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SINGAPORE : It's high time we gave props to the many low-profile makers of Singapore short films. That is something both The Substation and the Objectifs Centre for Photography and Filmmaking have long recognised.
And seeing as how the Singapore Film Awards (which was introduced last year) is being put on hold for this year's Singapore International Film Festival, punters say the time seems right for the first-ever Singapore Short Film Awards (SSFA) - something that can serve as a real boon to the local film scene and a genuine confidence booster to both new and veteran film-makers.
"Aside from the film director, SSFA also gives a nod to key film crew, such as the cinematographer, actor and art director - those who rarely get recognised for their craft," said Low Beng Kheng, The Substation's Moving Images programme manager.
Renowned filmmaker Eric Khoo will be the guest-of-honour on the awards night on Sunday. The judging panel, which includes film-maker Jasmine Ng, National Museum's Warren Sin and TODAY arts reporter Mayo Martin, will be dishing out awards for Best Director, Best Animation, Best Fiction, Best Documentary, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Script, Best Art Direction, Best Soundtrack, and Best Performance.
There was no lack of offerings: The organisers received 133 entries in total, with 33 of the films being nominated in the 10 categories.
"We feel that the timing is great," said Yuni Hadi, partner of Objectifs Centre and independent film curator. "There are so many short films being made every year, plus there are so many film schools now. It's nice to be able to see the breadth of short films being made at one time. Like an encyclopedia of sorts."
She continued, "In the last couple of years, we've seen many breakthrough short film-makers all (invited to show) in international festivals like Cannes and Berlin. It's a great way to spot talent and grow the industry. Many of the film practitioners who are making features now started with short films."
Some of the nominees vying for the awards include familiar names like Sun Koh who's up for Best Director for "Dirty Bitch" and Ho Tzu Nyen's "H The Happy Robot", which is up for Best Art Direction. MDA scholar Kristen Tan is also in with her short film Cold Noodles.
Celebrated local director Royston Tan will also receive the inaugural Honorary Award "for outstanding contribution to the film community through short films".
"Royston has made 22 short films in a 12-year film career," explained Yuni Hadi. "And he's been amazing. Very community minded. We work with him a lot to give talks in schools. Many young students have named him their inspiration."
The SSFA will be held at The Substation Theatre on Sunday. For more information on the screenings, which are ongoing until Sunday, visit www.substation.org/SSFA/
- TODAY/rs
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