Hear ye, hear ye! Gather ’round, for we have some exciting news from the world of film! Singapore producer Jeremy Chua, the mastermind behind this year’s Cannes Camera d’Or winner, Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell, has been appointed as the general manager of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF). Can you believe it? It’s like a plot twist in a blockbuster movie!
Chua will be taking up his new post on January 1, 2024, and will be sharing the spotlight with Programme Director Thong Kay Wee. The festival is passing the torch to these two talented individuals as Emily J Hoe steps down after four editions of SGIFF, including two that were hit hard by the pandemic. It’s a changing of the guard, folks!
As if producing an award-winning film wasn’t enough, Chua is also the founder of Singapore-based production outfit Potocol. He’s had his hand in other cinematic gems such as Last Shadow At First Light, Tomorrow Is A Long Time, Autobiography, and Glorious Ashes. The man’s a producing powerhouse!
And the accolades keep rolling in for Chua. He was honored with the FIAPF Award for outstanding contribution to Asia Pacific Cinema at this year’s Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia. I mean, is there anything this guy can’t do?
SGIFF wrapped up on December 10 with Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell taking home the crown for Best Asian Feature Film at the Silver Screen Awards. Directed by Vietnam’s Pham Thien An, this film has certainly made its mark on the festival circuit. And let’s not forget about Yoon Eun-Kyung from Korea, who snagged the Best Director award for The Tenants. It’s like the Oscars, but with a delightful Asian twist!
But wait, there’s more! Taiwan’s Yu Yi-Hsun won Best Screenplay for A Journey In Spring, with Yang Kuei-Mei taking home the Best Performance award. And right here in our own backyard, Singapore’s Nelson Yeo received a Special Mention for Dreaming & Dying. It’s a veritable who’s who of talent and creativity!
And the cherry on top? The festival reported a whopping 12,500 tickets sold for its 34th edition, the highest since 2014 and a 64% increase from 2022. It’s like SGIFF is the hottest ticket in town! The people have spoken, and they want more of that film festival magic.
So there you have it, folks. Jeremy Chua is taking the reins at SGIFF, and it looks like the future of the festival is in very capable hands. Who knows what cinematic marvels await us in the coming years? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be one heck of a show!
