Is the Oscars the next stop for Ilo Ilo?

SINGAPORE — Film-maker Anthony Chen could very well add another feather to his already overflowing golden cap after his Cannes-winning film was officially selected as Singapore’s entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Academy Awards next year, according to the Media Development Authority.

The film was officially selected by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) Advisory Committee, whose members include film-makers Kelvin Tong and Eric Khoo, among others.

Said SFC Director Yeo Chun Cheng: “Ilo Ilo is a uniquely Singapore story about resilience in family relationships, a theme which also resonates with the rest of the world. The Singapore Film Commission Advisory Committee is proud to have chosen Ilo Ilo from among a list of strong contenders, to be Singapore’s entry ... for its excellence in execution and performance, accentuated by a thought-provoking storyline.”

The final Oscar nominations list will only be announced on Jan 16, but Mr Chen was nonetheless happy about the news.

Said Mr Chen, who is currently in France: “We have a massive release in France, followed by a North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. So now, with this news, I am happy that the film is flying the flag for Singapore again.”

What will our man of the moment do if Ilo Ilo makes the final Oscar cut?

“I’m thinking less of that and just hoping Singaporeans will support our film,” Mr Chen said. “It is my bigger wish for the film to be appreciated at home.” GENEVIEVE LOH