose works (2015), which was screened screened was which (2015), and producer fromthe Philippines. Her feature debut Aswang screened in this SGIFF, is a recipient several of documentary film grants across regions, SEA-DOC the Grant. including Chew Chia Shao Min is a local Her director. and producer writer, short June film and May was featured the at 2018 SGIFF, and she wrote the feature Wanton Mee theat Berlinale. She co-directed Sementara Chulphongsathorn Graiwoot is a Thai film producer who has been working with Prapat Jiwarangsan since 2015, as well as a programmer and lecturer. He was a guest curator for Screening the Forest in 2018, a programme by the Asian Film Archive. Jiwarangsan Prapat visual artist and film director from . His recent the on focus which documentaries, stories migrant of workers in Asia, festivals at screened been have Singapore. and Rotterdam in Tan Biyun rights human community, on focus and social justice, spanning film, installation. and performance Citizen Hustler is screened this at SGIFF and is a recipient the of SEA-DOC Grant. Úbeda Joant based in Singapore. His short film Spirit fromthe Meadow (2014) worldwide. festivals to travelled Sementara debut, is screened this at SGIFF. Alyx Ayn Arumpac Ayn Alyx Online | 60min | 7pm |

This event will be held online, open to participants worldwide. For more details and to register for this event, please visit sgiff.com/talksandpanels

contemporary world for the future? future? the for world contemporary are they as records our of narrate thenarrate past? important How How doHow they record the present or the diverse identities the of region? How doHow they reflect and express contemporary lives and culture? culture? and lives contemporary observe or intervene in in intervene or observe and archive. Should documentaries notions witnessing, of testimony in the programme, explores it the themes and narratives theof films region. Drawing on the combined the role documentaries of in the SEA-DOC Grant, reflect on to some whomof received have the together documentary filmmakers, filmmakers, documentary together This panel discussion brings filmmaking in Southeast Asia. discussion of documentary documentary of discussion the festival also hopes foster to funding documentary projects, projects, documentary funding (SEA-DOC) Grant in 2018. Besides Southeast Asian-Documentary Asian-Documentary Southeast Ean Kiam Foundation-SGIFF SGIFF introduced the Tan 29 Nov, Sun Nov, 29 through Documentary ShapingSoutheast Asian Identities PANELDISCUSSION 22 FILMSTALKS IN & COMPETITON PANELS 25

has worked The Naked DJ (2014) is a Singapore-based (2018), won the Golden (2016) and Apprentice Disappearing Landscape A Lullaby the to Sorrowful (2018), was selected for producer credited with critically critically with credited producer acclaimed films such as Sandcastle (2010), Fran Borgia Fran (2013), Mystery (2016). His latest film, A Land Imagined Leopard Locarno at Film Festival. Kan Lume award-winning an is filmmaker. His shortfilm Libertas (2012) won the NETPAC Award at Tripoli Film Festival and the feature documentary earned Kan his second NETPAC Award, for best Asian film, Jogja- at NETPAC Asian Film Festival. He commission various on worked has projects from the German Embassy in Singapore, Asian Film Archive Gallery Singapore. National and Lee Sangchul with Lebanese film producer Mario Kassar as the head of development, and participated in various film and media projects in Singapore and around the world. He is currently the chief operating officer C47 of Investment. the Ting Wei discovered Tan wonders filmmaking of in film looked never has and school, back since. Her debut short, CA$H international competition the at Clermont-Ferrand41st International Short Film Festival and won Best Directing the at National Film Youth Awards. Online | 60min | 7pm | This event will be held online, open to participants worldwide. For more details and to register for this event, please visit sgiff.com/talksandpanels PANELDISCUSSION Originals:SG Funding Short Films: Thinking Outside theBox Thu 3 Dec, Securing funds making for a short film is often a difficult and However, process. competitive provided funds limited the besides culturalby and film institutions, there are also opportunities be to found in other sectors. Increasingly, educational, social, see we charitable and other bodies funding short films with messages that are aligned with their aims or mission. What are some these of projects that are What available? obligations do the filmmaker have fulfil?to What are the application procedures? can How the filmmaker balance the required messages with their cinematic own vision and use these projects their to advantage? Aimed young at and emerging filmmakers, this panel offers ideas and practical advice making for the most under-explored of funding unconventional and films. short for opportunities

is (2020), was is a producer from is the artistic Sorry for the Inconvenience the for Sorry Alemberg Ang Alemberg the Philippines whose projects focus on socio-civic issues. During the Covid-19 lockdown in Manila, he Cinema Lockdown co-organised Club, an outreach programme targeted the at most vulnerable community. film local the in Carl Chavez is a Filipino writer and short breakthrough His producer. film, screened been has (2017), festivalsat and won national awards. During the Covid-19 lockdown in Manila,he co- Cinema Lockdown organised Club, an outreach programme targeted the at most vulnerable community. film local the in Anderson Le director the of Hawaii International Film Festival and a programme consultant on Asian cinema for film co-founded He worldwide. festivals the production company East, and its recent film, Be Water selected for Sundance and Cannes. and Sundance for selected Somosundram Prashant the general manager The of cinema independent an Projector, in Singapore. The Projector virtual a launched recently cinema platform, The Projector cinema to response in Plus, closures due the to pandemic. Online | 60min |

5pm |

This event will be held online, open to participants worldwide. For more details and to register for this event, please visit sgiff.com/talksandpanels the future hold? temporarily? In short, what might situation, if sometimes even only achieved in terms mitigating of the What has the independent sector still relevant—or even necessary? even relevant—or still and the cinematic experience consider? Are traditional methods methods traditional consider? Are working or they networks could What are some modes new of of cinema.of can How they adapt? organisations that are the lifeblood lifeblood the are that organisations the independent filmmakers and and filmmakers independent the wants to zoom to wants in on the grassroots, received much attention,SGIFF While the major players have unprecedented existential threat. viewing experience faces an the 120-year tradition cinema- of decisions about survival, and confronted with dilemmas and and dilemmas with confronted festivals have allfestivals have been hit hard, exhibitors, filmmakers and film challenging cinema. for year Film 2020 has a dramatic proved and 2 Dec, Wed Wed 2 Dec, Rethinking the Experience of Film of Experience the Rethinking Future Cinema: of PANELDISCUSSION 24 This year we have a slimmer selection, but we retain our core objective of bringing outstanding and unmissable gems from world cinema to you. The films of 2020 continue to explore, express and reflect the times we live in through bold views and imaginative storytelling that plumb the depths of humanity.

Join us to be charmed, excited, challenged and provoked by these 73 films that capture the zeitgeist of our times.

FILMS

Yellow Cat FILMSOPENING IN COMPETITON FILM 29

(2016) is a Singaporean Fundamentally Happy Fundamentally As You Were (2014),As You among is his solo directorial debut. producer, writer and directorwho has worked on multiple award-winning films. independent of member founding A collectivefilmLittlePictures, 13 Tan co-directed with Lei Yuan Bin and produced Snakeskin and (2015) other local films. Tiong Bahru Social Club Huang JunxiangHuang Thomas Pang, Goh Guat Kian, Jalyn Han Tan BeeTan Thiam

D P C LSW Tan BeeTan Thiam’s offbeat satiricalcomedy takes a whimsical and soft sci-fi approach topoke fun results-driven with preoccupation Singapore’s at everything—including where society a In practicalities. moments tender managed, and quantified happiness—is radical become revealed are vulnerabilities which in acts that forge real bonds and rupture the veneer of an happiness. enforced Check SGIFF.com for ratings Ah Beeleaves his dull office job at factory a to join Employed as a happiness agent, Ah Bee is tasked However, he grows increasingly alienated and data-driven exclusive Club—an Social Bahru Tiong the pilot programme thataims to create the world’s happiest of neighbourhood pastel-hued idyllic, the in residents Tiong Bahru. with taking care of Ms Wee, a rebellious elderlyresident to cat her for looking From freebies. the for joined who like seems it exercises, happiness group in participating the best job in the world. questions the cold, mechanical nature of achieving happiness, where every happiness agent is at risk of the to enough contribute not do they if replaced being index. happiness overall community’s Q&A with filmmaker(s) Q&A with Cast C SL Producer P 7PM, 8PM Director D

26 NOV, THU 26 NOV,

SINGAPORE / 2020 / 88MIN / ENGLISH, CANTONESE, NC16 / TAMIL MALAY, HOKKIEN, MANDARIN,

28 construct of happiness in Singapore. happiness in of construct this satirical comedy that questions the the questions that comedy satirical this Wes AndersonWes meets Black Mirror in

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] ASIAN [SOUTHEAST SOCIAL CLUB

TIONGBAHRU OPENING FILM OPENING COMMISSIONED The Asian Feature Competition SHORT has eight films by directors making their first or second features. This year, five of these mark directorial debuts, highlighting a new generation of exciting talent in Asia. There is a dynamic variety of styles, but each film presents NEWBORN its themes—whether personal or A teenager struggles to care generational, challenging moralities for her newborn in the wake of her mother’s disappearance. or unspeakable violence, the speed of change or the force of forgetting— Pei Ling is forced to take on the full duties of caring for her newborn after her SINGAPORE / 2020 / 12MIN / mother’s disappearance. Struggling with her identity as a young mother, she with daring and commitment. MANDARIN finds ways to cope with the burden of abandonment and single parenthood. 26 NOV, THU 7PM, 8PM SL As always, the Southeast Asian This film will be screened together D Shoki Lin is a director, writer and cinematographer based in Short Film Competition defies easy with Tiong Bahru Social Club (p. 28). Singapore. His previous short film, Adam (2019), was part of the Cinéfondation Selection at Cannes, and was awarded Best summary, considering the numerous Singapore Short Film at SGIFF. selections and the diversity of their themes, styles and stories. We highly recommend you enjoy the variety Catch the Best of Fest! We are and revel in the abundance of strong, FILMS rescreening winning films from the creative talent from the region. Silver Screen Awards and Audience Choice Award in the cinemas.

Winners will be announced on Sunday 6 Dec 2020, 9am on sgiff.com

6 Dec, Sun | 1pm | FG3 Best Southeast Asian Short Film Award winner Best Asian Feature Film Award winner

6 Dec, Sun | 4pm | FG3 Best Singapore Short Film Award winner Audience Choice Award winner IN For ticketing details, please refer to the centrefold. COMPETITION

30 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) No Love for the Young FILMS IN COMPETITON COMPETITION IN FILMS A BALANCE THE CLOUD IN HER ROOM 由宇子の天秤 她房间里的云 A psychological drama of moralities A young woman returns to her hometown that dives deep into the complexities of where she connects with the old, the new, individuals, as truths are altered as much the city and herself. as the perception of them shifts. [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] , HONG KONG / 2020 / 101MIN / MANDARIN / R21 JAPAN / 2020 / 152MIN / JAPANESE 28 NOV, SAT 6:30PM FG3 1 DEC, TUE 6:30PM FG7 + ONLINE 5 DEC, SAT 3:30PM FG7

Yuko is an empathetic documentary filmmaker who D Yujiro Harumoto’s debut feature, Going Twenty-something Muzi returns to her hometown D Zheng Lu Xinyuan is a director based works after hours at her father’s cram school, where she the Distance (2016), which he produced, of Hangzhou for Chinese New Year. Through interactions in Hangzhou, China. Her works have befriends a troubled student, Mei. For her documentary, wrote, edited and directed, was screened with her friends, family and lovers, both old and new, Muzi been screened at various film festivals Yuko tries to unearth the truth of a sensational case internationally at festivals, and received a navigates what it means to be female – as a daughter, a internationally. Winner of the prestigious of school bullying, interviewing family members of the commercial release in Japan. A Balance, his sister and, most of all, as a woman who desires and wants Tiger Award at International Film Festival high-school student and teacher suspected of a love second feature, was selected for festivals such to be desired. The black-and-white film, its inexplicable Rotterdam, The Cloud in Her Room is her affair. While she carries the immense emotional burden as as Tokyo Filmex and Busan. cuts and documentary-style sequences mirror the debut feature. conduit and mediator between tortured parties’ and their disconcerting experience of being surrounded by the new truths, Yuko also has to battle her own conscience after a P Yujiro Harumoto, Tetsuya Matsushima, Sunao Katabuchi and the familiar as well as the occasionally bumpy road P Wang Zijian shocking discovery about her father. C Kumi Takiuchi, Ken Mitsuishi, Masahiro Umeda of a young woman’s self-discovery. Zheng Lu Xinyuan C Jin Jing, Liu Dan, Chen Zhou In a world where one’s conscience, self-interest and brings the audiences through Muzi’s journey slowly, but the pressures of society continually collide to form lies, with a confident hand. The film ultimately emerges as a perhaps balance, or healing, can be reached by revealing charismatic and thoughtful take on a woman’s identity in a the truth. FL constantly changing world. GN

BEGINNING GERANIUM დასაწყისი SARDUNYA This stellar, award-winning debut examines An affecting drama about mortality, familial the extreme isolation of a woman’s suffering relationships and morality as a 19-year-old that is quiet, though no less acute. unwittingly undergoes a crash course on life.

