Commission
The BBC has commissioned feature documentary “Abba: Against The Odds” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Swedish group winning the Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place this year in Sweden. The documentary will be produced by multi-award winning documentary makers Rogan Productions (“Freddie Mercury: The Final Act”) and directed by James Rogan. It will tell the story of Abba’s greatest period of musical achievement framed between the albums “Arrival” (1976) and “Super Trooper” (1980).
The film is funded by several European broadcasters including BBC, Ard/Wdr, France Télévisions, Svt and Dr. It will feature access to Svt (Swedish public television) archives including rare footage that captures the band’s rise to fame and the negativity they faced at home.
In the U.K. the film will be shown on BBC One and iPlayer in May. BBC Studios will distribute the film internationally and will present it to buyers at BBC Studios Showcase,...
The BBC has commissioned feature documentary “Abba: Against The Odds” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Swedish group winning the Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place this year in Sweden. The documentary will be produced by multi-award winning documentary makers Rogan Productions (“Freddie Mercury: The Final Act”) and directed by James Rogan. It will tell the story of Abba’s greatest period of musical achievement framed between the albums “Arrival” (1976) and “Super Trooper” (1980).
The film is funded by several European broadcasters including BBC, Ard/Wdr, France Télévisions, Svt and Dr. It will feature access to Svt (Swedish public television) archives including rare footage that captures the band’s rise to fame and the negativity they faced at home.
In the U.K. the film will be shown on BBC One and iPlayer in May. BBC Studios will distribute the film internationally and will present it to buyers at BBC Studios Showcase,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Bridge Stretching Down Under
Australian streamer Stan has acquired rights to both seasons, totaling 20 episodes, of the Malaysian adaptation of Scandinavian crime series “The Bridge.” The agreement, brokered by Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia and New Zealand from Banijay Rights, represents the first time that Stan has acquired a Malaysian drama series.
The Asian version of “The Bridge” was initially commissioned by Viu and HBO Asia in 2018, after Double Vision, part of the Vision New Media group, introduced Viu to the format. It broadcast to across 23 territories in the combined footprints of Viu and HBO Asia and was also shown on Viu in South Africa.
The title has garnered more than 20 regional awards and nominations across its two seasons, making it the most awarded drama in Malaysian history.
Season one faithfully follows the original show, and sees a dead body found on the border between Malaysia and Singapore, necessitating an investigator...
Australian streamer Stan has acquired rights to both seasons, totaling 20 episodes, of the Malaysian adaptation of Scandinavian crime series “The Bridge.” The agreement, brokered by Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia and New Zealand from Banijay Rights, represents the first time that Stan has acquired a Malaysian drama series.
The Asian version of “The Bridge” was initially commissioned by Viu and HBO Asia in 2018, after Double Vision, part of the Vision New Media group, introduced Viu to the format. It broadcast to across 23 territories in the combined footprints of Viu and HBO Asia and was also shown on Viu in South Africa.
The title has garnered more than 20 regional awards and nominations across its two seasons, making it the most awarded drama in Malaysian history.
Season one faithfully follows the original show, and sees a dead body found on the border between Malaysia and Singapore, necessitating an investigator...
- 12/11/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
One of the most popular events at the 34th Singapore International Film Festival (Sgiff) was a panorama event where six of the country’s leading indie film lights shared a panel to discuss opportunities and challenges.
Opportunities are plentiful, with the festival world embracing Singaporean films and filmmakers warmly. Hong Kong-based Anthony Chen has had a stellar year with his directorial efforts “Drift” and “The Breaking Ice” which premiered at Sundance and Cannes, respectively. The latter was selected as Singapore’s entry to the 2024 Oscars.
Among Chen’s fellow panelists, Jow Zhi Wei’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time” premiered at the Berlinale this year; Nicole Midori Woodford’s “Last Shadow at First Light” at San Sebastian; and Nelson Yeo’s “Dreaming & Dying” won two major awards at Locarno.
Also on the panel were Kelvin Tong and Chai Yee Wei whose “A Year of No Significance” and “Wonderland,” respectively,...
Opportunities are plentiful, with the festival world embracing Singaporean films and filmmakers warmly. Hong Kong-based Anthony Chen has had a stellar year with his directorial efforts “Drift” and “The Breaking Ice” which premiered at Sundance and Cannes, respectively. The latter was selected as Singapore’s entry to the 2024 Oscars.
Among Chen’s fellow panelists, Jow Zhi Wei’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time” premiered at the Berlinale this year; Nicole Midori Woodford’s “Last Shadow at First Light” at San Sebastian; and Nelson Yeo’s “Dreaming & Dying” won two major awards at Locarno.
Also on the panel were Kelvin Tong and Chai Yee Wei whose “A Year of No Significance” and “Wonderland,” respectively,...
- 12/10/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The perspective of a child. Unspoiled, unassuming, and uninfluenced by the horrors that be. That is the lens that Majid Majidi presents the audience with while embarking on this heartfelt tale that is the celebrated Iranian director's crowning achievement. A modest and understated narrative brought to life by a heavy message carried on by the tiny shoulders of its lead child actors, with their exemplary showing of grit and grace in the face of poverty and neglect. “Children of Heaven” nabbed Iran its first Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and is a classic example of Iranian cinema's prowess in delivering pictures with a moralistic backbone.
from Imprint by clicking on the image below
Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) patiently waits at the cobbler's shop as the wizened hand of the craftsman mends his sister, Zahra's (Bahareh Seddiqi) pair of pink shoes. The little man,...
from Imprint by clicking on the image below
Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) patiently waits at the cobbler's shop as the wizened hand of the craftsman mends his sister, Zahra's (Bahareh Seddiqi) pair of pink shoes. The little man,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Leon Overee
- AsianMoviePulse
Arvin Chen is to direct “Coolie,” a limited series featuring enslaved Chinese workers in 19th century Cuba.
