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SGIFF to feature two 1995 S’pore classics

SINGAPORE — Two iconic films from the 1990s that put Singapore on the world map of cinema will headline the Classics segment of this year’s Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), organisers said. They are Eric Khoo’s Mee Pok Man and Yonfan’s Bugis Street, which were released in 1995 and are considered as two films that brought forth a renaissance of independent cinema in Singapore in the 1990s.

Eric Khoo's Mee Pok Man is considered to be one of the films that 'paved the way for the rich cinematic culture' of today, said organisers of the Singapore International Film Festival. Photo: Zhao Wei FIlms.

Eric Khoo's Mee Pok Man is considered to be one of the films that 'paved the way for the rich cinematic culture' of today, said organisers of the Singapore International Film Festival. Photo: Zhao Wei FIlms.

SINGAPORE — Two iconic films from the 1990s that put Singapore on the world map of cinema will headline the Classics segment of this year’s Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), organisers said. They are Eric Khoo’s Mee Pok Man and Yonfan’s Bugis Street, which were released in 1995 and are considered as two films that brought forth a renaissance of independent cinema in Singapore in the 1990s.

Committed to fostering local and regional filmmaking talents since its founding in 1987, the SGIFF, which will kick off on Nov 26 and run through Dec 6, is widely recognised for its focus on Asian film-makers and the promotion of South-east Asian films.

“Mee Pok Man and Bugis Street are two classics that … reflect a milestone of an era for our filmmaking industry,” said SGIFF executive director, Yuni Hadi.

“As both films mark their 20th anniversary this year, it is fitting for the festival to celebrate their legacies that have helped pave the way for the rich cinematic culture we enjoy today.”

Mee Pok Man, known as the quintessential work that drew international attention to Singapore cinema following a decade-long lull in the 1980s, takes a peek into the marginal players of society, portraying a dim-witted mee pok seller who is obsessed with a prostitute who frequents his stall. The film received awards at the SGIFF, the Fukuoka Asian Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, helping Eric Khoo become the first Singaporean to have his films invited to major film festivals such as Berlin, Venice and Cannes.

This year’s SGIFF also presents the newly restored Bugis Street Redux, a flamboyant portrayal of Singapore’s red light district in the 1960s. The co-production between Hong Kong and Singapore offers a glimpse of the early days of cross-cultural film-making within the region.

The films to be featured at the SGIFF were chosen from over 1,400 submissions received since its open call in May this year.

“The region is rich with an eclectic mix of film-makers, and SGIFF presents a choice platform for their different voices and styles of expression,” Hadi said. “It is always exhilarating to discover amazing works, create opportunities for exchanges between emerging talents and industry heavyweights, and connect these independent spirits with the wider regional and international audience.”

The 26th edition of the SGIFF will take place in various venues including Marina Bay Sands, National Museum of Singapore, Shaw Theatres Lido, National Gallery Singapore, The Art House, The Projector and The Substation. The SGIFF, an event of the Singapore Media Festival, is hosted by Media Development Authority (Singapore).

For more information, visit www.sgiff.com

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