[WORLD PREMIERE] , / 2020 / 125MIN / GEORGIAN TURKEY / 2020 / 82MIN / TURKISH / PG13 27 NOV, FRI 6:30PM FG7 4 DEC, FRI 6:30PM FG3 4 DEC, FRI 6:30PM FG7 + ONLINE

Yana, a former actress, and her minister husband D Dea Kulumbegashvili is a Georgian film Defne returns home in the middle of her university D Turkish filmmaker and educator Çağıl are Jehovah’s Witness missionaries in a remote Georgian director. Her first short film, Invisible Spaces studies following her father’s stroke to help him Bocut completed his PhD in cinema and town. Following a horrific attack on their church, her (2014), was nominated for the Short Film recuperate, and their fraught relationship gradually television at Marmara University in Istanbul husband leaves on a work trip. Yana, alone with her young Palme d’Or, becoming the first film from mends during the rehabilitative period. At the same in 2018. He has made a number of short son, is faced with a hostile community and a corrupt independent Georgia selected for competition time, her aunt, who lives with them, and the family dog films that were screened worldwide, and police. Embroiled in an identity crisis herself, Yana at Cannes. Beginning emerged a major winner at are suffering from terminal illnesses. The air at home Geranium is his debut feature. endures physical and psychological trauma, with no one San Sebastián Film Festival, clinching Best Film, is thick with mortality, lies and malaise. Through it all, to turn to. Best Director, Best Actress and Best Screenplay. their congenial longtime housekeeper Mari tries her P Asli Erdem, Çağlar Bocut Through the juxtaposition of natural scenery against best to continue caring for the family. Following a family C Ilayda Elif Elhih, Ali Seçkiner Alici, Evren Duyal cold, domestic spaces, Yana’s torment is not so much P Steven Darty, Adrien Dassault tragedy, Defne, who is implicated in it, has to face the seen but felt, resonating through the spaces she inhabits. C Ia Sukhitashvili, Rati Oneli, Kakha Kintsurashvili consequences or betray her morality. Dea Kulumbegashvili’s still camerawork with precise mise Geranium is a striking debut that shows a en scène dispassionately paints a stoic front that belies young woman on the cusp of adulthood, forced by the dark undertows of a woman’s suffering. GN circumstances to confront the human condition. FL

32 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 33 FILMS IN COMPETITON COMPETITION IN FILMS MILESTONE TIONG BAHRU SOCIAL CLUB Wes Anderson meets Black Mirror in Facing obsolescence, a stoic truck driver tries this satirical comedy that questions the to retain control of his life in this gritty take construct of happiness in Singapore. on what it means to become one’s work.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

INDIA / 2020 / 98MIN / HINDI, PUNJABI, KASHMIRI SINGAPORE / 2020 / 88MIN / ENGLISH, CANTONESE, MANDARIN, HOKKIEN, MALAY, TAMIL / NC16 29 NOV, SUN 6:30PM FG3 2 DEC, WED 6:30PM FG7 26 NOV, THU 7PM, 8PM SL

Ghalib, a Punjabi trucker in New Delhi, has hit D Ivan Ayr is a filmmaker who grew up in Ah Bee leaves his dull office job to join the Tiong D Tan Bee Thiam is a Singaporean producer, a milestone. While his truck has covered 500,000 northern India. His debut, Soni (2018), Bahru Social Club—a data-driven programme that aims writer and director. A founding member of kilometres, our aging protagonist finds his life stalled by garnered multiple accolades including Best to create the world’s happiest residents in the idyllic independent film collective 13 Little Pictures, a workers’ strike, the loss of his wife, and an inexplicable Film Award at Pingyao International Film neighbourhood. Employed as a happiness agent, Ah Bee Tan co-directed Fundamentally Happy (2016) pain in his back. When a young and eager Pash is Festival. Milestone premiered at this year’s is tasked with taking care of Ms Wee. From looking for with Lei Yuan Bin and produced Snakeskin assigned as his understudy, Ghalib realises what he must Venice International Film Festival. her cat to participating in group happiness exercises, it (2015) and As You Were (2014), among other do to keep his life’s work from falling apart. seems like the best job in the world. However, he grows local films. Tiong Bahru Social Club is his solo The harsh North Indian winter looms above all this, P Kimsi Singh increasingly alienated and questions their means of directorial debut. its grip constricting every worker’s life. Ivan Ayr’s film is C Suvinder Vicky, Lakshvir Saran achieving happiness. a sobering portrait of a man who—even as he confronts In a society where happiness is quantified and P Huang Junxiang his own disposability—insists on preserving his dignity. A managed, tender moments in which vulnerabilities are C Thomas Pang, Goh Guat Kian, Jalyn Han stunning follow-up to Soni (2018), Milestone establishes revealed become radical acts that forge real bonds and Ayr as the humanist filmmaker of our generation. SH rupture the veneer of an enforced happiness. LSW

This film will be screened together with Newborn (p. 30).

NO LOVE FOR THE YOUNG THE WASTELAND TIADA CINTA SELAMA MUDA Poetry, movement and theatre are fused in In this bleak study of human agency, a this lyrical experiment to express the ineffable brick factory and its community fall apart feeling of being young in today’s Malaysia. in quiet desolation.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [WORLD PREMIERE] / 2020 / 102MIN / PERSIAN, TURKISH, MALAYSIA / 2020 / 85MIN / BAHASA MELAYU, ENGLISH KURDISH / PG

30 NOV, MON 6:30PM FG7 + ONLINE 3 DEC, THU 6:30PM FG7 + ONLINE

What is passion? What is pleasure? Actors D Ridhwan Saidi is a Malaysian film director, Bricks are replaced by cement, which is cheaper D Ahmad Bahrami is an emerging voice to and non-actors contemplate questions of the heart theatre practitioner and novelist. His short to produce. And so it is for workers at a brick factory, look out for in the new generation of Iranian and play a game of word association, ruminating on films include Sisa Binasa (2019), and No Love who recognise the looming finality. They look to their filmmakers. He made his debut feature, definitions. And when words are inadequate, they for the Young is his debut feature. The author supervisor to mediate differences, while the factory Panah, in 2017. The Wasteland, his second employ movement. Drunk on life, art and a youthful of multiple novels, Ridhwan co-founded owner offers lies and platitudes as salve. When that last feature, was awarded Best Film in the honesty, characters reveal their inner worlds, relating a independent publishing house, Moka Mocha day arrives, there is little closure: unpaid salaries, familial section of Venice Film Festival. generation’s sensibilities. Ink, and established open theatre collective and ethnic tensions, unresolved romances. Collectively devised by Kuala Lumpur theatre Ensembel Teater Kaos Nol. The filmic style invites comparisons to Béla Tarr, P Saeed Bashiri group Ensembel Teater Kaos Nol, the film’s theatrical Abbas Kiarostami and Persian verse. Ahmad Bahrami has, C Ali Bagheri, Farrokh Nemati, Mahdieh Nassaj emotive thread is woven through an immersive visual P Nurul Aizam however, created a personal artistic signature, crafting language; combined with the music of poetry, No Love C Ensembel Teater Kaos Nol a powerful story in which the individual and the spaces for the Young becomes a wholly original and genre- they inhabit are inextricably connected. Like the act of defying voice. SH bricklaying, his images are weighty; they gain in intensity, culminating in a devastating final act. RL

34 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 35 SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT PROGRAMME 1 COMPETITON COMPETITION IN FILMS FILM COMPETITION 28 Nov, Sat | 1.30pm | 85min | OT + Online

All films in this programme will feature Q&A with the filmmakers.

1 THE UNSEEN RIVER VIETNAM, LAOS / 2020 / 23MIN / VIETNAMESE 4 THE SMELL OF COFFEE SINGAPORE / 2020 / 12MIN / TAMIL GIÒNG SÔNG KHÔNG NHÌN THẤY Along the Mekong River, a woman reunites with [ASIAN PREMIERE] her ex-lover at a hydroelectric plant. Meanwhile, In the wake of his grandfather’s passing, Raga a young man travels downstream to a temple in accompanies his grieving grandmother. A faint yet search of a cure for his insomnia. KMJ familiar smell piques his curiosity, leading him on a journey of self-discovery in the fading apartment. SM

D Phạm Ngọc Lân’s previous shorts, D Nishok Nishok is studying filmmaking The Story of Ones and Another City, at the University of Westminster were screened widely at festivals and in London. The Smell of Coffee galleries around the world. He is currently premiered at the International Short developing a feature, Cu Li Never Cries. Film Festival Oberhausen.

2 JUDY FREE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE / 2019 / 20MIN / FILIPINO

[INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE] SEA-SHORTS GRANT

An impressionistic child’s-eye view from Judy, of the hope, longing, disruption and disappointment experienced by the families of migrant workers like hers during their infrequent reunions. KMJ

D Che Tagyamon’s animated short Grandma Loleng (2016) was screened at film festivals worldwide. She is an alumna of SGIFF’s Southeast Asian Film Lab 2018 and Berlinale Talents 2019.

3 RED ANINSRI; OR, TIPTOEING ON THAILAND / 2020 / 30MIN / THAI THE STILL TREMBLING BERLIN WALL

In an undercover spy mission, a transgender woman disguises as a masculine man to lure a student activist, only to fall in love. KMJ

D A graduate of the film department of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke works as a scriptwriter, film lecturer and critic. He was selected for Berlinale Talents in 2020.

36 D Director P Producer C Cast Check SGIFF.com for ratings 37 SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT PROGRAMME 2 COMPETITON COMPETITION IN FILMS FILM COMPETITION 28 Nov, Sat | 3.30pm | 80min | OT + Online

All films in this programme will feature Q&A with the filmmakers.

1 FILIPIÑANA PHILIPPINES, UK / 2020 / 24MIN / FILIPINO, ENGLISH 4 SUNRISE IN MY MIND CAMBODIA / 2020 / 14MIN / KHMER

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

At a dream-like golf course on an idyllic day, Isabel, the A young beautician working late at night in a salon new ‘tee girl’, struggles to understand her role on the tentatively gives in to her desires for a young delivery greens, from social hierarchy to staving off her youthful driver who cruises the streets of Phnom Penh on his curiosity. VC motorbike. KMJ

D Rafael Manuel is a Filipino writer- director, producer and editor based D Danech San is a Cambodian in London. He is currently working filmmaker. Her debut short, A Million on his debut feature also titled Years (2018), won Best Southeast Filipiñana, based on this short film. Asian Short Film at SGIFF.

2 HERE IS NOT THERE SINGAPORE / 2019 / 20MIN / MANDARIN

这里不是那里 Against the stillness of the graveyard shift, two lovers reflect on the transitory lives they lead in Singapore. They wrestle with the inevitability of their fates, unwilling to give in. VC

D Local filmmaker Nelson Yeo was selected to participate in SGIFF’s Southeast Asian Film Lab in 2017. He is currently working on his debut feature, The Drought.

3 VIETNAM, SOUTH KOREA, SINGAPORE, THAILAND / BÌNH 2020 / 22MIN / VIETNAMESE

SEA-SHORTS GRANT

An alluring story of an alien in human form who arrives at the construction site of a colossal temple. His human encounters include a beguiling medium who has appeared in his dreams. SM

D Hanoi-born Ostin Fam is a filmmaker based in New York. His previous short film, short/cut, was screened at last year’s SGIFF.

38 D Director P Producer C Cast Check SGIFF.com for ratings 39 SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT PROGRAMME 3 COMPETITON COMPETITION IN FILMS FILM COMPETITION 29 Nov, Sun | 1.30pm | 85min | OT + Online

All films in this programme will feature Q&A with the filmmakers.

1 PEOPLE ON SUNDAY THAILAND / 2020 / 21MIN / THAI 4 TELLURIAN DRAMA INDONESIA / 2020 / 26MIN / BAHASA INDONESIA

In this homage to Menschen am Sonntag (1930), [WORLD PREMIERE] the watchful surveillance of the camera captures A docufiction that investigates alternative the paradox of actors trying to relax while working, Indonesian histories through a rumination of revealing the artificiality of the moving image. VC colonial ruins, the role of technology, and the invisible power of indigenous ancestry. SM

D Tulapop Saenjaroen is a Thai artist D Riar Rizaldi is a Hong Kong-based and filmmaker based in Bangkok. A Indonesian artist and researcher. His Room with a Coconut View (2018) was short films, such as Kasiterit (2019), have screened in competition at SGIFF. been screened at festivals worldwide.

2 TO CALM THE PIG INSIDE PHILIPPINES / 2020 / 19MIN / CEBUANO ANG PAGPAKALMA SA UNOS Myths and memories meet in this contemplation of a typhoon’s devastation on a seaside city. SM

D Joanna Vasquez Arong started making films in Beijing before relocating back to her native Philippines. Her documentaries include Neo-Lounge (2007) and Yugong Yishan (2008).

3 ROCKETSHIP SINGAPORE / 2020 / 18MIN / ENGLISH

[ASIAN PREMIERE] Ten-year-old Samuel takes it upon himself to save his parents’ by recreating a precious shared memory. VC

D Mathias Choo is a graduate of Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media. As a director and editor, his films have travelled to several international film festivals.

40 D Director P Producer C Cast Check SGIFF.com for ratings 41 SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT PROGRAMME 4 COMPETITON COMPETITION IN FILMS FILM COMPETITION 29 Nov, Sun | 3.30pm | 85min | OT + Online

All films in this programme will feature Q&A with the filmmakers.

1 PHILIPPINES / 2020 / 12MIN / FILIPINO 4 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 17MIN / TEOCHEW, HOW TO DIE YOUNG THE CUP CEBUANO IN MANILA [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [WORLD PREMIERE] An allegory for distraction, a teenage boy roams Manila Moving through the rhythms of the day, looking for an anonymous hookup. The men he eyes man, as an organism, needs water, end up dead, and he must now find his true desire. VC sunlight, rest—and a nice cup of coffee— but not without a few mishaps. KMJ

D Petersen Vargas is a Filipino filmmaker. D Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen’s He is developing his second feature, features, Cannonball (2018) and Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, Revolution Launderette (2019), were which was presented at the Cannes both screened at SGIFF. Their films Cinéfondation Atelier this year. have been shown internationally.

2 MALAYSIA, TAIWAN / 2020 / 25MIN / 2 VIETNAM / 2020 / 15MIN / VIETNAMESE PULANG HAKKA, MANDARIN, CANTONESE A TRIP TO HEAVEN THIÊN ĐƯỜNG GỌI TÊN 季後風 [INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE] Fifty-year-old Mdm Tam joins a bus tour to the Yao-Wei takes his girlfriend home to Malaysia Mekong Delta with a friend. On the trip, she bumps for the first time. In the midst of a monsoon, he into her high school sweetheart and embarks on a tries to find the right time to tell his parents of his mission of reconciliation. VC engagement. KMJ

D Malaysia-born Kin Wai Yam graduated D Duong Dieu Linh is a Vietnamese from the Department of Motion Picture, filmmaker based in Singapore. Her National Taiwan University of the Arts. previous short, Sweet Salty, was screened Pulang was his graduation film and debut. in competition at last year’s SGIFF.