The eight-part series is the first to emerge from Cathay Film Company, a recent production venture launched by Singapore-based industry veteran Meileen Choo.
In the mid-1800s, when the African slave trade was outlawed throughout the Americas, plantation owners in Cuba instead began trafficking indentured servants from China and other parts of Asia. These, so-called coolies were often treated as slaves, but some integrated into Cuban society and joined the country’s fight for independence from Spain. The provided a low-cost workforce for farms, restaurants, factories and were instrumental in setting up Chinatowns across the world.
With Hong Kong actor Louise Wong in the lead role as a young woman who departs from southern China to marry a political exile working on a sugarcane plantation in Cuba, the narrative sees her join forces...
The eight-part series is the first to emerge from Cathay Film Company, a recent production venture launched by Singapore-based industry veteran Meileen Choo.
In the mid-1800s, when the African slave trade was outlawed throughout the Americas, plantation owners in Cuba instead began trafficking indentured servants from China and other parts of Asia. These, so-called coolies were often treated as slaves, but some integrated into Cuban society and joined the country’s fight for independence from Spain. The provided a low-cost workforce for farms, restaurants, factories and were instrumental in setting up Chinatowns across the world.
With Hong Kong actor Louise Wong in the lead role as a young woman who departs from southern China to marry a political exile working on a sugarcane plantation in Cuba, the narrative sees her join forces...
- 10/19/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Jack Neo, for two decades Singapore’s most commercially successful filmmaker, is to direct and produce “Money No Enough 3,” a second sequel to his oldest film franchise.
The film is the first project from HiJack Pictures, the joint venture outfit between distributor-producer Clover Films and Neo’s J Team productions that was announced last year. Neo has either directed or starred in nine of the all-time top ten local movies in Singapore.
“Money No Enough 3” will reunite the three stars of the original movie, Mark Lee, Henry Thia and Neo himself. It is a thematic sequel about the financial issues and problems faced by Singaporeans, both old and young.
The production budget is set at $2 million (S$2.8 million) to be financed by HiJack and mm2 Entertainment. Production will start imminently with a targeted completion in early 2024, in time for the Lunar New Year holiday season.
“Geylang” director Boi Kwong is set as producer.
The film is the first project from HiJack Pictures, the joint venture outfit between distributor-producer Clover Films and Neo’s J Team productions that was announced last year. Neo has either directed or starred in nine of the all-time top ten local movies in Singapore.
“Money No Enough 3” will reunite the three stars of the original movie, Mark Lee, Henry Thia and Neo himself. It is a thematic sequel about the financial issues and problems faced by Singaporeans, both old and young.
The production budget is set at $2 million (S$2.8 million) to be financed by HiJack and mm2 Entertainment. Production will start imminently with a targeted completion in early 2024, in time for the Lunar New Year holiday season.
“Geylang” director Boi Kwong is set as producer.
- 10/3/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The first film from Singapore to screen at Cannes and mentioned by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as “widely regarded to have contributed to the revitalisation of local cinema”, “12 Storeys” is a great sample of Eric Khoo’s cinema.
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
- 3/5/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The first film from Singapore to screen at Cannes and mentioned by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as “widely regarded to have contributed to the revitalisation of local cinema”, “12 Storeys” is a great sample of Eric Khoo’s cinema.
“12 Storeys” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
“12 Storeys” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
- 3/5/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
More than a decade after his feature directorial debut “The Days” (2008) filmmaker Boi Kwong is back in the director’s chair with Singapore crime thriller “Geylang.”
The film premiered at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and will have its Southeast Asia premiere at the Singapore International Film Festival in the Panorama strand.
In the film, on the eve of election nomination day, an aid worker, pimp, sex worker, doctor, cigarette seller and political candidate cross paths on the neon-drenched streets of Singapore’s notorious red-light district, Geylang.
The film is produced by Singaporean superstar Jack Neo’s J Team Productions (“Ah Girls Go Army”) and local firm MM2 Entertainment (“Precious is the Night”).
“No filmmaking journey is easy. My first feature film was back in 2008. It was a youthful effort and the beginning of my love affair with the medium. The film industry in Singapore back then was not ready to support first-time filmmakers,...
The film premiered at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and will have its Southeast Asia premiere at the Singapore International Film Festival in the Panorama strand.
In the film, on the eve of election nomination day, an aid worker, pimp, sex worker, doctor, cigarette seller and political candidate cross paths on the neon-drenched streets of Singapore’s notorious red-light district, Geylang.
The film is produced by Singaporean superstar Jack Neo’s J Team Productions (“Ah Girls Go Army”) and local firm MM2 Entertainment (“Precious is the Night”).
“No filmmaking journey is easy. My first feature film was back in 2008. It was a youthful effort and the beginning of my love affair with the medium. The film industry in Singapore back then was not ready to support first-time filmmakers,...
- 11/25/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Singapore-based producer and distributor Clover Films is teaming with filmmaker Jack Neo’s J Team Productions to launch a joint venture production company, HiJack Pictures.
The new outfit, which has 50:50 ownership between Clover Films and J Team Productions, aims to produce quality content that appeals to international audiences. Clover Films founders Lim Teck and Paulyn Chua, along with Neo and Irene Kng for J Team Productions, are directors of the company, which is based in Singapore.
Neo is Singapore’s most bankable filmmaker with credits including a string of hits, such as the Ah Boys To Men franchise, I Not Stupid series and award-winning drama Homerun. His production house J Team creates content for both cinema and television.
