Expanded programme for S’pore Chinese Film Fest

SINGAPORE — If you’re tired of generic Hollywood blockbusters and seek a more homegrown blend of Asian delights, you’re in luck. The Singapore Chinese Film Festival (SCFF) is back for its second year. The festival has expanded from last year’s 10 feature films to 30 features and 11 shorts for this year edition’s 11-day event, which starts today (April 17).

Another first for SCFF would be the inclusion of Singaporean film-makers Wee Li Lin and Chiang Wei Liang. Hong Baos And Kisses, directed by Wee, stars Felicia Chin and Joshua Tan (Ah Boys To Men), who unexpectedly falling in love after teaming up for a Chinese New Year scam. Relative newcomer Chiang, meanwhile, presents When The Cold Wind Blows, a short film entirely shot in Taiwan.

Two other short films by Royston Tan and Sun Koh will be screened during a six-part omnibus, Letters From The South, which will also include works by filmi-makers from the region like Tsai Ming Liang, Aditya Assarat, Midi Z and Tan Chui Mui.

Other notable films include: Boundless and Past Present, two biography documentaries on top film-makers Johnnie To and Tsai Ming Liang, respectively. There’s also a screening of eight classic wuxia films from the legendary film-maker King Hu, including A Touch Of Zen, which inspired Lee Ang’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Screenings will be conducted at The Cathay Cineplex, Cathay Orchard Cineleisure, National Museum Gallery Theatre and The Arts House from April 17 to 27. Selected film-makers will be coming down for post-screening Q&A sessions and free panel discussions. For more information, visit http://www.sfs.org.sg/scff.