3 ESTATE MYANMAR / 2020 / 16MIN / BURMESE

[INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE] A son looks after his dying father. Trapped together in the family home, old conflicts resurface while death approaches. KMJ

D A student at Yangon Technological University, Lin Htet Aung has published poetry and turned to film in 2017. He won student film awards for his shorts Silence and Shower at 1am.

42 D Director P Producer C Cast Check SGIFF.com for ratings 43 The latest independent feature and short films showcasing the dynamism and talent of local filmmaking, telling the stories closest to home.

For this year’s Singapore Panorama, we doubled the short film programme to provide a richer experience of local films. The diverse showcase ranges from works with wider appeal to those of hybrid and unconventional Take part in the discovery of talents by forms. Together, they present a cross- casting your vote after each screening! section of the state of independent filmmaking in Singapore. Through their varied portayals, they capture a slice of eclectic Singapore that we hope will spark discussion and reflection.

1. Scan the QR code or enter the url sgiff.com/vote

2. Select the film of your choice after viewing the film in cinemas or at home. Only one vote per film will be valid. SINGAPORE Voting closes on 5 December 2020 at 9.30pm. PANORAMA The winning film will be announced on Sunday 6 Dec, 9am on sgiff.com, and rescreened on Sunday 6 Dec, 4pm at Filmgarde Bugis+.

44 After Noon FILMSSINGAPORE IN COMPETITON PANORAMA 47 also , the past is (2010) and As (2018), which was featured at is an independent dance artist, artist, dance independent an is Joant Úbeda Joant – Elysa Wendi, Jeremy Chua Jeremy Wendi, Elysa Kobayashi Junya, Sara Tan Chew Chia Shao Min is pursuing her MA in filmmaking at New University. York Besides Úbeda Singapore-basedfilms, Joant They videos. music and commercials directs film short the on collaborated previously June and May SGIFF and won Best Cinematography at the Maverick Movie Awards. For local filmmaker Liao Jiekai filmmaker local For a territory, shaped by various inhabitants includes oeuvre His examines. he whom the features Dragonflies Red WereYou (2014), while his video works have been shown at galleries and art festivals. He is pursuing his MA in film directing at Tokyo University of the Arts. Liao Sudhee educator. dance and choreographer

P P D C D C RL OT + ONLINE OT OT 9:30PM 9:30PM 9:30PM

EC , Malay for ‘temporary’, deftly weaves casts a nonjudgmental eye eye nonjudgmental a casts Once the heir to a family shrine, Junya leaves that Inspired by the wintry coast they travel along, Amid the noisy spectacle of Singapore’s golden Sementara 3 DEC, THU 28 NOV, SAT SAT 28 NOV, SUN29 NOV, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 103MIN / ENGLISH, MANDARIN SINGAPORE, JAPAN / 2020 / 70MIN / ENGLISH JAPANESE, on the anxieties of disparate individuals home. Singapore call who Check SGIFF.com for ratings behind to pursue his dreams, and now works at a pub. He befriends Sara, a visitor researching dance. Together, they return to Junya’s hometown near the Sea of Japan. The friendship grows in generosity as they share personal movements tender by marked interactions histories—their ambivalence. graceful a and Faraway My Shadow Wandered ebbs and flows. Its rhythms take cue from gestures that rise and fall, while undated artefacts wash up onscreen. With elegies for the past accompanied by praises for things yet to come, the film gingerly responds to an urgent question in a fractured world: What does it mean to share with strangers? Sementara [WORLD PREMIERE] jubileefilmmakerscelebrations ChiaChew2015, in Shao Min and Joant Úbeda conduct casual, unhurried interviews with people from different walks of life, each with their own set of values and beliefs. The subjects share deeply personal stories and their perspectives on issues such as religion, race, identity and mortality. Inspired by Chris Marker’sdirectorsthe Le Joli Mai (1963), of together scenes of profound subjectivities and societal structures to present a compelling yet sensitive portrayal Singapore. of FARAWAY MY SHADOW WANDEREDMY SHADOW FARAWAY A young man and a dancer, as well aschoreography and reality, cross paths in a documentary that entangles as much as it explores. [WORLD PREMIERE] 遠く離れた影 SEMENTARA (2019). ’s work’s focuses on community, Ho Pak Kin, Bella Julita, SheikhAhmad Bafadhal Siti Mastura Alwi, Sarah Ariffin, Vincent Tee Tan Biyun, Sharmeen/Sifar Biyun, Tan Chan Fook Seng, Seah Siok Tiang Remi M. Sali has been in the media industry for over two decades. He has directed music and dramas, popular and telemovies videos, previous His trailers. award-winning produced feature was the horror film, Konpaku Tan Biyun human rights and social justice, spanning performance and installation. Her installations have been shown at the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art (2017) and in The O.P.E.N. programme of Singapore International Festival of Arts (2017).

D P C C D P RL Q&A with filmmaker(s) Q&A with SEA-DOCGRANT

Cast FL C FG3 OT + ONLINE FG7 3:30PM Producer 3:30PM 9:30PM P

Sarah, a Malay Muslim, is the daughter of a celebrity Not My Mother’s Baking is not afraid of The forced closure of the Sungei Road flea market Joining them is director Biyun, Tan who wears Director

D 28 NOV, SAT SAT 28 NOV, 5 DEC, SAT 5 DEC, SAT 4 DEC, FRI SINGAPORE / 2020 / 112MIN / ENGLISH, MANDARIN, MELAYU BAHASA SINGAPORE / 2020 / 100MIN / CHINESE, HOKKIEN, ENGLISH TEOCHEW, chef. In a bid to strike out on her own as baker, a she engages Edwin to produce her baking vlogs. Despite the feelings developing begin they encounters, rocky initial for each other. But they face an awkward problem: Edwin’s parents run a roast pork stall.How do the two families bridge this cultural gulf? that dialogue brash and situations uncomfortable illustrate the characters’ callousness. Instead, the film gamely employs the farcical elements to expose the ignorance and cultural insensitivities that are often swept under the carpet in Singapore.

[WORLD PREMIERE] Anunexpected romance between a man Chinese a and woman Muslim Malay whose parents run a roast pork stall.

in 2017 leavesevictedSeng, hawkersFookhis likein 2017 in ailments,varietyof a withand little with 70s recourse. For him andhis partner, negotiating is imperative to their survival—beyond their informal trade, it is also the way they wend their way through the thicket of bureaucracy to aid. financial access several hats in the film: a listener in warm interactions, an aide to their efforts in securing financial assistance, while irreverent this In action. demanding moments amplifying collaboration, neither filmmaker nor subject is taken for granted: “This film advertises me,” Fook Seng declares.

Work and welfare take many forms in this rowdy unapologetically and free-wheeling used-goods trader. a on centred documentary NOT MY MOTHER’SNOT BAKING

好公民 CITIZEN HUSTLER [WORLD PREMIERE] 不是我妈妈的烘焙 46 SINGAPORE PANORAMA SHORTS 1 Dec, Tue | 6:30pm | 81min | FG3 + Online COMPETITON IN PANORAMA FILMS SINGAPORE PROGRAMME 1

All films in this programme will feature Q&A with the filmmakers.

1 SINGAPORE, US / 2020 / 18MIN / MANDARIN, 4 SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA / 2020 / 21 DAYS TEOCHEW, CANTONESE FLOWER SHADOW SERENADE 11MIN / MANDARIN, ENGLISH 二十一天 花影小夜曲 [WORLD PREMIERE] [ASIAN PREMIERE] Jin and his family are in mourning following his In this ode to memory and loss, a familiar mother’s death. While her spirit has returned to visit her song leads a grandmother’s spirit back to her husband, Jin is desperately looking for signs of her. SM family during the Chinese ghost month. SM

D Yong Mun Chee is a director and cinematographer known for Where the D Goh Lin Yuan graduated from Victorian Road Meets the Sun (2011), which was College of the Arts in Melbourne. theatrically released in the US. She Flower Shadow Serenade was won a Special Jury Award at SXSW for screened in competition at the Palm 9:30 (2003). Springs International ShortFest.

2 AND THEY ROAMED SINGAPORE / 2020 / 14MIN / ENGLISH 5 SAUDADE SINGAPORE / 2020 / 20MIN / KRISTANG

[WORLD PREMIERE] [WORLD PREMIERE] Two schoolgirls encounter the ghost of a former Narrated in Kristang, a critically endangered creole student in an abandoned school. Enlisting their help language of Portuguese Eurasians, Saudade to pass into the afterlife, the ghost brings them around reimagines rituals of early Eurasian kampongs the building, reliving painful and joyous memories. KMJ to tell a story of loss and displacement. SM

D Joshuah Lim En is a student at D Russell Adam Morton is a Singaporean LASALLE College of the Arts. He is filmmaker and performance artist who interested in films that explore themes explores folkloric myths and esoteric such as time, memory and love. rituals in his works.

3 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 3MIN / 6 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 16MIN / SEXY SUSHI JAPANESE, ENGLISH AFTER NOON ENGLISH, MANDARIN セクシーな寿司 [ASIAN PREMIERE] [WORLD PREMIERE] Life on a conveyor belt seems great for Sushi and his Two teenage boys idle away a seemingly ordinary Topping friends. But as he begins to contemplate his afternoon, but as events stir up hidden feelings, existence, Sushi wonders if there is more to life than confusion leads to the testing of boundaries. KMJ pimping himself out to savage consumers. VC

D Koo Chia Meng received an MFA in film D Calleen Koh is a media specialist, directing from Taipei National University working with animation, graphic of the Arts. Since 2009, he has worked design and photography. She is in various aspects of production on currently pursuing a BA in animation films including Ilo Ilo (2013), Apprentice art at LASALLE College of the Arts. (2016) and Wet Season (2019).

48 D Director P Producer C Cast Check SGIFF.com for ratings 49 SINGAPORE PANORAMA SHORTS 3 Dec, Thu | 6:30pm | 83min | FG3 + Online COMPETITON IN PANORAMA FILMS SINGAPORE PROGRAMME 2

All films in this programme will feature Q&A with the filmmakers.

1 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 22MIN / HINDI, 4 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 14MIN / CHINESE, MY BROTHER ENGLISH, TAMIL HOLDING ON, LETTING GO HOKKIEN 释怀 [WORLD PREMIERE] [WORLD PREMIERE] Ram reluctantly becomes a brother figure to a After the death of her beloved grandmother, Ting young and helpless boy, both undocumented struggles to cope with the loss, unsure of the lively workers. Living in such intense precarity, mutual funeral rituals. But beneath strong appearances, support might be the only way to survive. VC everyone copes with grief differently. VC

D Shreela Agarwal graduated from D An alumnus of Film, Sound and Video at LASALLE College of the Arts with a Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Lionel Seah’s BA in film. She is now based in Mumbai, passion for telling evocative stories has where she grew up, and Singapore. led him to pursue a career as a director.

2 SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA / 2020 / 5 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 4MIN / ENGLISH NURSERY RHYMES 10MIN / ENGLISH, JAPANESE, HOKKIEN WATERMELON PLEASE 童谣 [WORLD PREMIERE] SEA-SHORTS GRANT [WORLD PREMIERE] Drawing inspiration from his memories of his How does one change after having stared death grandmothers, Michael Kam imagines their childhood in the face? In this hand-drawn animated short, a spent under different imperialist rule. KMJ man’s love for watermelon becomes the catalyst for introspection. VC

D Michael Kam teaches filmmaking at Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film and Media Studies. His short D A fresh graduate of Nanyang films have travelled to numerous Academy of Fine Arts, Lim Jia Ying international film festivals, such as is currently a Singapore-based Berlin, Encounters and Palm Springs. freelance illustrator and animator.

3 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 13MIN / TAMIL 6 SINGAPORE / 2020 / 20MIN / ENGLISH, SILK EAST COAST PARK LOVERS MANDARIN, TAGALOG

[WORLD PREMIERE] [WORLD PREMIERE] A dutiful son struggles to reunite his fractured In this microcosm of the modern world, three family as they deal with his ailing father’s condition. couples, each at a different stage of their lives However, the shocking discovery of a family secret and relationship, face up to the conflicts of their threatens to undermine his efforts. KMJ differing cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. KMJ

D Li Lin Wee is one of Singapore’s D Local filmmaker Don Aravind works pioneering female filmmakers. Best in film and television. His shorts have known for Autograph Book (2003) and been screened widely in local and Gone Shopping (2007), her films have international festivals. been screened at festivals worldwide.

50 D Director P Producer C Cast Check SGIFF.com for ratings 51 TICKETING PACKAGES Asian Vision showcases the most exciting developments shaping the Asian film landscape. This year’s Return to the dark embrace of the cinema and save at the same selection offers a greater proportion CINEMA time by purchasing any four tickets across these sections! 4 for $50 of documentaries from Southeast Asia, not only demonstrating • Asian Feature Competition* • Southeast Asian Short Film Competition the strength of this genre in the • Asian Vision region, but also proving that the • Cinema Today documentary form is vibrant and *excludes Tiong Bahru Social Club. elastic. There are also new fiction films from key auteurs who continue Catch more screen delights in the comforts of your home by to deliver their bold visions. Finally, ONLINE buying four tickets for any online screenings at a reduced price. we are pleased to include a unique 4 for $35 Please visit sgiff.com to see our recommended thematic film bundles. video essay series that spotlights promising Asian filmmakers.

Festival Starter World in Motion New to the festival, and unsure which films to Journeys, travels or flights of the imagination. catch? These are our recommendations, not Films that take us places and to different to be missed! times, enriching our experiences and broadening our horizons.