Clover Films is one of the region’s best-known distributors, often acquiring films for regional Southeast Asian distribution. The company has handled titles such as Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite,...
The new outfit, which has 50:50 ownership between Clover Films and J Team Productions, aims to produce quality content that appeals to international audiences. Clover Films founders Lim Teck and Paulyn Chua, along with Neo and Irene Kng for J Team Productions, are directors of the company, which is based in Singapore.
Neo is Singapore’s most bankable filmmaker with credits including a string of hits, such as the Ah Boys To Men franchise, I Not Stupid series and award-winning drama Homerun. His production house J Team creates content for both cinema and television.
Clover Films is one of the region’s best-known distributors, often acquiring films for regional Southeast Asian distribution. The company has handled titles such as Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite,...
- 11/22/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
New Singapore-based production company HiJack Pictures is being launched by distributor and producer Clover Films and J Team Productions, the company controlled by the country’s most commercially successful filmmaker Jack Neo.
HiJack will be equally owned by the two parties and sets itself the mission to “produce quality content that appeals to the global audience.” The new company’s board directors are Clover Films founders Lim Teck and Paulyn Chua and J Team’s Neo and Irene Kng.
“We hope to nurture a new generation of Singaporean filmmakers, to produce commercially viable content which also connects with the audience. We hope to work with regional partners in producing a slate of feature content that I will helm or supervise. There is great potential in this collaboration of our two companies and we look forward to making this synergy work,” said Neo. No new titles or business relationships were disclosed.
HiJack will be equally owned by the two parties and sets itself the mission to “produce quality content that appeals to the global audience.” The new company’s board directors are Clover Films founders Lim Teck and Paulyn Chua and J Team’s Neo and Irene Kng.
“We hope to nurture a new generation of Singaporean filmmakers, to produce commercially viable content which also connects with the audience. We hope to work with regional partners in producing a slate of feature content that I will helm or supervise. There is great potential in this collaboration of our two companies and we look forward to making this synergy work,” said Neo. No new titles or business relationships were disclosed.
- 11/22/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Lim Teck and Jack Neo to serve as co-CEOs.
Leading Singapore firms Clover Films and J Team Productions have joined forces to set up new venture HiJack Pictures and produce Chinese-language projects in Singapore and the region.
Lim Teck of distributor Clover Films and director-producer Jack Neo of J Team Productions will serve as co-CEOs of the new 50:50 Singapore-based joint venture, which will produce three to five films a year.
“In combining our expertise in production, marketing and distribution, we are confident that this synergy will create something much greater than the sum of its parts,” said Lim. He...
Leading Singapore firms Clover Films and J Team Productions have joined forces to set up new venture HiJack Pictures and produce Chinese-language projects in Singapore and the region.
Lim Teck of distributor Clover Films and director-producer Jack Neo of J Team Productions will serve as co-CEOs of the new 50:50 Singapore-based joint venture, which will produce three to five films a year.
“In combining our expertise in production, marketing and distribution, we are confident that this synergy will create something much greater than the sum of its parts,” said Lim. He...
- 11/22/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
The perspective of a child. Unspoiled, unassuming, and uninfluenced by the horrors that be. That is the lens that Majid Majidi presents the audience with while embarking on this heartfelt tale that is the celebrated Iranian director’s crowning achievement. A modest and understated narrative brought to life by a heavy message carried on by the tiny shoulders of its lead child actors, with their exemplary showing of grit and grace in the face of poverty and neglect. “Children of Heaven” nabbed Iran its first Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and is a classic example of Iranian cinema’s prowess in delivering pictures with a moralistic backbone.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) patiently waits at the cobbler’s shop as the wizened hand of the craftsman mends his sister, Zahra’s (Bahareh Seddiqi) pair of pink shoes.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) patiently waits at the cobbler’s shop as the wizened hand of the craftsman mends his sister, Zahra’s (Bahareh Seddiqi) pair of pink shoes.
- 11/3/2022
- by Leon Overee
- AsianMoviePulse
Banned feature #LookAtMe remains in the line-up.
Satircal thriller Assault by Kazakh director Adilkhan Yerzhanov is set to open the Singapore International Film Festival (Sgiff), marking the first time a film from Central Asia has been selected to lead the event.
The full programme of 101 films from 54 countries – including nine titles for its main competition (see below) – were unveiled today for the festival’s 33rd edition, which will run from November 24 to December 4 and marks Sgiff’s first fully in-person event since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Yerzhanov is a leading figure in Kazakh cinema with several features...
Satircal thriller Assault by Kazakh director Adilkhan Yerzhanov is set to open the Singapore International Film Festival (Sgiff), marking the first time a film from Central Asia has been selected to lead the event.
The full programme of 101 films from 54 countries – including nine titles for its main competition (see below) – were unveiled today for the festival’s 33rd edition, which will run from November 24 to December 4 and marks Sgiff’s first fully in-person event since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Yerzhanov is a leading figure in Kazakh cinema with several features...
- 10/26/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Jack Neo, who is by far Singapore’s most commercially successful filmmaker, has begun production on “King of Musang King,” a comedy that he envisages being ready for release at Chinese New Year in January. The narrative gives prominent position to durians, the smelly Southeast Asian fruit that most people either love or hate.
Neo will co-star, direct and produce through his J Team Productions. The film will be presented by J Team, mm2 Entertainment and Cathay Cineplexes.
The story revolves around a man (played by Mark Lee), his abandoned Malaysian wife (played by Yeo Yann Yann), and childhood friend Mao Shan (played by Jack Neo).
Dumped by the man for a Vietnamese lady, the wife continues to tend to the durian plantation left to her by her late father while she single-handedly raises her three children. The woman wants to pass down the business to her children but there...
