SINGAPORE : A Singapore movie filmed in just nine days on a shoestring budget of S$200,000 stole the limelight at the recent Cannes Film Festival competition.

"My Magic" became the first Singapore film to be nominated for the prestigious Palme D'Or, the top award for film in Cannes.

It was a proud moment for the Singapore cast and crew when 2,000 people gave "My Magic" a long standing ovation at the film's screening in Cannes.

The film, which is in a mixture of Tamil and English, is about an estranged relationship between a father and his son. It beat 4,000 entries around the world to be nominated for the official competition in Cannes.

Even though "My Magic" did not win, there was no shortage of media attention for the film's cast, especially lead actor Bosco Francis.

Unfortunately, the first-time actor, who is a magician in real life, was recently hospitalised for chest pains and is not available for interviews.

Eric Khoo, director of "My Magic", said: "All the French press said Francis should actually win the best actor award... One article said if the judges (were) brave enough, they should give the award to him.

"The main thing is if he gets scouted, then maybe he can act in a Hollywood film or something... I think this will open doorways for Francis, and I made this film for him."

"When I did the auditions, Uncle Francis did this little bizarre magic where he took a spear and put it through his arm. When I saw that, I got really frightened about acting with such a crazy man. But I got used to it and he's a really nice guy," said actor Jathishweran Naidu, one of the film's cast.

Put against bigger Hollywood features, it was clear that "My Magic" was an underdog at Cannes. But given how it was received at Cannes, observers said it is a sign that Singapore films have come a long away.

Observers said the success of the film will likely give private investors more confidence to fund upcoming Singapore films.

"In years to come, we hope this will not be the only example. And we have every reason to be optimistic. In essence, what it means for our industry is finally, we have this (example) that says we have made it in the world stage," said Kenneth Tan, director of the Singapore Film Commission.

The number of films by Singapore filmmakers is expected to grow in the coming years. About 20 films are expected to be produced and completed by the end of 2008, double the number in 2007.

"My Magic" is set to be shown in at least 10 countries, including India, Argentina and Korea. It is expected to be screened in Singapore by early 2009. - CNA /ls