ASIAN

Talk to Her On Cinema and Storytelling Female-centric narratives exploring the Films capturing mesmerising encounters, world through women’s eyes: their emotions, with inspirational people and stories. The psychology, perspectives and words. Finding continuing adventure of cinema. courage, seeking hope, navigating their lives and places in the world. VISION

52 Veins of the World FILMSASIAN IN VISION COMPETITON 55 is a in 2014. in The Woman Who Left (2016) won Award-winning Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz filmmaker Filipino Award-winning is known for his lengthy films that deal with the themes of trauma, violence and the personal and national between entanglements histories. the Venice , and Season of the Devil (2018) was shown at the 29th SGIFF. Diaz Lav Guingona, Bart Boongaling DMs Josef, Nanding Known for his sensitive explorations of Malaysia-born, isolation, urban and loneliness Ming-Liang Tsai filmmaker Taiwan-based figurekey in contemporary world cinema. His diverse oeuvre includes works in virtual reality and theatre as well as installations. Tsai’s films are well represented in past editions of SGIFF, the last being Stray Dogs Claude Wang Claude Kang-Sheng, Lee Houngheuangsy Anong

P C D D P C AC is a bleak AC OT + ONLINE TPG TPG , is plagued by chronic neck pain. 6:30PM 9:30PM 6:30PM charts humanity’s dark impulses impulses dark humanity’s charts is a tender study of intimacy, loneliness and Days With plot, narrative and dialogue stripped to a bare Tsai Ming-LiangTsai continues his longtime The island of Hugaw is rife with dark myths and deprivation that monsters the on allegory An 2 DEC, WED 27 NOV, FRI27 NOV, SAT 28 NOV, PHILIPPINES / 2020 / 147MIN / TAGALOG / NC16 TAIWAN / 2020 / 127MIN / NO DIALOGUE / R21 Lee’s character lives alone in a house up in the mountains, venturing into the city sporadically to seek different treatments for his ailment. Meanwhile, living in a small, spartan flat in Bangkok is a young man who similarly goes about his life unhurriedly, and mostly alone. One day, Lee visits Bangkok for treatment, and the two share a passionate encounter. minimum, quiet, mundane moments are allowed to unfold gently in real time. Imbued with a deeply meditative quality, the beauty of human connections. examination of the inescapable fate of the underclass who remains trapped in an endless cycle of violence. The film won Best Director in the Orizzonti section at Venice. Check SGIFF.com for ratings collaboration with actor and muse Lee Kang-Sheng, who in real life, and inDays GENUS PAN LAHI, HAYOP A haunting fable about myths and violence, Pan Genus homecoming. tragic miner’s gold a through PREMIERE] ASIAN [SOUTHEAST strange histories. In one legend, sightings of a black horse bring certain death; in another, the miasmatic fear that clouds the island is a colonial leftover that blights the land and scars the people. Darker still are the hearts of mankind, whose greed and penchant for violence one character likens to the genus Pan, or chimpanzees, kin. biological closest humanity’s and avarice make of men, set against contemporary Pan Genus history, traumatic violent, Philippines’ DAYS Ming-LiangTsai returns to feature filmmaking with this tender, meditativeportrait of two solitary men whose lives intersect briefly. PREMIERE] ASIAN [SOUTHEAST 日子

is an up-and- an is , and Birth ofGolden Snail was (2016) and Garage Beast (2015), have been screened Vanishing Horizon of the the short’s of Horizon film Vanishing received the Special Mention at the 2014 Alyx Ayn Arumpac Ayn Alyx Inventory across Europe and in the Philippines. Arumpac Ayn Alyx Cacanindin, Rae Armi Ciriaco Santiago III, Orly Fernandez, Vincent Go Sea SGIFF. In 2018, his short film Planetarium premiered at Cannes as part of the anthology, Thailand Years 10 from producer and director coming works, previous Her Philippines. the including Thai artist and filmmaker Chulayarnnon Siriphol screened in competition at last year’s SGIFF. Siriphol Chulayarnnon Jiraphan Farida Siriphol, Chulayarnnon

D P C D P C are Q&A with filmmaker(s) Q&A with FL GN Cast TPG + ONLINE C OT + ONLINE 3:30PM , shapeshifting monsters in Philippine Philippine in monsters shapeshifting , Producer 9:30PM P aswang takes an unflinching look at the the at look unflinching an takes

In 2013, the filmmaker’sthe wasworkownership 2013, a In of replacement the to compared is performance The The film follows a child whose parents are in prison Director

D 29 NOV, SUN29 NOV, 4 DEC, FRI THAILAND / 2020 / 115MIN / THAI FRANCE, GERMANY, NORWAY, PHILIPPINES, QATAR, QATAR, PHILIPPINES, NORWAY, GERMANY, FRANCE, DENMARK / 2019 / 85MIN / FILIPINO The SEA-DOC GRANT Aswang nightmarish reality in Duterte-era Philippines Philippines Duterte-era in reality nightmarish the upon unleashed is terror monstrous as poor. urban

revokedby his commissioners. In response, he distributed certificateawardcopiesthe of re-rendered100 and the qualitytheeachsuccessiveDVD,times on of 100 film work original the until degraded increasingly version became unrecognisable. Each DVD was sold as an edition of the film for 100 baht. of the Khana Ratsadon plaque—a symbol of democracy in Thailand—with a royalist plaque after it mysteriously and guises various in resurrected is it But vanishes. By DVD. aforementioned the including contexts, tongue-in- this authenticity, of notion the destabilising below from meaning-making embraces docufiction cheek as resistance in an authoritarian regime.

A tongue-in-cheek docufiction that that tongue-in-cheekA docufiction turns authenticity on its head in this power. centralised of interrogation ASWANG

OF DEMOCRACY 100 TIMES100 REPRODUCTION [INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE] [INTERNATIONAL the police and vigilantes who kill with impunity under president Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ that targets the urban poor. As bodies mount in the streets, the nights in Manila become filled with terror and oppressive dread. and an activist who fearlessly documents the deaths. Threading its way through narrow alleys in Manila’s shantytowns, the camera gives us an unstinting view of a corruption. and violence by gripped city folklore, emerge at night to hunt their prey, striking fear in the community. In today’s Philippines, the aswang 54 FILMS IN COMPETITON IN FILMS ASIAN VISION KEEP ROLLING THE SALT IN OUR WATERS

好好拍電影 Brimming with life and humour, Keep Rolling A sculptor from the city visits a remote is a warm and richly humane portrait of coastal village in Bangladesh where he faces celebrated Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui. challenges to his world views and beliefs.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

HONG KONG / 2020 / 113MIN / CANTONESE, MANDARIN BANGLADESH, FRANCE / 2020 / 106MIN / BENGALI

29 NOV, SUN 3:30PM FG3 + ONLINE 29 NOV, SUN 6:30PM TPG + ONLINE

In a filmic career spanning some four decades, Hong D A frequent collaborator of Ann Hui, Rudro, a well-meaning artist from the city, D Raised in the capital Dhaka, Bangladeshi Kong director Ann Hui has made critical darlings and box Man Lim Chung is a veteran Hong Kong ventures into a remote coastal village to work on his director and screenwriter Rezwan Shahriar office hits, as well as widely panned flops. But behind the art director and production designer. figurative sculptures. However, he finds his secular Sumit was a Tisch Fellow of New York accolades and pummelling from critics, Hui is as human as Keep Rolling is his first feature. values challenged by the village’s religious dictates University’s graduate film programme. The Salt anyone, battling anxieties about life and career—though and social mores, which leads to conflict. Meanwhile, in Our Waters, his debut feature, was screened always maintaining her characteristic good humour and P Jacqueline Liu, Man Lim Chung Tuni, the daughter of Rudro’s landlord, falls for him, but internationally, including Busan and London. humility. C Ann Hui their romance is frowned upon. A seafaring people, the Keep Rolling offers an up-close and personal look at villagers’ survival hinges on their seasonal catches, which P Ilann Girard the trials and tribulations of an artist who has devoted her are in turn subject to the capriciousness of nature. Can C Fazlur Rahman Babu, Titas Zia, Tasnova Tamanna entire life to her craft. Rather than gloss over the foibles one’s god temper an increasingly volatile climate? and insecurities of the documentary subject, Keep Rolling Catch Ann Hui in conversation with Amidst exquisite cinematography framed by open shines a light on them, revealing the complexities and Man Lim Chung (p. 20). waters, turbulence in the film gradually intensifies as the contradictions of a modern-day maestro. AC characters find their respective shores to cling onto. FL

PLOY THE SHEPHERDESS AND THE SEVEN SONGS Narratives of migrant workers’ experiences in Singapore are stitched together in a documentary that is not afraid to play with form. A lyrical tale of the circumstances of a young woman from a nomadic tribe doubles as a timely comment on the tense Kashmiri situation today.

[WORLD PREMIERE] SEA-DOC GRANT [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

THAILAND, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 51MIN / THAI, ENGLISH INDIA / 2020 / 96MIN / GOJRI, HINDI

2 DEC, WED 6:30PM OT + ONLINE 29 NOV, SUN 6:30PM OT + ONLINE

Longing for a life beyond her hometown in the Thai D Prapat Jiwarangsan is a visual artist and After Laila marries a fellow nomadic tribesman, she D Pushpendra Singh is an Indian actor, writer province of Buriram, Ploy moves to various Southeast film director from Thailand. His recent and the rest of their tribe migrate to mountainous plains. and filmmaker whose works have travelled Asian cities in search of work. She ends up in Singapore documentaries—The Asylum (2015), The Their move attracts the attention of local police officers, internationally including the Berlinale. His as a sex worker at an illegal, makeshift brothel operating Wandering Ghosts (2017) and Destination who are in awe of Laila’s beauty. Through seven folk films focus on the impact that tradition, under the cover of a jungle’s leafy darkness that is Nowhere (2018)—focus on the stories of songs, Pushpendra Singh weaves a tale in which Laila culture and politics has on the everyday lives eventually turned into a public park. migrant workers in Asia, and have been screened interrogates what it means to be a woman desired by many of marginalised individuals or communities. His Ploy’s story is interwoven with those of other at film festivals in Rotterdam and Singapore. but unable to act on desires of her own—an allegory of previous features include The Honour Keeper migrant workers, backgrounded by scenes of labour, the political situation in Kashmir. Set against the beautiful (2014) and Ashwatthama (2017). prohibition and surveillance. Nature, a silent witness to P Graiwoot Chulphongsathorn Himalayan mountains in Kashmir and Jammu, Singh’s all this, is not spared from the violence of man’s impulse C – lyrical, sometimes playful, story is a poignant comment on P Pushpendra Singh, Gulab Singh Tanwar, Ajit Singh Rathore, to control. Employing a variety of materials such as life at the intersection of desire, politics and culture. GN Sanjay Gulati photographs and paintings, Ploy joins a wave of recent Ploy will be screened together with You and I (p. 60). C Navjot Randhawa, Sadakkit Bijran, Shahnawaz Bhat films that centres these voices from the margins. SH

56 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 57 FILMS IN COMPETITON IN FILMS ASIAN VISION 朝が来る スパイの妻 A subtle yet electrifying mystery drama After stumbling across an alarming that sensitively deconstructs the ideal of a national secret, a Japanese businessman nuclear family. and his wife embark on a treacherous journey to bring this discovery to light.

JAPAN / 2020 / 139MIN / JAPANESE JAPAN / 2020 / 115MIN / JAPANESE

29 NOV, SUN 9:30PM FG7 3 DEC, THU 9:30PM FG7 2 DEC, WED 6:30PM FG3 5 DEC, SAT 3:30PM FG3

Satoko and Kiyokazu struggle to come to terms with D Naomi Kawase is a staple name of Japanese Winner of the for Best Director at the D is a Japanese director the news of their infertility, trying various treatments to cinema and a regular of the film festival Venice Film Festival, Wife of a Spy follows Kobe-based who first rose to prominence for his work conceive. Eventually, through an adoption agency, they circuit. She was the focus of a special merchant Yusaku and his wife Satoko as they attempt to in the crime and horror genres with films welcome a baby boy into their lives, fulfilling their ideal programme at the 27th SGIFF. Kawase’s films expose a horrific national secret. Navigating a complex, like Cure (1997) and Pulse (2001). He won of a family. But as the couple navigate the challenges often navigate harsh realities, intertwining dangerous web of wartime political and military figures, the Jury Prize of the of parenthood, they are met with a bombshell: a woman them with the spirituality of physical Yusaku and Satoko’s marriage and trust in each other section at Cannes for family drama Tokyo claiming to be the boy’s mother demands for him to be landscape. Her 2007 film The Mourning also enter uncharted waters. This first period piece by Sonata (2008) and followed up with the Best returned to her. Forest won the Grand Prix at Cannes. the prolific Kiyoshi Kurosawa ingeniously shapeshifts Director award in the same section for his Naomi Kawase brings to life the big-screen between captivating romance, electrifying spy thriller and 2015 film Journey to the Shore. adaptation of the 2015 novel of the same name by Mizuki P Yumiko Takebe elegant historical drama. With a side plot involving the Tsujimura. Told through multiple perspectives, True C Hiromi Nagasaku, Arata Iura, Aju Makita making of a film, Wife of a Spy also becomes a thoughtful P Keisuke Tsuchihashi, Takashi Sawada, Satoshi Takada, Mothers is an emotionally sincere dive into the fears and reflection on the role of cinema in archiving, capturing and Tamon Kondo morality of adoption, reiterating that family is not limited disclosing the truth. SM C Yu Aoi, Issey Takahashi, Ryota Bando by biological connection. VC

VEINS OF THE WORLD THE WOMAN WHO RAN DIE ADERN DER WELT 도망친 여자 A young boy must decide between supporting Continuing in his signature of repetition and his family or honoring his father’s traditions in difference, Korean auteur Hong Sang-Soo’s this gentle and uplifting Mongolian drama. latest focuses on women’s interactions, revealing undercurrents of ambivalence. [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

GERMANY, MONGOLIA / 2020 / 97MIN / SOUTH KOREA / 2020 / 77MIN / KOREAN / PG13 MONGOLIAN / PG13 1 DEC, TUE 9:30PM FG3 5 DEC, SAT 6:30PM OT + ONLINE 5 DEC, SAT 6:30PM FG3