Neo will co-star, direct and produce through his J Team Productions. The film will be presented by J Team, mm2 Entertainment and Cathay Cineplexes.
The story revolves around a man (played by Mark Lee), his abandoned Malaysian wife (played by Yeo Yann Yann), and childhood friend Mao Shan (played by Jack Neo).
Dumped by the man for a Vietnamese lady, the wife continues to tend to the durian plantation left to her by her late father while she single-handedly raises her three children. The woman wants to pass down the business to her children but there...
- 9/9/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
By Leon Overee
The movie industry in Singapore had its humble beginnings in the 1950s with the huge influx of Malay and Chinese language features that were promoted by showbiz giants Cathay Organization and Shaw Brothers. This golden era went through a decline in the 1960s, with the import of American blockbusters and the advent of television. It was not after a few lengthy decades before the booming industry got back on its feet.
Fast-forward to the reckless 1990s hippy-era, and we saw trailblazing innovators like Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, and Royston Tan initiate a shift in the cinematic appetite of the nation. These pioneers blended the isms of everyday life with “Singlish” (English-based creole language) banter so loved by people from the region, to create unique patchworks in the fabric of Asian filmmaking.
The world finally had a chance to witness what is truly at the heart of Southeast Asia’s Little Red Dot.
The movie industry in Singapore had its humble beginnings in the 1950s with the huge influx of Malay and Chinese language features that were promoted by showbiz giants Cathay Organization and Shaw Brothers. This golden era went through a decline in the 1960s, with the import of American blockbusters and the advent of television. It was not after a few lengthy decades before the booming industry got back on its feet.
Fast-forward to the reckless 1990s hippy-era, and we saw trailblazing innovators like Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, and Royston Tan initiate a shift in the cinematic appetite of the nation. These pioneers blended the isms of everyday life with “Singlish” (English-based creole language) banter so loved by people from the region, to create unique patchworks in the fabric of Asian filmmaking.
The world finally had a chance to witness what is truly at the heart of Southeast Asia’s Little Red Dot.
- 3/20/2022
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Jack Neo’s comedy proved the leading local feature over Chinese New Year.
Jack Neo’s Ah Girls Go Army has crossed $1.49m (S$2m) at the Singapore box office, making it the top grossing local film since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Released by mm2 Asia on February 1, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the comedy follows the first batch of female recruits going through national service because of a shortage of men. It is a spin-off from the hugely successful Ah Boys To Men franchise, which has spawned four films all directed by Neo, the most bankable Singaporean filmmaker.
Jack Neo’s Ah Girls Go Army has crossed $1.49m (S$2m) at the Singapore box office, making it the top grossing local film since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Released by mm2 Asia on February 1, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the comedy follows the first batch of female recruits going through national service because of a shortage of men. It is a spin-off from the hugely successful Ah Boys To Men franchise, which has spawned four films all directed by Neo, the most bankable Singaporean filmmaker.
- 2/18/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Singaporean actor Mark Lee, Golden Horse best actor nominee for “Number 1” (2020), headlines the cast of crime drama thriller “Geylang.”
The film is set in Singapore’s seedy Geylang district, which is also a food haven. Over the course of one night, five disparate people’s lives intertwine as they deal with issues of money, class, ambition, and love in Geylang. The film will be shot entirely on location in Geylang and will combine elements of fantasy with the thriller genre.
Boi Kwong (“The Days”) directs. The cast also includes Sheila Sim (“118”), Shane Mardjuki (“Unlucky Plaza”), emerging actor Gary Lau, and Taiwan’s Patricia Lin (“Do You Love Me As I Love You”).
The film is produced by Singaporean superstar Jack Neo’s J Team Productions (“The Diam Diam Era”) and local powerhouse MM2 Entertainment (“Precious is the Night”).
The cast and crew participated in a lensing ceremony in Geylang on...
The film is set in Singapore’s seedy Geylang district, which is also a food haven. Over the course of one night, five disparate people’s lives intertwine as they deal with issues of money, class, ambition, and love in Geylang. The film will be shot entirely on location in Geylang and will combine elements of fantasy with the thriller genre.
Boi Kwong (“The Days”) directs. The cast also includes Sheila Sim (“118”), Shane Mardjuki (“Unlucky Plaza”), emerging actor Gary Lau, and Taiwan’s Patricia Lin (“Do You Love Me As I Love You”).
The film is produced by Singaporean superstar Jack Neo’s J Team Productions (“The Diam Diam Era”) and local powerhouse MM2 Entertainment (“Precious is the Night”).
The cast and crew participated in a lensing ceremony in Geylang on...
- 12/28/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo is set to direct a female-driven spinoff of his blockbuster comedy film series Ah Boys to Men.
The first Ah Boys to Men film was released in 2012, followed by three sequels. All of the films follow a group of privileged young men who are conscripted into Singapore’s National Defense service and forced to grow up fast to fulfill their duties.
The four films have collectively grossed over $20 million in Singaporean cinemas, the most of any locally made franchise ever. Several of the titles also have been licensed by Netflix as key local titles for ...
The first Ah Boys to Men film was released in 2012, followed by three sequels. All of the films follow a group of privileged young men who are conscripted into Singapore’s National Defense service and forced to grow up fast to fulfill their duties.
The four films have collectively grossed over $20 million in Singaporean cinemas, the most of any locally made franchise ever. Several of the titles also have been licensed by Netflix as key local titles for ...
- 9/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo is set to direct a female-driven spinoff of his blockbuster comedy film series Ah Boys to Men.
