SGIFF helps keep Southeast Asian creativity alive by giving filmmakers a platform

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) reveals its list of eight selected documentaries and short films from the region. The films include productions from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, each of whom will receive grants from the SGIFF Film Fund in recognition of their potential to contribute to the development of Southeast Asian cinema through their distinctive narratives and perspectives.

Attractive Prizes

This year, the selection committee has chosen three production projects that will each receive SGD30,000 (approximately RM101,539) in cash. One post-production project will also receive a grant of SGD20,000 (about RM67,693).

Remarkable stories have been selected for this edition of the SEA-DOC grant, which includes documentaries on anti-communist propaganda, the preservation of precious untold histories, a usual family reunion with an unusual plot twist, and the sensitivities of discrimination in a conservative society. This year’s winners are a reflection of the depth and diversity of talent here in Southeast Asia.

This year, the grants are awarded to:-

The Itinerant by Ukrit Sa-nguanhai, Thailand

1966, in the middle of a long trip for an anti-communist itinerant film screening in rural Thailand. The itinerant film troupe finds a mutilated dead body in the Mekong River that resembles a dead body found in the present day but has gone missing.

Invisible Labour by Joanne Cesario, Philippines

The return of the Marcos family to the presidential palace amid the economic crisis, the documentary looks at the importance of preserving the history of massive labour struggles that fought for democratic rights and led to the downfall of Martial Law and its continuing relevance to the present struggle of Filipino workers.

Baby Jackfruit Baby Guava by Nong Nhat Quang, Vietnam

When an unplanned baby enters the lives of a conservative mother, mentally ill daughter, and detached gay son, the dysfunctional trio travels back in time through their diaries to mend ruptured bonds, rewrite memories, and prepare for a new cycle of motherhood.

Under the Moonlight by Tonny Trimarsanto, Indonesia

Nur (40 years old) is a transgender who works as a cook in an Islamic School Al Fatah in Kota Gede, Yogyakarta. This school is a bit unique as all the students are Transgenders.

More information can be found on the Official SGIFF Website.