Eleven-year-old Amra and his family live the D Byambasuren Davaa is an award- Hong’s longtime collaborator Kim Min-Hee D Hong Sang-Soo is a South Korean film traditional Mongolian way, respecting their land despite winning Mongolian director, writer and stars again as the protagonist in this trifurcated film. director and screenwriter who is known for the onslaught of international mining companies. producer. Her debut documentary The She plays Gam Hee, who, on the rare occasion of her his minimalist and intricate depictions of Struggling to resist the ways of big corporations and the Story of the Weeping Camel (2003) was husband’s absence, visits two friends and bumps into everyday life. He won the prestigious Golden threat to their livelihoods, Amra and his community find a Best Documentary nominee at the 77th a third. Mundane, meandering conversations between Leopard at Locarno Film Festival for Right their resilience tested. In time, Amra must decide between Academy Awards. Her other features include women—and the occasional men—play out in long Now, Wrong Then (2015). A familiar name forsaking his dreams in order to care for his family or find The Cave of the Yellow Dog (2005) and The takes with precise performances, yielding complex in the film festival circuit, Hong bagged the the courage to stay true to himself. Two Horses of Genghis Khan (2009). Veins character studies. Through these interactions, Gam Hee’s Silver Bear for Best Director at this year’s Veins of the World reflects how indigenous of the World is her second fiction film. perception of the world and herself is subtly altered. Berlinale for The Woman Who Ran. communities deal with the imposition of modernity on Resuming his characteristically unassuming yet self- longstanding traditions. With its strong message on youth P Eva Kemme, Tobias Siebrt, Ansger Frerich reflexive directorial style, Hong once again transforms P Hong Sang-Soo empowerment through the conservation of indigenous C Bat-Ireedui Batmunkh, Enerel Tumen, the quotidian into insightful observations about people C Kim Min-Hee, Seo Young-Hwa, Song Seon-Mi heritage, the film had its world premiere in the Generation Algirchamin Baatarsuren and their relationships with seemingly effortless ease. GN section at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. AAB

58 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 59 FILMS IN COMPETITON IN FILMS ASIAN VISION YELLOW CAT MONOGRAPHS ZHELTAYA KOSHKA Monographs is a new series of films commissioned by Singapore’s A girl and a gun may be all you need to make movies, but it takes a lot more to open a Asian Film Archive, conceived as a platform for engaging the Asian cinema in the Kazakh steppes, it seems. film community in discourse on the moving image. Originating as a response to the uncertainties of the pandemic, the current programme [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] of 10 video essays showcases diverse filmmaking talents engaging KAZAKHSTAN, FRANCE / 2020 / 89MIN / with contemporary ideas and creating a fresh, dynamic interplay of KAZAKH, RUSSIAN / PG13 stories and images. The films are grouped thematically into Motifs 5 DEC, SAT 1:30PM OT + ONLINE and Movements: the first is focused on the immediate, the visceral and the gaze; the latter on reflections, memories and histories. To others, Kermek is an ex-con and a blithering D Adilkhan Yerzhanov is one of Kazakhstan’s idiot. To himself, he is a wide-eyed fanboy of Alain Delon most prolific directors, with a body of work who wants to build his own cinema. Accompanied by spanning multiple genres. The Owners (2014) his beloved Eva, he relies on his pluck and a surprising was screened in competition at SGIFF, and sensibility for the cinematic—a folk hero for the screen. The Gentle Indifference of the World made its MONOGRAPHS But the wilder their dreams, the more saboteurs they premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section MOTIFS find on their tails: police and mafia, all in a territory where in 2018. Yellow Cat is his ninth feature film. everything happens in full view. [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] 1 Dec, Tue | 6:30pm | 69min | OT + Online Genre-savvy as always, Adilkhan Yerzhanov treks P Serik Abishev, Olga Khlasheva, Guillaume de Seille across sparse landscapes and classical cinema history C Azamat Nigmanov, Kamila Nugmanova to deliver a measured mix of the deadpan, the hopeful 1 INDONESIA, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 20MIN / GHOST LIKE US BAHASA INDONESIA and the absurd. This is a film that wears its heart (and references) on its sleeve, approaching grim realities with a sincerity that may move the deepest cynics. RL A multilayered, haunted film that invokes the spectres of Indonesian horror cinema to examine the othering of people on the peripheries. FL

YOU AND I

Meeting in their youth as political detainees, D Riar Rizaldi is a Hong Kong-based Kaminah and Kusdalini embark on a lifelong Indonesian artist and researcher. His journey together, supporting each other short films, such as Kasiterit (2019), have through the challenges of growing old. been screened at festivals worldwide.

VIETNAM, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 14MIN / VIETNAMESE INDONESIA / 2020 / 76MIN / BAHASA INDONESIA 2 DEATH OF SOLDIER 2 DEC, WED 6:30PM OT + ONLINE A montage featuring scenes of soldiers’ deaths Kaminah and Kusdalini met as Indonesian political D Born in Bandung and currently based in in Vietnamese propaganda war films reveals detainees in 1965, when both were on the cusp of Surakarta, Central Java, Fanny Chotimah striking similarities, highlighting their crass adulthood. After being rejected by her hometown, works as a freelance writer. She is involved in nationalist agenda. FL Kaminah went to live with Kusdalini. Since then, they have women’s issues as well as the literary and film been inseparable, living together in Surakarta, Central communities. You and I is her directorial debut Java. Now, in their 70s, they survive on the kindness of and first foray into filmmaking. their neighbours, and the crackers that they sell. Growing D Truong Minh Quý is a Vietnamese old hand in hand, You and I charts a delicate moment P Amerta Kusuma, Tazia Teresa Darryanto, Yulia Evina Bhara filmmaker. His second feature, The Tree in time when the pair are faced with the heartbreaking C Kaminah, Kusdalini House (2019), premiered at Locarno realities of growing old. Film Festival, followed by screenings in Fanny Chotimah skillfully stands as an observer, New York and SGIFF. capturing the last few moments of a beautiful relationship. Her directorial debut, You and I exemplifies the best of humanity, reminding us to appreciate the simple, small You and I will be screened together with Ploy (p. 56). gestures in life.

60 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 61 MONOGRAPHS MONOGRAPHS COMPETITON IN FILMS ASIAN VISION MOTIFS 1 Dec, Tue | 6:30pm | 69min | OT + Online MOVEMENTS 1 Dec, Tue | 9:30pm | 83min | OT + Online

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

3 IRANI BAG IRAN, UK, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 6MIN / NO DIALOGUE 1 BRAVE REVOLUTIONARY INDIA, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 20MIN / ENGLISH, HINDI REDUBBED In post-revolutionary Iranian cinema, the humble A close study of the cathartic final scene bag is often deployed as a surrogate for human of Hindi box office hit Krantiveer (Brave touch, sometimes to hilarious effect. FL Revolutionary), now a popular meme, reveals the instability of meaning and the power of one’s subjectivity. FL

D Artist Kush Badhwar, who works across D Based in London and Shiraz, filmmaker mediums, has shown at Videobrasil and Maryam Tafakory works with filmic the Berlinale. Renu Savant is an award- and textual collages, interweaving winning filmmaker whose work centres poetry, auto-ethnography, aural archive on the methodologies of documentation and cryptic forms of narrative. and the limits of fiction in film.

4 CHINA, GERMANY, POLAND, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 2 PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 20MIN / SAVED BY THE PARTY-STATE 15MIN / MANDARIN, ENGLISH SPIRIT FILM NO DIALOGUE

Maja Korbecka offers a sharp, feminist analysis of Using archival footage, Raya Martin resurrects the two Chinese films made during different turning fraught history of Philippine film, which leads us to points in China’s history, both dealing with Mao’s wonder about the future of cinema—as the film asks, campaign to ‘re-educate’ former sex workers. FL “How do we watch movies without cinema?” FL

D Maja Korbecka is a freelance writer, D Raya Martin is a prolific Filipino director translator and film studies researcher known for his breakthrough feature focusing on Sinophone cinemas. She Independencia (2009). His works have is currently pursuing her PhD at Freie been presented at Documenta 13 and Universität Berlin. New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

5 UZBEKISTAN, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 13MIN / 3 VIETNAM, THAILAND, CAMBODIA, SINGAPORE / HER FIVE LIVES NO DIALOGUE A WEIRDO NEVER 2020 / 14MIN / NO DIALOGUE FEVER OVERRY The modern history of Uzbekistan is told through Arnont Nongyao’s ‘travelogue’ about his personal its cinematic history, focusing on the evolution of history and stories is a hallucinatory journey into female heroine archetypes in Uzbek films. FL a fog of glitch, noise and fragments of memories, where bliss resides in the fuzzy edges of meaning. FL

D Artist Saodat Ismailova came of D Based between Lumphun and Saigon, age in post-Soviet Uzbekistan. Her Arnont Nongyao is a sound and video work has been shown at the Venice artist whose works have been shown Biennale, and she is currently working internationally. He was a participant on her second feature, Barazgh. in the Singapore Biennale 2019.

62 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 63 MONOGRAPHS Compelling stories with distinctive MOVEMENTS 1 Dec, Tue | 9:30pm | 83min | OT + Online perspectives from both masters and emerging names, those making an essential contribution to world cinema. 4 REMINISCENCES MYANMAR, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 15MIN / BURMESE This year’s selection sees several With his father, grandfather and uncles involved in Burmese cinema in one way or another, Maung politically charged stories in the Okkar’s family history is inextricably entwined with form of dystopian allegory, devilish Myanmar’s film history. FL figures and accusatory polemic, all of them urgent and pertinent D Burmese filmmaker Maung Okkar’s in questioning the current state short films have been screened internationally. He is actively involved of justice in different contexts. in film restoration projects in his The search for personal identity home country and overseas. continues to resonate, while several delightful films centre on 5 GERMANY, SINGAPORE / 2020 / 14MIN / ENGLISH, love, the bringing of joy and the CASTING A SPELL TO MANDARIN, HAKKA ALTER REALITY power of emotions. Expansive Using scenes from Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s Coming of landscapes framing their Age’ trilogy, Pam Virada presents an entrancing, lyrical study of physical and psychological interiors respective protagonist’s quest for shaped by spellbinding magic-realist stories. FL personal freedom characterise two exceptional films that show US independent cinema at its best.

D Bangkok-born Pam Virada is a visual artist based in Amsterdam. Her most recent solo exhibition was held in 2019 at TheTip in Frankfurt.

As part of the partnership with Asian Film Archive on Monographs, SGIFF’s Youth Jury & Critics Programme participants this year will use Monographs as a case study. Under the mentorship of Chris Fujiwara, they will produce two video essays in response to the films to expand the creative conversation. The works will be published on SGIFF’s Film Academy website, filmacademy.sgiff.com. For more information on the Youth Jury & Critics Programme, please see page 78. CINEMA TODAY

64 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) FILMS IN COMPETITON IN FILMS CINEMA TODAY AMMONITE FIRST COW In this period romance starring Kate Winslet In ’s atypical Western, two and Saoirse Ronan, each little gesture of desire outcasts strike an unlikely entrepreneurial carries immeasurable weight. friendship in 19th-century .

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

UK / 2020 / 117MIN / ENGLISH USA / 2020 / 122MIN / ENGLISH / PG13

28 NOV, SAT 6:30PM FG8 5 DEC, SAT 6:30PM TPG + ONLINE

Mary Anning wears a seemingly impenetrable D Francis Lee is a British filmmaker best When ‘Cookie’, a hired cook, discovers Lu, a D Kelly Reichardt is an American screenwriter exterior, not unlike a fossil. Leading a humble existence known for his debut feature, God’s Own Chinese immigrant-turned-fugitive, in the woods, he and director. She has made a number of as a fossil hunter, her brilliance as a palaeontologist is Country (2017). Dubbed “the Yorkshire offers his tent as a safehouse. An off-chance reunion critically acclaimed works including her systematically undermined in patriarchal and classist Brokeback Mountain”, the gay drama won later bonds the two further, as they try to scheme debut, (1994), (2006), Victorian England. One day, Charlotte, a wealthy young multiple accolades, including the World their way to a better life. What follows is an enduring Wendy and Lucy (2008) and Certain Women woman suffering from melancholia, arrives at Mary’s shop Cinema Direction Award at Sundance. Lee tale of friendship between two gentle men, propelled (2016). The latter three have been presented with her husband, who leaves her behind to convalesce. was awarded Outstanding Newcomer for by kindness under unforgiving circumstances, at previous editions of SGIFF. Mary begrudgingly nurses Charlotte back to health; over British Feature Film Writing at the British amidst the promise of the American dream. time, both unearth a tenderness for each other. Screenwriters’ Awards in 2018. In her seventh offering since 2016’s award- P Vincent Savino, Anish Savjani, Neil Kopp Winslet’s and Ronan’s breathtaking performances winning Certain Women, Kelly Reichardt offers an C John Magaro, Orion Lee, Toby Jones take the audience on a deep dive into forbidden love. With P Ian Canning, Emile Sherman, Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly enthralling tale of the little guy versus the big guy, whilst the ravishing Jurassic Coast framing the duet, Ammonite C Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones highlighting the intimacy in male camaraderie. AAB cements Francis Lee’s place among the most exciting visionaries in queer cinema today. SH

DOWNSTREAM TO KINSHASA GAGARINE EN ROUTE POUR LE MILLIARD In this moving magic-realist tale, a teenage boy copes with the loss of his beloved community Dieudo Hamadi’s latest documentary on the and home with gravity-defying means. survivors of Congo’s Six-Day War is a triumphant show of the strength of the human spirit.

[ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, FRANCE, FRANCE / 2020 / 97MIN / FRENCH BELGIUM / 2020 / 90MIN / LINGALA, SWAHILI 29 NOV, SUN 6:30PM FG7 + ONLINE 3 DEC, THU 6:30PM OT + ONLINE 30 NOV, MON 6:30PM FG3

In 2000, the town of Kisangani became the D Dieudo Hamadi is a Congolese director, Youri, who dreams of being an astronaut, has lived D French filmmakers Fanny Liatard and epicentre of a war between Uganda and Rwanda that writer, cinematographer and editor. His first his whole life in Cité Gagarine, a real-life housing project Jérémy Trouilh have been making films lasted six days. Two decades later, the tragedy is a faded feature documentary, Atalaku (2013), won built in the ’60s and named after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri with a keen interest in documenting memory in the country’s history. Now, the survivors— the Joris Ivens Award at Cinéma du Réel. Gagarin. Youri’s life and that of Cité Gagarine are deeply changes in urban spaces. Gagarine, their mostly orphaned, widowed or suffering from permanent His other critically acclaimed works include entwined: The building contains his childhood memories, debut feature, is based on their 2016 short disabilities—are seeking their rightful compensation, National Diploma (2014), Mama Colonel (2017) and the community there is all he has ever known. film of the same title. Gagarine was part of enduring a treacherous journey along the Congo River and Kinshasa Makambo (2018). Downstream to Following news of its planned demolition, Youri and Cannes Film Festival’s official selection this to the capital Kinshasa for a chance to be heard. Kinshasa is his fifth feature documentary. his friends try to save the building, but residents gradually year. Downstream to Kinshasa is an emotive work vacate. All life is soon drained from the edifice, where of memory from one of the most prolific voices in P Quentin Laurent, Frédéric Féraud, Dieudo Hamadi Youri resolutely remains. In a stunning magical turn, he P Julie Billy, Carole Scotta African cinema. Through creative interpretation and C Victims of the Six-Day War creates a spaceship within the complex, and floats gently C Alséni Bathily, Lyna Khoudri, Jamil McCraven unobtrusive yet dynamic camerawork, Dieudo Hamadi’s in space. Gagarine is a wildly imaginative exploration of raw and impassioned story about those abandoned isolation and community—themes that are especially by the government became the first Congolese relevant today. LSW film to be selected at Cannes Film Festival. AAB

66 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 67 FILMS IN COMPETITON IN FILMS CINEMA TODAY HERE WE ARE MALMKROG An uplifting drama about a father’s love for A period chamber drama that challenges his son and the difficulties of letting go. the existence of absolutes—even death.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

ROMANIA / 2020 / 200MIN / FRENCH, HUNGARIAN, , / 2020 / 92MIN / HEBREW / PG13 GERMAN, RUSSIAN / PG13

27 NOV, FRI 9:30PM FG7 + ONLINE 27 NOV, FRI 6:30PM OT + ONLINE

Proud middle-aged single father Aharon’s life D Nir Bergman is an Israeli film and television In an ostentatious manor in 19th-century D Cristi Puiu is an award-winning Romanian revolves around his autistic son, Uri, who has grown writer and director. He is known for his debut Transylvania, six aristocrats spar with one another about director and screenwriter who is regarded into a teenager who loves Charlie Chaplin films and Broken Wings (2002), whose accolades the nature of good and evil, war, mortality and religion. as the pioneer of Romanian New Wave. His animals. Their heartwarming daily routine is uprooted include the Grand Prix at Tokyo International Their serious pontifications are backgrounded by the critically acclaimed second feature, The when his ex-wife demands that it is time for Uri to live Film Festival, and television series BeTipul, constant presence of expressionless servants working Death of Mr Lăzărescu (2005), won the Prix in a specialised institution so that he can be more which was adapted into the award-winning in perfectly choreographed movements. Contradictions Un Certain Regard at Cannes. Malmkrog is his independent. Father and son are deeply reluctant to HBO series In Treatment. Here We Are is his abound and no resolution is ever reached. sixth feature film. part with each other and leave the safe and comfortable fifth feature fiction. Based on Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov’s reality that they have built together. Torn between the influential text, War and Christianity: Three Conversations, P Anca Puiu, Smaranda Puiu pressure of letting go and his instinct to protect his P Eitan Mansuri, Jonathan Doweck, Marica Stocchi Malmkrog illustrates the violence of dogmatism cloaked C Frédéric Schulz-Richard, Agathe Bosch, Diana Sakalauskaité son, Aharon, on a whim, takes a step into the unknown, C Shai Avivi, Noam Imber, Smadar Wolfman in intellect, yet the incessant discursive turns also call into leaving behind a world of familiarity for both. FL question the existence of absolutes—including death. The film won Best Director in the Encounters section at the Berlin International Film Festival. FL

IDENTIFYING FEATURES NEW ORDER SIN SEÑAS PARTICULARES NUEVO ORDEN In Mexico’s northern frontier region, lyrical In this taut dystopian thriller, a posh wedding is and horrific moments follow a mother who interrupted by unwelcome guests who seek to knows no bounds in finding her missing son. destabilise the current social order in Mexico. [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] MEXICO, SPAIN / 2020 / 97MIN / SPANISH, ZAPOTECO / NC16 MEXICO / 2020 / 86MIN / SPANISH / M18 30 NOV, MON 6:30PM OT + ONLINE 30 NOV, MON 9:30PM FG7 4 DEC, FRI 3:30PM OT 4 DEC, FRI 9:30PM FG3

Magdalena’s son disappears while trying to enter D Director and producer Fernanda Valadez’s A newlywed’s lavish wedding celebration takes an D Mexican filmmaker Michel Franco is no the . Not acknowledging his death, she first short film, De Este Mundo (2010), unimaginable turn for the worst when angry dispossessed stranger to the festival circuit, known for retraces his steps to seek the truth. Along the way received the Best Short Film Award at protestors stage a coup d’état at their swanky private his unflinching portrayals of suffering and she meets Miguel, recently deported from the US and Guanajuato Film Festival. Identifying residence. The violent upheaval by the disenfranchised in trauma onscreen. Two of his features, returning to a home that is no more. In the borderlands Features, her feature debut, won the Mexico immediately gives way to a more insidious evil: a After Lucia (2012) and April’s Daughter that their search takes them through, peril is understood Audience Award and Jury Screenplay military that capitalises on the riots to extort from the rich (2017), clinched the Jury Prize in Cannes’ yet seldom recognisable, while the kindness of strangers Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. She is by imprisoning and torturing them for ransom. The poor Un Certain Regard section. New Order, exists alongside devilish aggressors. currently writing her next feature, Rambler. become further stratified, their lives in constant peril in his sixth feature film, premiered at Venice, Fernanda Valadez looks beyond ruin to embrace a the new dystopian state rule. where it won the Grand Jury Prize. visual signature of distortions and apparitions, never far P Astrid Rondero New Order’s unapologetic indictment of class and from our incendiary reality. Rounded off by unyieldingly C Mercedes Hernández, David Illescas, Juan Jesús Varela racial inequalities as well as state corruption resonates P Michel Franco, Eréndira Núñez Larios, Cristina Velasco L. stoic performances and Clarice Jensen’s haunting score, well beyond the Latin American experience, providing an C Naian González Norvind, Diego Boneta, Mónica del Carmen this smouldering thriller both retells and resists the extreme depiction of a future if present disparities are left extremes of a humanitarian crisis. RL unchecked. LSW

68 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 69 FILMS IN COMPETITON IN FILMS CINEMA TODAY NIGHT OF THE KINGS A PERFECTLY NORMAL FAMILY LA NUIT DES ROIS EN HELT ALMINDELIG FAMILIE The condemned do not go gently into A young girl struggles to deal with her the good night, fighting with their stories transsexual father’s transition in this instead, in this kinetic and dizzying thriller. contemplative semi-autobiographical debut.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] CÔTE D’IVOIRE, FRANCE, CANADA, SENEGAL / 2020 / 93MIN / FRENCH, DIOULA, NOUCHI DENMARK / 2020 / 97MIN / DANISH / M18

4 DEC, FRI 6:30PM OT + ONLINE 5 DEC, SAT 9:30PM OT + ONLINE

The writer Joan Didion once said we tell ourselves D Beginning as a radio reporter, Philippe Lacôte Emma shares a very ordinary life with her seemingly D Malou Reymann is a Danish filmmaker and stories in order to live, and this frenetic feature takes that from Ivory Coast has gone on to produce tight-knit family. Her supportive parents Thomas and actress. She holds a degree in literature from aphorism up to eleven. A pickpocket enters a notorious documentaries and narrative-driven works. Helle cheer her on at her football matches, and her older the University of Copenhagen and a master’s prison expecting the worst, only to be given new garb His first feature, Run (2014), was presented sister Caroline still makes time for her despite a busy in Directing Fiction from the National Film and a new name: Roman. The prisoners are ruled less by at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard. Night of the schedule. However, all this changes when her parents and Television School in England. Her short guards than rites, and on a red-mooned night, Roman is to Kings, his second feature, was shown at Venice, announce their divorce with a bombshell: Thomas wishes film, 13, was named Best Short Film at the 2011 tell them tales—what awaits him after is unknown. Toronto and New York film festivals. to become a woman. Odense International Film Festival. With Roman’s desperate tale of Zama King, an Malou Reymann draws from her own experiences in outlaw who witnesses various periods in Ivorian history, P Delphine Jaquet, Yanick Létourneau, Ernest Konan, this powerful, sincere and quietly observant debut feature P Matilda Appelin, René Ezra Night of the Kings not only pays homage to West African Yoro Mbaye showing the crumbling of the archetypal nuclear family C Kaya Toft Loholt, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Rigmor Rante griot storytelling. From pantomime and mythology, down C Koné Bakary, Steve Tientcheu, Rasmané Ouédraogo unit, whilst grasping at the hope that no matter what to the expressions Roman wears, it testifies to the ability happens, a family will always stay a family. A Perfectly of fictions to write themselves, no matter how forsaken its Normal Family premiered at Rotterdam where it garnered authors may seem. RL the Big Screen Award. AAB

NOMADLAND SLALOM In this graceful portrait of nomadism, Chloé A tense, compelling drama of sexual abuse Zhao challenges the romanticism of American in the world of high-performance sports. freedom against a forced life on the road.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

USA / 2020 / 108MIN / ENGLISH / M18 FRANCE / 2020 / 90MIN / FRENCH / R21

28 NOV, SAT 9:30PM FG3 + FG7 30 NOV, MON 9:30PM OT + ONLINE

Alongside a whole generation of middle-class, D Born in Beijing, Chloé Zhao is a writer, director Slalom follows Lyz, a 15-year-old competitive D Charlène Favier is a French writer and middle-aged Americans affected by the recession, Fern and producer currently based in the United skier who falls prey to the sexual advances of her coach. director whose previous works include short takes to the roads. Living in her van, she chases seasonal States. Zhao’s previous features Songs My Throughout the film, the emotionally isolated Lyz hurtles films and a documentary. Her work often jobs as they come along, spending summers in desert Brothers Taught Me (2015) and The Rider down the physical slopes and an internal whirlwind of features strong female protagonists who communes. On her journey, Fern meets many other (2017) question intimately the American pleasure and pain, as she struggles to understand her navigate social and personal circumstances nomads. They enter Fern’s world, like short chapters in a way of life. Zhao continues this discourse with own identity while being Fred’s student, lover and victim. in search of their identity. Slalom, her debut story, each with a wealth of tales from their own travels. Nomadland, which won the Golden Lion at this Relying less on script than on body language, Charlène feature, was selected for Cannes. While this camaraderie gives her temporary respite, year’s Venice Film Festival. Favier effectively communicates the psychological Fern’s heart lies in wandering. Her unwillingness to settle trauma experienced by Lyz. Chilling and disconcerting, P Edouard Mauriat, Anne-Cécile Berthomeau down propels her to move steadfastly onwards. P Chloé Zhao, Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Slalom makes for an essential watch in the #MeToo era, C Jérémie Renier, Noée Abita, Marie Denarnaud Chloé Zhao presents a tender antithesis to the Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey particularly following the accounts of abuse emerging American dream. Her sensitivity to transitory connections C Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May from the sports world. GN and instinctive empathy craft a deeply meaningful, circular tale of introspection. VC

70 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) Check SGIFF.com for ratings 71 THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS Old-timers and their canine friends go on MOONLIGHT perilous journeys for elusive truffles in this insightful and sumptuous documentary. CINEMA [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] 20—21 NOVEMBER 2020 | ONLINE | FREE SCREENING ITALY, USA, GREECE / 2020 / 84MIN / ITALIAN, PIEDMONTESE / R21 29 NOV, SUN 9:30PM TPG Moonlight Cinema returns this year with two films that will allow 3 DEC, THU 9:30PM TPG us to dream together! The Alba white truffle is a most sought-after D Michael Dweck is an award-winning delicacy, fetching exorbitant prices at auctions and filmmaker and visual artist. Gregory Kershaw favoured in world cuisine by the elite of society. But what is a documentary and narrative filmmaker. Join us for a weekend of online evening screenings that tell the about the people whose purpose in life is to search for this Their debut collaborative effort, The Last stories of Hong Kong singer Denise Ho’s journey of self-discovery lavish ingredient, no matter how arduous the task? Race, won Best Documentary Feature at the Filmmakers Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw Motor Film Awards 2019. Their second film, and transformation, and a delightful trip through France with shine a light on this disappearing trade, following some The Truffle Hunters was part of the selections filmmaker Agnès Varda and photographer JR. Both are available eccentric old boys and their loyal furry companions, as of Cannes, Toronto and New York film festivals they traipse through the forests of northern Italy and after its premiere at Sundance. for home viewing in anticipation of the 31st SGIFF. contend with corporate villains who no longer respect the traditional ways. Delightful, humorous and visually P Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw stunning, this documentary was executive produced by C Paulo Stacchin, Piero Botto, Egidio Gagliardi Tune in to watch at sgiff.com/moonlightcinema Luca Guadagnino. AAB Moonlight Cinema is brought to you with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Singapore.

1 2 WINDOW BOY WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE A SUBMARINE Don’t miss singer Denise Ho Take a tour around the nooks CHICO VENTANA TAMBIÉN QUISIERA TENER UN SUBMARINO and director Sue Williams in and crannies of Singapore with In this poetic, magic-realist film, a portal is a conversation with SGIFF. your friends over the weekend, chance for connections—but only if we embrace the unknown. like what the late filmmaker Submit your questions for them at [SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE] Agnès Varda and photographer sgiff.com/film-qna URUGUAY, ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, NETHERLANDS, JR did in France. Did you chance PHILIPPINES / 2020 / 84MIN / SPANISH, TUWALI upon any charming wall art 2 DEC, WED 10PM OT + ONLINE or intriguing architecture?