The first Ah Boys to Men film was released in 2012, followed by three sequels. All of the films follow a group of privileged young men who are conscripted into Singapore’s National Defense service and forced to grow up fast to fulfill their duties.
The four films have collectively grossed over $20 million in Singaporean cinemas, the most of any locally made franchise ever. Several of the titles also have been licensed by Netflix as key local titles for ...
The first Ah Boys to Men film was released in 2012, followed by three sequels. All of the films follow a group of privileged young men who are conscripted into Singapore’s National Defense service and forced to grow up fast to fulfill their duties.
The four films have collectively grossed over $20 million in Singaporean cinemas, the most of any locally made franchise ever. Several of the titles also have been licensed by Netflix as key local titles for ...
- 9/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Diam Diam Era Too,” the sequel to current release “The Diam Diam Era” by Singapore superstar Jack Neo, and period thriller “Precious is the Night” are among the upcoming releases from regional mini-conglomerate MM2 Entertainment.
The company revealed a host of titles for 2020-21 release at the ongoing Asian Television Forum, which is part of the Singapore Media Festival.
The “Diam Diam” films continue the story of Neo’s 2016 two-parter “Long Long Time Ago” that followed the Lim family against the backdrop of Singapore’s nation-building policies. “The Diam Diam Era Too” is set for a Lunar New Year release in early 2021. The cast includes Richie Koh, Danny Lee and Mark Lee.
Wayne Peng’s “Precious Is The Night” is a thriller set in 1960s Singapore, starring model-photographer Chuando Tan as a doctor caught in a web of deceit, sex and lies. The Golden Horse nominated film also stars Nanyeli,...
The company revealed a host of titles for 2020-21 release at the ongoing Asian Television Forum, which is part of the Singapore Media Festival.
The “Diam Diam” films continue the story of Neo’s 2016 two-parter “Long Long Time Ago” that followed the Lim family against the backdrop of Singapore’s nation-building policies. “The Diam Diam Era Too” is set for a Lunar New Year release in early 2021. The cast includes Richie Koh, Danny Lee and Mark Lee.
Wayne Peng’s “Precious Is The Night” is a thriller set in 1960s Singapore, starring model-photographer Chuando Tan as a doctor caught in a web of deceit, sex and lies. The Golden Horse nominated film also stars Nanyeli,...
- 12/1/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Singapore cinema will claim a share of the spotlight at the ongoing Asia TV Forum & Market, where some 80 local media companies are promoting their wares at the Singapore Pavilion. The crop of local movies for 2020 looks substantial.
Local powerhouse mm2 Entertainment leads the way with a line-up from several genres. Ong Kuo Sin’s musical comedy “Number 1” follows a laid-off white-collar worker who finds an unexpected alternate career as a drag performer. From the same director is “One Headlight,” a co-production with Byleft Productions and Vividthree Productions, where the young protagonist seeks to reunite his niece with her elusive father after the death of his sister. Also with Vividthree is Sam Loh’s “Hell Hole,” in which a mother and son seek revenge from the afterlife.
Taipan Films’ “Circle Line” directed by Chua Jing Du, Singapore’s first monster film, is set against the backdrop of a faulty underground train system,...
Local powerhouse mm2 Entertainment leads the way with a line-up from several genres. Ong Kuo Sin’s musical comedy “Number 1” follows a laid-off white-collar worker who finds an unexpected alternate career as a drag performer. From the same director is “One Headlight,” a co-production with Byleft Productions and Vividthree Productions, where the young protagonist seeks to reunite his niece with her elusive father after the death of his sister. Also with Vividthree is Sam Loh’s “Hell Hole,” in which a mother and son seek revenge from the afterlife.
Taipan Films’ “Circle Line” directed by Chua Jing Du, Singapore’s first monster film, is set against the backdrop of a faulty underground train system,...
- 12/5/2019
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Singapore is renowned for its education system, which is highly successful, but also rigid and stressful. Singapore-born, Chicago-based documentarian Yong Shu Ling’s “Unteachable” explores the joy of learning through a young woman’s journey to bring empathy back into classrooms. She introduces a new teaching method aimed at empowering teenagers to overcome negatives, and rekindle a love for learning.
“Sometimes with documentary film, you chance upon a story so compelling that you simply can’t allow it to go undocumented,” Yong told Variety. “My friend from university, Meixi had spent a year working with the Ministry of Education in Mexico and spoke very passionately about what she had learned and how she had witnessed the transformation of ‘underperforming’ schools. When she said she wanted to take her findings back to Singapore, to work with students who were struggling in the mainstream system, I was very excited about it.”
“Meixi...
“Sometimes with documentary film, you chance upon a story so compelling that you simply can’t allow it to go undocumented,” Yong told Variety. “My friend from university, Meixi had spent a year working with the Ministry of Education in Mexico and spoke very passionately about what she had learned and how she had witnessed the transformation of ‘underperforming’ schools. When she said she wanted to take her findings back to Singapore, to work with students who were struggling in the mainstream system, I was very excited about it.”
“Meixi...
- 11/26/2019
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Increasingly, they are winning prizes at international festivals. “A Land Imagined” won the Golden Leopard in Locarno last year, while 18 months earlier “Pop Aye” and its helmer/screenwriter Kirsten Tan won the screenwriting prize in the world cinema section at Sundance. In 2013, Anthony Chen won the Camera d’Or for best first feature at Cannes with bittersweet drama “Ilo Ilo.”
These and a swelling number of Singaporean productions reflect several years of government attempts to support the film industry. Emphasis has variously been put on Singapore as an Asian funding hub, a co-productions nexus and as a shooting location.
Film funds were set up that ended up in tears and loss — and jail time for one former partner. Since then grants have replaced co-investment. And dubious outreach to China — which shares some linguistic overlap, but is a vastly different market — has been quietly sidelined.
