No rating for commercial release just yet for Eric Khoo film: MDA

SINGAPORE — Despite an earlier announcement that a new “international version” of local filmmaker Eric Khoo’s In The Room will be slated for commercial release next month with a R21 rating, the Media Development Authority Singapore today (Jan 26) said it has not yet received the film. 

“We have yet to receive the International Version of this film, which we understand will be submitted for classification soon,” said a spokesperson. The classification process for films is done within 10 working days of submission. 

Yesterday, Encore Films, which is co-distributing the film in Singapore, sent a release to announce the R21 classification and Feb 25 release date for Khoo’s film. TODAY has sent queries to Encore Films.

In The Room, produced with a budget of US$800,000 (S$1.14 million), has made its rounds in the international festival circuit. Without the MDA’s classification, the film will not be allowed for commercial release in Singapore.

In December last year, the MDA responded to The Straits Times on the issue, saying that two scenes in the movie have exceeded its classification guidelines for sexual content.

Boasting an international cast – Hong Kong actress Josie Ho, South Korea’s Choi Woo Shik, Malaysian Lawrence Wong, and Singaporean actor George Young – the film strings together six narratives spanning several decades that occur in Room 27 of the fictional Hotel Singapura, exploring themes of love, life and lust.