Aboard a luxurious cruise ship, a listless deckhand D Alex Piperno is a poet, director and producer Share with us your ‘Faces Places’ local discovers a portal that leads to a woman’s apartment in from Uruguay. Besides several critically sights and tag us with Montevideo. Meanwhile, a group of rural farmers in the acclaimed short films, he has also published #sgiffmoonlightcinema to stand a Philippines come upon a mysterious hut that they have books of poetry. Window Boy Would Also chance to receive complimentary never seen in the forest. Fearing that it may harbour evil Like to Have a Submarine, his debut feature, tickets to online Festival screenings spirits, they plan to destroy it. Faith and the trust in the premiered at the Berlinale this year. unknown are examined in how different characters react or a full Festival merchandise kit! to strange situations that elude belief. P Alex Piperno, Esteban Lucangioli, Araquén Rodríguez, Window Boy Would Also Like to Have a Submarine Rachel Ellis, Frank Hoeve, Armi Rae Cacanindin Contest runs from 20 November is an atmospheric film that forgoes a traditional narrative. C Daniel Quiroga, Inés Bortagaray, Noli Tobol Friday to 22 November Sunday. It searches for kindness and a fundamental human connection that can be possible in serendipitous For more details, visit our Facebook encounters between isolated individuals around the @sginternationalfilmfestival and world—but only if we give it a chance. LSW Instagram @sgiffest

72 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) 73 MOONLIGHT CINEMA SGIFF nurtures future talent and film appreciation with developmental programmes DENISE HO: and outreach projects for BECOMING THE SONG upcoming filmmakers and the In this story of courage and finding one’s true voice, acclaimed Hong Kong singer next generation of film critics. Denise Ho searches for her identity.

[SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE]

USA / 2020 / 83MIN / CANTONESE, ENGLISH, MANDARIN

20 NOV, FRI 8PM ONLINE

The documentary follows the remarkable journey D Sue Williams is a documentary writer, of Cantopop superstar Denise Ho, as she grapples with producer and director. She formed identity and the freedom of expression. It accompanies Ambrica Productions in 1986 to produce Ho on the road as she tours the US, Canada and the UK, documentaries of international scope and while preparing to release a new song. She reflects on interest, including the CHINA trilogy and her life’s trajectory: her childhood, family life, her dream to biographies on American icons. In 2016, she work with the late Cantopop legend Anita Mui, stardom, was awarded the Boston Globe Filmmaker and having to rebuild her career in the wake of pressures Fund Award for Death by Design. resulting from her outspoken views on social issues. The film reveals her belief in personal freedom and P Sue Williams liberty and her commitment to an open and democratic C Denise Ho world where each person can find their own true voice. KMJ

FACES PLACES VISAGES VILLAGES Iconic photographer/muralist JR strikes up an unlikely friendship with illustrious French New Wave filmmaker Agnès Varda as they embark on a tender, enchanting road trip through the French countryside.

FRANCE / 2016 / 94MIN / FRENCH / PG13

21 NOV, SAT 8PM ONLINE

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the D Agnès Varda (1928–2019) was one of the 2018 Academy Awards, the film follows the travels of the few French New Wave female directors. She late filmmaker Agnès Varda and photographer JR through received an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes FILM rural French towns. They meet coal miners, farmers, Film Festival in 2015. Her major works include cheese-makers, truck drivers and factory workers and Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), Vagabond (1985) and create epic-size portraits of them. With these two kindred Jacquot de Nantes (1991). spirits shaping the film from both behind and in front of the camera, this personal/road-trip documentary profoundly JR is an acclaimed French photographer ACADEMY captures the power of art to connect communities. known for his giant portraits on buildings, Between stops, Varda and JR share honest musings trains and bridges. about their artistic practices and philosophies of image- making. With Varda in her golden years, Faces Places P Agnès Varda, JR, Rosalie Varda also becomes a poignant conversation on life and the C Agnès Varda, JR relentless forward march of time. SM

74 D Director P Producer C Cast Q&A with filmmaker(s) FILMSFILM ACADEMY IN COMPETITON 77 Vietnam Thailand Thailand Myanmar Singapore Nong Nhat Quang Nhat Nong JACKFRUITBABY GUAVA BABY A conservative mother, schizophrenic daughter and gay son recount thedivergence of their lives as they welcome a newborn the to family. Morton Adam Russell PENUMBRA A man on the run washes up on a kelong. Caught between land and sea, dreams and monsters, he awaits escape. Zaw Bo Bo Hein GARUDA DRAGON searches man married unhappily An for his true sexual identity with the help of his uncle’s ghost. Jirassaya Wongsutin Wongsutin Jirassaya GIRLS FLAT Jane is the daughter of a police sergeant. She has lived in the same block flats of since birth. Following the death her of father, Jane and her mother must prepare leave. to Primrin Puarat MOUNTAIN DEAD BURIED DOCUMENTARY Following the lives and struggles of villagers who have suffered mismanagement waste the from crisis in eastern Thailand for over a decade, the filmmaker reflects on the pattern of systemic failures and asks whether there are any problem. the to solutions realistic DOCUMENTARY Malaysia Cambodia Singapore Philippines Philippines is an Sad Boy Mony Kann Darung DETOUR finds school-bus driver suicidal A that he is wanted for kidnapping after taking a detour in search of a reason live, to with the help of a student. high-spirited Bianca Balbuena Bianca OLIVIA In a seaside town, pregnant vicariously lives Olivia 18-year-old she townspeople the through observes, creating worlds where she becomes them. As her due date gets closer, Olivia realises that the lives she observes are moving on without her and that she must reclaim her own reality. Chavez Adrian Carl SAD BOY headcounts through Quantified and told through fragments of his experiences, Her Bee Hong Charlotte TROPICAL RAIN, DEATH-SCENTED KISS In a vision of Singapore slowly falling into a wilderness populated by spirits, the ghost of a girl’s best friend follows her home. Ananth Subramaniam Subramaniam Ananth CITY OFSIMPLE SIMONS In the dry midlands of Malaysia where the machines of mining refineries make the ground tremble, two brothers go in search of a mythical creature in the hopes of finding closure their to mother’s death. examination of a lonely gay man’s life in Manila and his countless efforts on trying be to seen in the hypersexualised world of city. the in homosexuals PARTICIPANTS , was screened , Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s (2018), won Best Film in , Samira Makhmalbaf’s was Malaysia’s , among others. His latest film, Manta Ray

Ash Is Purest White Bunohan ,

HEAD MENTOR Shozo Ichiyama | Japan Shozo Ichiyama is the founder and director Filmex. Tokyo of As a producer, he has worked with Asian filmmakers on including films award-winning Jia of Zhangke’s A Touch Sin MENTORS Flowers of Shanghai Blackboards by Song by Calming The Fang, took home the CICAE Prize the at Berlinale Forum 2020. Nandita Solomon | Malaysia Malaysia | Solomon Nandita the is Solomon Nandita co-founder Malaysian of production film independent its and Apparat, company film official submission for for submission official Best Foreign Language Film the at 2013 Academy Awards. She has presented projects Hongat Focus Kong’s Asia HAF, Genre Market in Udine, Singapore’s Southeast Asian Film Financing Project Market and Docedge Kolkata. Solomon also serves as Industry Advisor the to Malaysia Multimedia University’sCinematicArts. of Faculty Thailand | Meksawan Mai Mai Meksawan is a former Film International Bangkok Festival programmer and co-founder Thai of production and distribution company Extra Virgin. The latter’s most successful title, Utopia Agrarian in more than 100 festivals worldwide and received 11 international awards. His most recent production, the Orizzonti section Venice of Film Festival.

SEAFIC and TorinoFilmLab. and SEAFIC L’Atelier, Locarno’s Open Doors, Doors, Open Locarno’s L’Atelier, Asian Project Market, Cannes’ and such markets as Busan’s other prestigious workshops workshops prestigious other Lab gone have on thrive to in from the Southeast Asian Film Projects emerged that have at theat Silver Screen Awards. Project and Fellowship Prize will beawarded Most Promising industry filmmakers experts. Two filmmakers pitching a panel to of programme willend with the experiences and insights. The filmmakers as they share their their share they as filmmakers mentors, and hear from fellow personal feedback from three Film Lab, filmmakers will receive receive will filmmakers Lab, Film length film project. During the embarking on their first feature- Asian filmmakers who are collaborative space for Southeast Southeast for space collaborative Lab provides a nurturing and The Southeast Asian Film FILM LAB SOUTHEAST ASIAN 76 YOUTH JURY & CRITICS ACADEMY COMPETITON IN FILMS FILM PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS Kathleen Bu Ng Zu En Casidhe The Youth Jury & Critics MENTOR Filmmaker Yale-NUS College Programme aims to nurture new Chris Fujiwara | Japan film critics who can contribute Chris Fujiwara has written Anyone can critique a film, but Film criticism allows me to and edited several books on having the opportunity to learn it crystallise the personally to Southeast Asian film culture cinema, including Jacques​ professionally comes rarely. resonant aspects of a work. and discourse. This programme Tourneur: The Cinema of provides the opportunity for Nightfall (1998), The​ World mentorship in the art of film and Its Double: The Life and Chan Jonathan Bertram Chiu Yee Euginia Tan Work of Otto Preminger ​(2008) and Jerry​ Lewis ​ Yale University (August ’21) Freelance Writer criticism, while invited speakers (2009). He was the editor of Undercurrent​ , also enrich the learning experience the film-criticism magazine of FIPRESCI To read a film is an act of love, a I see film criticism as another by sharing about different (International Federation of Film Critics) and quiet dwelling in sight and sound. foray to expand on the potential of textual possibilities. types of critics, their role in a film critic for the ​Boston​ ​Phoenix​, and has contributed to numerous magazines, journals film culture and what it is like to and newspapers. A former artistic director have a career as a film critic. of Edinburgh International Film Festival, Charles Kurniawan Teo Xiao Ting Fujiwara has also developed film programmes Marketing Freelance Writer In the lead-up to and during for other institutions and has organised and served as a mentor for numerous workshops Film theory classes sparked I’m curious about the distances and the festival, the young critics’ on film criticism and film programming. my interest in film criticism intimacies within (and without) film. articles and video essays will and it inspired me to constantly evolve myself as a writer. be published on SGIFF’s Film SPEAKERS Academy journal, Stories. The Viknesh Kobinathan mentor will award one of the Programmer, Asian Film Archive, Singapore Lee Jian Hao Ernest Wong Kar Mun Nicole young critics with the Young Critic Kevin B. Lee University of Oxford Executive, Checkpoint Theatre Award for originality of writing Professor of Crossmedia Publishing, Merz Akademie, Germany The sociohistorical context and Seeing worlds in the quiver of a and for contributing to cinematic afterlives of films intrigue me— silence or flicker of light on screen. discussions in the region. The but really, Lynch started it. Edna Lim programme will culminate in the Senior Lecturer, English Language and young jurors awarding the Youth Literature, National University of Singapore Jury Prize to one of the films Li Zhenhong Daryl Joellene Yap Yu Ean Editor University of California, Berkeley competing in the Southeast Asian John Lui Senior Correspondent, Short Film Competition during , Singapore My main interests lie in ideas Loves coming-of-age, animation of spectatorship, genre, and good representation. the Silver Screen Awards. memory and culture. Thong Kay Wee Programmes and Outreach Officer, Asian Film Archive, Singapore Joshuah Lim Alan Yuen LASALLE College of the Arts Nanyang Technological University

Intrigued by the mysteries of life and I want to write like Ebert and make why the moving image transcends. video essays like Tony Zhou.

Lim Mei Pei Nanyang Technological University

Let’s critique films to like them better, and make better ones.

78 79 SOUTHEAST ASIAN SGIFF FILM FUND ACADEMY COMPETITON IN FILMS FILM PRODUCERS NETWORK The Southeast Asian Producers SGIFF offers two film grants for Network invites producers from PARTICIPATING PRODUCERS Southeast Asian film projects. These CATCH THE 2019 GRANT the region to share their wealth grants are dedicated to supporting RECIPIENTS AT THE FESTIVAL Angelina Marilyn Bok filmmakers with compelling stories of knowledge and ideas with Aswang (p. 54) Xeno Pictures | Singapore to tell across both fiction and non- one another. The network is a Bình (p. 38) Projects: The Beast from fiction genres. platform for further dialogue and the Trees; The Blameless Citizen Hustler (p. 46) opportunities for collaboration. Life of Rev. Barnaby; If You Judy Free (p. 36) Are Not Here on Sunday Morning Submissions open in December Nursery Rhymes (p. 50) 2020. For details, visit Ploy (p. 56) In an intimate closed-door filmacademy.sgiff.com setting, six invited Southeast Dan Koh Asian producers with projects Freelance Producer | Singapore Project: Stranger Eyes in development will share the process of developing their works—the unknowns, shortfalls, and possibilities of stretching the Luhki Herwanayogi Catchlight Pictures | Indonesia potential of their company’s works. Project: Our Son The Tan Ean Kiam Foundation-SGIFF The SGIFF Southeast Asian-Short Film Southeast Asian-Documentary (SEA-DOC) (SEA-SHORTS) Grant aims to be a This year will see greater Grant aims to support the production and launchpad for the brightest, upcoming names interaction among the participants post-production of engaging stories told in filmmaking from the region. This year, Noorahaya Lahtee of Producers Network and through the art of documentary filmmaking we are excited to support four short films Vertical Films | Thailand in Southeast Asia. The grant supports each with a cash amount of S$4,000 and Southeast Asian Film Lab as well Projects: Breaking the Cycle; four mid-length or feature documentaries post-production support worth S$4,000. as Silver Screen Award nominees, Flat Girls; Hours of Ours; I open a annually—two production projects with a as they explore the potential curtain to see a dead bird cash amount of S$30,000 awarded to each for collaboration, exchange recipient and two post-production projects 2020 GRANT RECIPIENTS Lee Yve Vonn with a cash amount of S$20,000 awarded to ideas and inspire one another. Afternoon Pictures | Malaysia each recipient. • Further and Further Away by Polen Ly Project: Oasis of Now (Cambodia) Find out more at filmacademy.sgiff.com 2020 GRANT RECIPIENTS • Father’s Father by Cao Viet Hoai Son (Vietnam) Thaiddhi • Breaking the Cycle by Aekaphong Third Floor Production | Myanmar Saransate and Thanakrit Duangmaneeporn Project: Fruit Gathering (Thailand)

• Sandcastles by Carin Leong (Singapore)

• Small Hours of the Night by Daniel Hui (Singapore) PRODUCERS NETWORK TALK • Worship by Uruphong Raksaad (Thailand) Accessing International Co-production— Why and How?