What has paid off, however, is persistence.
These and a swelling number of Singaporean productions reflect several years of government attempts to support the film industry. Emphasis has variously been put on Singapore as an Asian funding hub, a co-productions nexus and as a shooting location.
Film funds were set up that ended up in tears and loss — and jail time for one former partner. Since then grants have replaced co-investment. And dubious outreach to China — which shares some linguistic overlap, but is a vastly different market — has been quietly sidelined.
What has paid off, however, is persistence.
- 5/16/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The first film from Singapore to screen at Cannes and mentioned by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as “widely regarded to have contributed to the revitalisation of local cinema”, “12 Storeys” is a great sample of Eric Khoo’s cinema.
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress how she hates life in Singapore, despite the fact that the only thing...
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress how she hates life in Singapore, despite the fact that the only thing...
- 3/31/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The Singaporean film industry is experiencing an unprecedented production boom. At least 14 homegrown films are due to release this year, a 50% increase from 2018, with another 15 in development, per the Singapore Film Commission.
Last year saw unprecedented success for Singapore cinema, with Yeo Siew Hua’s “A Land Imagined” winning the Golden Leopard at Locarno, and several more awards globally. The film was released theatrically in Singapore in February 2019 and enjoyed a successful box office run. Jon M. Chu’s Singapore-set blockbuster “Crazy Rich Asians” led to a global uptick in interest in the island country; auteur Eric Khoo’s culinary themed “Ramen Shop” won plaudits at Berlin and Tokyo; and locally, horror films from Gilbert Chan (“23:59: The Haunting Hour”) and Jacen Tan (“Zombiepura”) found favor with audiences.
Local superstar Jack Neo had a 2018 Lunar New Year release with comedy “Wonderful! Liang Xi Mei” from regional powerhouses MM2 Entertainment and J Team Prods.
Last year saw unprecedented success for Singapore cinema, with Yeo Siew Hua’s “A Land Imagined” winning the Golden Leopard at Locarno, and several more awards globally. The film was released theatrically in Singapore in February 2019 and enjoyed a successful box office run. Jon M. Chu’s Singapore-set blockbuster “Crazy Rich Asians” led to a global uptick in interest in the island country; auteur Eric Khoo’s culinary themed “Ramen Shop” won plaudits at Berlin and Tokyo; and locally, horror films from Gilbert Chan (“23:59: The Haunting Hour”) and Jacen Tan (“Zombiepura”) found favor with audiences.
Local superstar Jack Neo had a 2018 Lunar New Year release with comedy “Wonderful! Liang Xi Mei” from regional powerhouses MM2 Entertainment and J Team Prods.
- 3/19/2019
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Gavin Lin’s romantic drama A Trip With Your Wife will be co-produced by Fox Networks Groups Asia.
Riding high on the phenomenal success of More Than Blue, Singapore’s mm2 Entertainment is teaming up again with the hit film’s Taiwanese director Gavin Lin on A Trip With Your Wife. Fox Networks Group Asia is on board to co-produce.
The romantic drama, written by More Than Blue co-writer Hermes Lu, follows a terminally-ill young man whose dying wish is to take the wife of his best friend on a trip. The project is currently at script stage with the cast to be confirmed.
Riding high on the phenomenal success of More Than Blue, Singapore’s mm2 Entertainment is teaming up again with the hit film’s Taiwanese director Gavin Lin on A Trip With Your Wife. Fox Networks Group Asia is on board to co-produce.
The romantic drama, written by More Than Blue co-writer Hermes Lu, follows a terminally-ill young man whose dying wish is to take the wife of his best friend on a trip. The project is currently at script stage with the cast to be confirmed.
- 3/17/2019
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Clover Films is getting ready to unwrap spooky Singaporean comedy “When Ghost Meets Zombie” in time for Valentines Day next year. The film stars local singer-actor Nathan Hartono, who made it to the grand finals of the “Sing! China” singing contest variety program in 2017. He was Jay Chou’s protege during that season of the singing contest, and has since become well-known across the region.
The movie tells the story of Pong (Hartono), who turns into a zombie when saving his town from a disaster. He leads a mechanical and aimless life until a female ghost comes into his life. Believing that even an afterlife should be lived to the full, she drags Pong into her dream of joining a beauty pageant.
Female lead, Ferlyn Ng, was selected after a talent search for the role in Singapore. Other cast include Jesseca Liu, Jeremy Chan, Fann Wong, Gurmit Singh, Andie Chen,...
The movie tells the story of Pong (Hartono), who turns into a zombie when saving his town from a disaster. He leads a mechanical and aimless life until a female ghost comes into his life. Believing that even an afterlife should be lived to the full, she drags Pong into her dream of joining a beauty pageant.
Female lead, Ferlyn Ng, was selected after a talent search for the role in Singapore. Other cast include Jesseca Liu, Jeremy Chan, Fann Wong, Gurmit Singh, Andie Chen,...
- 12/5/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Singapore Film Commission continued the ongoing celebration of its 20th anniversary by screening a specially commissioned documentary “Singapore Cinema: Between Takes.” Directed by Koh Chong Wu, the film played on Saturday as part of the Singapore International Film Festival (Sgiff).
The illuminating feature traces the history of Singapore cinema from the 1950s through the 1970s, the decline of the industry in the 1980s, and its revival in the 1990s. The present day may be enjoying a renaissance.
The screening was followed by a lively debate on new perspectives on Singapore cinema, moderated by journalist Genevieve Sarah Loh, with panelists that included local superstar, the director-producer Jack Neo Singapore Film Commission director Joachim Ng, Singapore filmmaking doyen Eric Khoo and directors Kirsten Tan (“Pop Aye”) and Sanif Olek (“Sayang Disayang”).
