4 things to look out for at S’pore Int’l Film Fest 2014

SINGAPORE — Yes, it’s back, and we can’t wait to queue up for our popcorn. Here are four things you should keep an eye out for at the Singapore International Film Festival 2014.

1. THE SINGAPORE PANORAMA SECTION. It will feature works from a cross-section of the local film community, from fest regulars Royston Tan and Kan Lume to innovative film-makers such as Lei Yuan Bin and Liao Jiekai. Directors Rick Aw and Jason Lai will showcase their respective debut features: Standing In Still Water and Ms J Contemplates Her Choice. The latter sees singer and actress Kit Chan in her very first feature film. Fans of the art rock band The Observatory can look forward to a documentary by Chris Yeo titled The Obs: A Singapore Story. There is also director Han Yew Kwang’s Rubbers, a sex comedy starring actress Yeo Yann Yann.

2. THE SILVER SCREEN AWARDS. Lots of good films will be competing in the Asian Feature Film category, including Alive, a three-hour movie shot under harsh winter conditions and with director Park Jung-bum also playing the protagonist. Meanwhile, director Natsuka Kusano presents her debut feature Antonym, a drama that revolves around human connection. Another film to look out for is the understated W by Chonlasit Upanigkit. This festival edition has got another new surprise up its sleeves in…

3. THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN SHORT FILM COMPETITION. Regional shorts will now also have a shot at winning something. Royston Tan will helming a jury comprising Nguyen Trinh Thi and Yeo Yann Yann and awards include Best South-east Asian Short Film, Special Mention, Best Director and Best Singapore Short Film. Participants from the Youth Jury Programme will also present the Youth Jury Award to the best Southeast Asian Short Film.

4. SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF JOHN WOO’S THE CROSSING. The first of a two-part epic, this war-time drama traces events leading up to the Chinese Revolution of 1949. It stars a bevy of Asian stars including Huang Xiaoming, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Song Hye-kyo, Masami Nagasawa and Zhang Ziyi.

The Singapore International Film Festival runs from Dec 4 to 14. Tickets go on sale on Oct 29 at all SISTIC outlets. For details, visit http://sgiff.com/