Top 3 things to do at Singapore International Film Festival 2019

Founded in 1987, SGIFF returns to host Southeast Asia's top independent films.

Until November 24, fans can take part in a series of pre-festival events and enjoy outdoor screenings under the stars at Gardens by the Bay (All photos: Singapore International Film Festival)

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) celebrates its 30th anniversary with a dynamic line-up of films and programmes from Nov 21 to Dec 1. Film lovers can look forward to an array of rich stories evocative of Southeast Asia and beyond, with more than 90 films from 40 countries as well as the opportunity to connect with cinematic talents during post-screening discussions and master classes.

 

Festival Extended (Until Dec 1)
Leading up to the SGIFF, fans can take part in a series of pre-festival events and enjoy outdoor screenings under the stars at Gardens by the Bay or take a stroll through Nature’s Playground, a mixed-media exhibition, which follows nine local storytellers on their creative journeys inspired by nature in Singapore. Expect hands-on family workshops at the Singapore Media Festival Village at Armenian Street or attend the Naiise Iconic X SGIFF for short film screenings, exhibitions and a creative session with filmmaker Gladys Ng and illustrator Bernadette Lee at Jewel Changi Airport.

natures_playground_key_visual._image_courtesy_of_30th_sgiff.jpg

'Nature’s Playground' follows 10 local storytellers on their creative journeys inspired by nature in Singapore

 

Onscreen (Nov 21 to Dec 1)
Onscreen features a full programme of screenings that presents viewers with an eclectic mix of entertainment and film art. Highlights include the Southeast Asian Short Film and Asian Feature Film competitions, where a number of directors are set to debut their works, as well as Focus and Classics, which are curated sections that invite audiences to revisit remarkable films from new perspectives.

not_a_time_to_celebrate_by_anucha_boonyawatana_thailand._courtesy_of_30th_sgiff.jpg

'Not a Time to Celebrate' (2019) by Anucha Boonyawatana is one of the three commissioned short films that anchors on the theme of celebration

 

Offscreen (Nov 22 to Dec 1)
Connect with filmmakers, actors and industry experts through post-screening dialogues, master classes, panel discussions and talks. This platform will provide the audience with insights into the creative process that bring personal visions to screen. Do not miss out on leading Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike’s master class on Dec 1. He will shed light on the methods and inspirations that drive his work.

takashi_miike.jpg

Miike achieved international acclaim for cult favourites 'Ichi the Killer' (2001), '13 Assassins' (2010) and 'Yakuza Apocalypse' (2015)

The festival will be held at Capitol Theatre, National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore, The Projector, Oldham Theatre, National Archives of Singapore, Filmgarde at BUGIS+, Gardens by the Bay and Objectifs Centre. For the full schedule and tickets, see here.

This article first appeared on Nov 4, 2019 in The Edge Malaysia.

 

Follow us on Instagram