“You can see from early days that it’s been a huge struggle and we were trying to learn,” said Ng.
The illuminating feature traces the history of Singapore cinema from the 1950s through the 1970s, the decline of the industry in the 1980s, and its revival in the 1990s. The present day may be enjoying a renaissance.
The screening was followed by a lively debate on new perspectives on Singapore cinema, moderated by journalist Genevieve Sarah Loh, with panelists that included local superstar, the director-producer Jack Neo Singapore Film Commission director Joachim Ng, Singapore filmmaking doyen Eric Khoo and directors Kirsten Tan (“Pop Aye”) and Sanif Olek (“Sayang Disayang”).
“You can see from early days that it’s been a huge struggle and we were trying to learn,” said Ng.
- 12/2/2018
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Project is Neo’s first film set outside Singapore and Malaysia.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Singapore’s mm2 Entertainment presents an extended slate of 24 regional films at Filmart, including a trio of new titles co-produced with Turner Asia Pacific.
Taking the spotlight is Killer Not Stupid, Jack Neo’s first film set outside Singapore and Malaysia. Filming began last week in Taiwan’s Taichung City, which is the main location of the action comedy starring popular Taiwanese actors Jay Shih and Amber An. Neo is Singapore’s most commercially successful director, well known for his I Not Stupid and Ah Boys To Men franchises.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Singapore’s mm2 Entertainment presents an extended slate of 24 regional films at Filmart, including a trio of new titles co-produced with Turner Asia Pacific.
Taking the spotlight is Killer Not Stupid, Jack Neo’s first film set outside Singapore and Malaysia. Filming began last week in Taiwan’s Taichung City, which is the main location of the action comedy starring popular Taiwanese actors Jay Shih and Amber An. Neo is Singapore’s most commercially successful director, well known for his I Not Stupid and Ah Boys To Men franchises.
- 3/19/2018
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Titles include fourth entry in popular local franchise Ah Boys To Men and horror comedy Vampire Cleanup Department.
Singapore-based mm2 Entertainment has unveiled its new slate of titles, including Jack Neo’s Ah Boys To Men 4 and eight other titles with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, all scheduled for release in 2017.
The fourth instalment of the Ah Boys To Men series is about Singapore army recruits who have to juggle between work and their reservist duties. The series is Singapore’s most successful franchise with a combined local box office of more than S$22m from the first three films.
mm2’s slate also includes two Taiwan-set titles, Hsieh Chun Yi’s romantic drama Take Me To The Moon, starring Vivian Sung, and youth comedy Turn Around by DoP-turned-director Chen Tapu; two horror films, Jeffrey Chiang’s Buyer Beware and Ghost’s Net by Hong Kong directors Wong Kwok Keung, Wong Kwok Fai and [link...
Singapore-based mm2 Entertainment has unveiled its new slate of titles, including Jack Neo’s Ah Boys To Men 4 and eight other titles with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, all scheduled for release in 2017.
The fourth instalment of the Ah Boys To Men series is about Singapore army recruits who have to juggle between work and their reservist duties. The series is Singapore’s most successful franchise with a combined local box office of more than S$22m from the first three films.
mm2’s slate also includes two Taiwan-set titles, Hsieh Chun Yi’s romantic drama Take Me To The Moon, starring Vivian Sung, and youth comedy Turn Around by DoP-turned-director Chen Tapu; two horror films, Jeffrey Chiang’s Buyer Beware and Ghost’s Net by Hong Kong directors Wong Kwok Keung, Wong Kwok Fai and [link...
- 3/13/2017
- by screenasia@yahoo.com (Silvia Wong)
- ScreenDaily
Singapore-based mm2 Entertainment has three new titles by up-and-coming directors on its slate, as part of its initiative to nurture new talents.
Take 2, a co-production with Jack Neo’s J Team Productions, is about a bittersweet drama about ex-offenders.
It will be directed by writer-turned-director Ivan Ho, whose writing credits include Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen and Long Long Time Ago, both of which directed by Neo.
Ibu is a horror based on the folklore of the Pontianak, the most iconic female vampire in South East Asia.
M Rihan Halim will direct the new film, which will be made simultaneously in both Malay- and Mandarin-language to cater to different markets.
Ghost Net is a Hong Kong-set omnibus horror story by Wong Kwok Fai, Patrick Yau and Wong Kwok Keung.
mm2 Entertainment is a subsidiary of mm2 Asia, a publicly listed company in Singapore.
Long Long Time Ago [pictured], the latest co-production between mm2 Entertainment and J Team...
Take 2, a co-production with Jack Neo’s J Team Productions, is about a bittersweet drama about ex-offenders.
It will be directed by writer-turned-director Ivan Ho, whose writing credits include Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen and Long Long Time Ago, both of which directed by Neo.
Ibu is a horror based on the folklore of the Pontianak, the most iconic female vampire in South East Asia.
M Rihan Halim will direct the new film, which will be made simultaneously in both Malay- and Mandarin-language to cater to different markets.
Ghost Net is a Hong Kong-set omnibus horror story by Wong Kwok Fai, Patrick Yau and Wong Kwok Keung.
mm2 Entertainment is a subsidiary of mm2 Asia, a publicly listed company in Singapore.
Long Long Time Ago [pictured], the latest co-production between mm2 Entertainment and J Team...
- 3/14/2016
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Singapore distributor Encore Films is making its first foray into production with the debut of Young & Fabulous at Hong Kong Filmart.