30 NOV, MON | 7PM | 60MIN | ONLINE Find out more on page 23. The SEA-DOC Grant The SEA-SHORTS Grant is supported by is supported by

80 81 OTHER FILM ACADEMY ACADEMY COMPETITON IN FILMS FILM PROGRAMMES NEW WAVES FILM IMMERSION PROGRAMME WAVES FESTIVAL FILM INTERNATIONAL SINGAPORE BY A PROGRAMME NEW RE-FRAMING ASIAN STORIES: FILM FOR ALTERNATIVE VOICES

Launched in 2016, New Waves shines the this iteration, their works adopting a fresh The Film Immersion Programme aims This year, we have brought the programme spotlight on young filmmakers making waves approach to messages that are familiar to nurture film literacy, cultivate the online, which has seen the participation of in Southeast Asia. Through film screenings yet no less important, with the potential appreciation of the film medium and share almost 2,000 students since August. and dialogue sessions with guest speakers to positively shape the way we look at our the creative process of filmmaking with from different disciplines, the programme communities. youths. Designed for students from upper Find out how you can support our Film centres on their personal approaches in secondary, post-secondary and tertiary Immersion Programme on page 84. using film as a mode of expression. Find out more at institutions, the programme consists sgiff.com/newwaves of three main components: short film Held at Oldham Theatre on 24–25 October, screenings, discussion about the films, and the 2020 programme was expanded to the experience of film festivals. At the end, include works from the broader Asian region, students may choose to get involved with the bringing together young directors with film festival by becoming a volunteer. established filmmakers. Their unique and powerful stories reflect courageously on the past while evoking principles of change. Female filmmakers took centre stage in

82 83 MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CINEMA

DONATE TO SGIFF TODAY SGIFF Film Academy: Film Immersion SGIFF is a charity committed to championing and nurturing Programme visual storytelling in Asia. Make a difference in cinema by Thousands of students have benefitted from helping us raise $30,000 by 31 March 2021—this is matched the enriching sessions, dollar-for-dollar by the Cultural Matching Fund up to $60,000! which cultivate media literacy, appreciation of the film medium and the creative process.

WITH YOU: WE CONNECT THE COMMUNITY

Our community longs to reconnect and engage. Your pledge to SGIFF WITH YOU: allows us to continue WE GO BEYOND bringing unique, diverse THE SCREENS and independent stories to the festival so we can create new With your help, we can In 2019, Anthony Chen’s highly anticipated create meaningful memories together. Wet Season premiered at SGIFF with sold- out screenings, bringing together the film conversations through community and viewers from all walks of life to masterclasses, panel support and celebrate homegrown talents! discussions and post- show dialogues, as well as recognise cinematic excellence with the annual Prolific cult Japanese director Takashi Silver Screen Awards. Miike conducted a masterclass to a WITH YOU: large audience in 2019, sharing about his WE SUPPORT approach to storytelling and his craft. THE INDUSTRY

Your contribution helps support the SGIFF Film Academy, the region’s first holistic training SCAN TO DONATE via your banking app initiative for Southeast DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT TODAY! Asian film talents. Whether you choose a one-time or monthly contribution, The Academy aims to SGIFF Film Academy: every bit counts! All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar Southeast Asian Film Lab through the Cultural Matching Fund. A 250% tax deduction enhance the capabilities A nurturing and collaborative of the regional film scene mentorship programme that has is available upon request for donations above $50. collectively and nurture produced projects that have gone on to thrive in other prestigious young filmmakers. For more information, please visit sgiff.com/donate-to- workshops and markets. the-festival or email us at [email protected]

84 85 “Cinema is the greatest mirror of The Singapore International Film humanity’s struggle. You see this Festival was established in 1987, alternative world, but you’re part of it. and is the longest-running film Everybody is part of it. This is our world.” event in Singapore. Now in its 31st Lav Diaz edition, the Festival would not have been possible without our audiences, patrons, supporters and the devoted film communities in Singapore and the region.

ABOUT

THE FESTIVAL

Genus Pan FILMSABOUT IN THE COMPETITON FESTIVAL 89 EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Fiona Lim Writers Bakar Abu Aishah Chee Eisabess Chiu Alfonse Vess Chua Shawn Hoo Ming-JungKuo Lee Wei Sze Fiona Lim Ryan Lim Merican Sara Gayathrii Nathan Visual Festival Pictures Finding Guide Festival MAKE Design DesignWeb Atelier A&C MEMBERS MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE TEAM Director Executive Emily J. Hoe Director Artistic Ming-JungKuo Programming Vess Chua | Executive Sara Merican | Executive LauVera | Intern Ryan Lim | Assistant Bao YingTan | Assistant Development Business Jolyn | Manager Wu Erny Melissa | Executive Marketing May Phyu Sin | Manager Kelly Phua | Executive Hospitality Mabelyn Ow | Senior Manager Selena | Coordinator Tan Ticketing & Front of House Debbie Ng | Manager Vanessa Mostafa | Coordinator FESTIVAL TEAM

BOARD, COMMITTEE BOARD, CHAIRPERSON Boo Junfeng MEMBERS BOARD Han Minli (Treasurer) Loh Ji Kin Loh Winifred Seah Alan Sharma Haresh Tan Jacqueline Tham Yvonne COMMITTEES PR & Marketing Committee Boo Junfeng Chair | Locke Linda Tan Eugenia Sponsorship & Fundraising Committee Alan Seah | Chair Bedi Simran Junfeng Boo Goh Fiona Rampuria Bina Tan Jacqueline Tham Alex Programmes & Services Committee Haresh Sharma | Chair Junfeng Boo Ng Jasmine Resources Human Committee Yvonne Tham | Chair ChangEugene Kwok Kenneth Richard Harding Committee Audit Loh Ji Kin | Chair Bryan Ghows &

(Philippines). by Bradley Liew (Malaysia/ by Ken Kwek.

Southeast Asian Short Film Competition: Best Southeast Asian Short Film awarded Dahdi to Philippines). JuryYouth & Critics Programme: JuryYouth Prize awarded The to Weight by Abrahan Giancarlo by Kirsten (Singapore). Tan Southeast Asian Film Lab: Most Promising Project awarded Singing to Graveyards in Best Singapore Short Film is awarded Kaki Hentak to by James Khoo. James by The Festival commemorates its 25th anniversary with a new logo and opens with Singaporeanfilm Unlucky Plaza Introduction of the Honorary Award with Im Kwon- taek (South Korea) as the first recipient. New initiatives spotlight to regional talents: films short Singapore SGIFF commissions starting with The Pursuit of a Happy Human Life by Gladys Ng. Introduction of the Southeast Asian Network. Producers Introduction of Inspiring Woman in Film Award presented by Swarovski with Ana Urushadze recipient. first the as (Georgia) Launch of SGIFF Film Fund for SoutheastAsian films. short and documentaries Introduction of the Lesley Ho Asian Film Talent Award with Siew Yeo Hua (Singapore) as the first recipient. Launch of SGIFF Film Academy housing the developmental and educational Festival’s programmes. As part of its 30th anniversary, SGIFF presents three Southeast by films short original commissioned Asian filmmakers Mouly Surya (Indonesia), Anucha Boonyawatana (Thailand) and Siew Yeo Hua (Singapore).

2011 • 2014 • • • 2016 • 2017 • • 2018 • • 2019 • •

(1996) . The Glare The . (1995), FESTIVAL

by Colin Goh and Yen Woo Yen (1997). by Boo Junfeng.

by Jean-Jacques Annaud (France). Annaud Jean-Jacques by I Can’t Sleep Tonight Sleep Can’t I

Absence

Raise the Red Lantern (China). Yimou Zhang by

and and Best Director, Singapore Short Film is awarded to Killers for Replacement Best Director, Singapore Short Film is awarded to Air Wee Li Lin the on for Norman K. Rajagopal receives the SGIFF Special Jury Prize, Singapore Short Film for three consecutive years with by . The first edition showcases the best of international cinema, and opens with the film The Name of the Rose Introduction of the Silver Screen Awards to recognise the best of Asian feature films and films. short Singaporean SGIFF opens with an Asian film for the first time Best Singapore Short Film is awarded Pain to Launch of the Singapore Panorama section in celebration of local films and a growing community. is presented as a charity gala screening. Best Singapore Short Film is awarded A Family to Portrait Dreaming Singapore Best Singapore Short Film is awarded Sons to by Royston Tan. CinemaYoung Award is presented Kelvin to Tong Ng. Jasmine and ABOUT THE 1998 • 1997 • • 1995 film lovers around the region direct access the to best what of cinema has offer. to culture, SGIFF aims ignite to publicinterest inthe arts, and give to thousands of 1987 1992 1994 By providing a vibrant film experience and deeper appreciation for cinematic • 1991 • • with • nurture and champion homegrown talents, and be platform a for new voices. industry in Singapore and the region. The Festival is steadfast in its mission to Over the years, SGIFF has been an integral contributor the to independent film 2008 • 2006 • 2000 2005 • • • 88 FESTIVAL TEAM ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS COMPETITON IN FILMS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A&C Atelier Special Thanks Alexandra Ng, Craig Neo, Angel Ng Bryan van der Beek Fran Borgia Anticipate Pictures Anthony Chen Vincent Quek Alex Chua EMILY J. HOE KUO MING-JUNG VESS CHUA SARA MERICAN Sanchai Chotirosseranee Executive Director Artistic Director Programming Executive Programming Executive Asian Film Archive Jeremy Chua Karen Chan, Viknesh Kobinathan, Amelia Hapsari Love that film brings I hope that together we I used to watch films for Images flicker. We laugh, Lim Si Qi, Thong Kay Wee Sarah How people on a journey, find some great films, fun, now its my job! we cry, we gasp. Long live Katrina Hsieh giving voice to stories and and a fond memory for a cinema! Clover Films Huang Junxiang perspectives. difficult year. Lim Teck Anderson Le Gwend Lim Finding Pictures Jasmine Ng Jerrold Chong, Jia Lee Tan Pin Pin Renee Tan First Printers Sharon Tan Leslie Yew Teh Su Ching Thaiddhi VERA LAU JOLYN WU ERNY MELISSA MAY PHYU SIN MAKE Design Olivia Tay Programming Intern Business Development Business Development Marketing Manager Daryl Ho, Cheryl Tan Paolo Ty Manager Executive Claude Wang Mocha Chai Laboratories Wu Fan Extremely excited to Shhhh… The film is Now, more than ever, Hope is about seeing Chai Yee Wei, Michelle Chang, Alicia Ho, Therese Ching-Hsu Yang watch every single film... starting… we need a dash of the light at the end of the twice! hope and cinematic tunnel—just like in the Jerlyn Koh, Lim Ting Li, Wu Chin Long Danny Yeo magic in our lives. cinemas after the show. NTU Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information Nikki Draper, Lee Sang Joon

Rice Media Mark Tan, Julian Wong

*SCAPE KELLY PHUA MABELYN OW SELENA TAN DEBBIE NG David Chua, Goh Kok Wee, Marketing Executive Senior Hospitality Hospitality Coordinator Ticketing & Front of Lingual Tan, Shirley Tan Manager House Manager Film marks periods in our Film People are My Maybe there’s no answer; Needed the job. Sony Pictures Releasing lives; images take root in People. Always have been keep making, keep Singapore Pte Ltd our minds. So does the and always will be! watching. Irene Tay, Sharon Yee Festival! The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd Rachel Fong

Ying Communications Emilyn Ang, Naeema Ismail, Trisha Lim, Judy Ong, Magda Niewczas VANESSA MOSTAFA Ticketing & Front of House Coordinator Seeing the world lens by lens.

90 91 FILMSFILM INDEX IN COMPETITON 93 60 60 72 59 59 63 51 35 58 36 72 58 43 40 28, 35 28, 39 41 63 37 71 57 50 48 47 57 49 62

T U V W Y S You and I Yellow Cat Yellow Window Boy Would Also Like to Have a Submarine A Weirdo Never Fever OverRyFever Never Weirdo A Wife of a Spy The Woman Who Ran Watermelon Please Watermelon The WastelandThe Veins of the World The Unseen River The Truffle Hunters True Mothers True A Trip to Heaven to Trip A To Calm the Pig InsidePig theCalm To Tellurian Drama Drama Tellurian TiongBahruSocialClub Sunrise in My MindMySunrise in SpiritFilm The Smell of Coffee Smell of The Silk Slalom The ShepherdessTheSongsSeven the and Sexy SushiSexy Saudade Party-statethe by Saved Sementara Waters Our in SaltThe • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

62 62 38 68 51 42 68 62 36 56 69 34 61 50 69 30 70 34 70 46 50 40 71 56 42 36 64 40

Her Five LivesFive Her Free Judy Here Is Not ThereNot IsHere Are We Here Holding On, Letting GoManilain Young Die to How Identifying Features IraniBag Rolling Keep Malmkrog Milestone Monographs My Brother OrderNew Newborn Kingsthe of Night Young the for Love No I P R J K M N H Nomadland BakingMother’sMy Not Nursery Rhymes SundayPeopleon PerfectlyNormalFamilyA Ploy Pulang Red Aninsri; Tiptoeing Or, on the BerlinWall TremblingStill Reminiscences Rocketship • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 54 48 49 66 48 54 32 32 38 63 64 46 33 43 55 61 74 66 51 42 74 47 38 67 49 67 55 33 61

B A G F E D C # 100 TimesReproduction of Democracy21 Days NoonAfter Ammonite RoamedTheyAnd Aswang BalanceA Beginning Bình RevolutionaryBrave Redubbed RealityAlter Spell to Castinga HustlerCitizen RoomHerCloud inThe The Cup Days Soldiera of Death Song the Becoming Ho: Denise KinshasaDownstream to LoversParkCoast East Estate PlacesFaces ShadowWanderedMy Faraway Filipiñana CowFirst ShadowSerenadeFlower Gagarine Pan Genus Geranium Us GhostLike • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FILM INDEX FILM 92 NOTES NOTES