FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Singapore initiative ‘Travelling Waves’ continues with screenings in Jakarta

Singapore initiative ‘Travelling Waves’ continues with screenings in Jakarta

Now three decades old, the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), is bringing noteworthy films with distinct voices closer to audiences in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with the launch of its inaugural edition of Travelling Waves and an all-new format of New Waves.

Travelling Waves is a multicity programme that brings Southeast Asian cinematic voices to independent screening venues around the region. The inaugural edition will present five short films by emerging regional filmmakers in Bangkok, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur and discussions with filmmakers will also be organised to exchange ideas and perspectives. 
“Even though SGIFF is based in Singapore, we want to better connect with our neighbouring film communities through this regional programme and the initiatives of the SGIFF Film Academy. Partnering with independent film spaces such as the Bangkok Screening Room, Kinosaurus and TDSC allows us to work closely with film organisations that champion the independent spirit we see in short films. Through these programmes, we see the strength of the region coming together to further develop and nurture the potential of storytelling in Southeast Asia,” said executive director Yuni Hadi.
The first session at Bangkok Screening Room on April 20 received a fullhouse reception. A testament of the curiosity towards Southeast Asian films, the audience participated actively in the post-screening dialogue with filmmakers Pathompon Mont Tesprateep (“Song X”) and Danech San (“A Million Years”). The session was moderated by Thai film critic Kong Rithdee, who will also return to SGIFF as head mentor of the Youth Jury and Critics Programme this year. Travelling Waves will be hosted next at Jakarta on June 15 and Kuala Lumpur on July 20 where attendees can also look forward to engaging screenings and discussions with filmmakers. Interested parties can visit https://sgiff.com/travellingwaves/ for ticketing details.
Returning for its fourth edition, this year’s New Waves will take place over an intimate weekend on July 12 and 13, comprising screenings and a panel discussion to develop the film audience in Singapore. The allnew format is tailored to gather more filmmakers at the same time to share diverse viewpoints and vibrant discussions with film aficionados and beginners alike.
Part of the SGIFF Film Academy, this year’s New Waves will see retrospectives of short films produced by Akanga Film Asia and led by Fran Borgia, who produced Boo Junfeng’s “Apprentice” (2016) and Yeo Siew Hua’s “A Land Imagined” (2018). It will also chart the rise and development of award-winning filmmaker Anthony Chen, in anticipation of his sophomore effort “Wet Season” (2019), after the award-winning feature “Ilo Ilo” (2013). Both Borgia and Chen will participate in the post-screening discussions. There will also be a curated lineup of films from the female perspective in “Through Her Eyes”; while Southeast Asian stories and regional cultural histories will be discussed with local filmmakers such as Nicole Midori Woodford and M Raihan Halim, moderated by writer Alfian Sa’at.
The 30th SGIFF will run from November 21 to December 1. Its call for entries for Feature and Short Films, Southeast Asian Film Lab, and Youth Jury & Critics Programme is now open and will continue till August 19.
Learn more at www.Sgiff.com.
 

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