Billed as Singapore’s first cosplay film, the $1.5m feature is a coming-of-age story about a group of teenage friends. The cast is headed by Joshua Tan of Ah Boys To Men fame and YouTube star and singer Joyce Chu in her acting debut.
It is directed by veteran TV producer and director Michael Woo, who previously co-directed One More Chance with Jack Neo. The original score is composed by Taiwan’s JerryC, known for his hit theme song for Taiwan blockbuster Our Times.
Young & Fabulous is mainly financed by Encore and also backed by Golden Village Pictures, Singapore Film Commission and Simf Management. Singapore release is set for May 26.
Encore started off as a distributor in Singapore 13 years ago and has since expanded its distribution business to countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong...
Billed as Singapore’s first cosplay film, the $1.5m feature is a coming-of-age story about a group of teenage friends. The cast is headed by Joshua Tan of Ah Boys To Men fame and YouTube star and singer Joyce Chu in her acting debut.
It is directed by veteran TV producer and director Michael Woo, who previously co-directed One More Chance with Jack Neo. The original score is composed by Taiwan’s JerryC, known for his hit theme song for Taiwan blockbuster Our Times.
Young & Fabulous is mainly financed by Encore and also backed by Golden Village Pictures, Singapore Film Commission and Simf Management. Singapore release is set for May 26.
Encore started off as a distributor in Singapore 13 years ago and has since expanded its distribution business to countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong...
- 3/13/2016
- ScreenDaily
Films from 81 countries have been subitted for this year’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The figure is down on last year, when a record 83 countries submitted features and the eventual winner was Polish feature Ida, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski.
Nine finalists will be shortlisted, which will be whittled down to five nominees that will be announced on Jan 14, 2016.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016, televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan Utopia, Hassan Nazer
Albania Bota, Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci
Algeria Twilight of Shadows, Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina
Argentina The Clan, Pablo Trapero
Australia Arrows of the Thunder, Dragon Greg Sneddon
Austria Goodnight Mommy, Veronika Franz, [link...
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The figure is down on last year, when a record 83 countries submitted features and the eventual winner was Polish feature Ida, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski.
Nine finalists will be shortlisted, which will be whittled down to five nominees that will be announced on Jan 14, 2016.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016, televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan Utopia, Hassan Nazer
Albania Bota, Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci
Algeria Twilight of Shadows, Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina
Argentina The Clan, Pablo Trapero
Australia Arrows of the Thunder, Dragon Greg Sneddon
Austria Goodnight Mommy, Veronika Franz, [link...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Films from 81 countries have been subitted for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar, among them Felix and Meira, Under Milk Wood, Labyrinth of Lies and Sunstroke (click through for full list).
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Films from 81 countries have been subitted for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar, among them Felix and Meira, Under Milk Wood, Labyrinth of Lies and Sunstroke (click through for full list).
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Writer-director-producer Greg Sneddon.s Bhutan-set drama Arrows of the Thunder Dragon is Australia.s entry for the best foreign language film Oscar.
Set in the 1970s, the story follows brother and sister Kuenphen and Jamyang who live in a remote Bhutanese village where they learn traditional archery from their old warrior grandfather.
Their mother's sudden sickness gives Kuenphen the opportunity to explore the world outside the village while Jamyang must stay home to weave, cook and get married- a fate she is not willing to accept without a fight.
The self-financed film was shot on location in the Himalayan mountains with a cast of local highland village people and a Bhutanese crew including DoP Leki Dorji, none of whom had worked on a feature. Jill Bilock is the editor.
"I'm thrilled to bits," Sneddon tell If. A former Buddhist monk, he got the idea for the film while on a pilgrimage to the country.
Set in the 1970s, the story follows brother and sister Kuenphen and Jamyang who live in a remote Bhutanese village where they learn traditional archery from their old warrior grandfather.
Their mother's sudden sickness gives Kuenphen the opportunity to explore the world outside the village while Jamyang must stay home to weave, cook and get married- a fate she is not willing to accept without a fight.
The self-financed film was shot on location in the Himalayan mountains with a cast of local highland village people and a Bhutanese crew including DoP Leki Dorji, none of whom had worked on a feature. Jill Bilock is the editor.
"I'm thrilled to bits," Sneddon tell If. A former Buddhist monk, he got the idea for the film while on a pilgrimage to the country.
- 10/8/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Son Of Saul
The Academy has announced that eighty-one countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 88th Oscars.
The Holocaust drama, Son Of Saul, won the Grand Prix at Cannes in May.
Paraguay is a first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director;
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors;
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director;
Argentina, “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director;
Australia, “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director;
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho Kulikar, director;
Canada, “Félix and Meira,” Maxime Giroux, director;
Chile, “The Club,” Pablo Larraín, director;
China,...
The Academy has announced that eighty-one countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 88th Oscars.
The Holocaust drama, Son Of Saul, won the Grand Prix at Cannes in May.
Paraguay is a first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director;
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors;
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director;
Argentina, “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director;
Australia, “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director;
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho Kulikar, director;
Canada, “Félix and Meira,” Maxime Giroux, director;
Chile, “The Club,” Pablo Larraín, director;
China,...
- 10/8/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Seven award-winning directors led by Royston Tan are set to create an omnibus film celebrating the 50th anniversary of Singapore and its people.
Tan is joined by Eric Khoo, director of films such as of My Magic, Jack Neo of Ah Boys To Men, Kelvin Tong of The Maid, Boo Jun Feng of Sandcastle, Tan Pin Pin of Singapore GaGa, and K Rajagopal of I Can’t Sleep Tonight.
“I like to think that the project is a microcosm of the Singapore story,” said Tan. “We all have diverse filmmaking styles, we all see different aspects of Singapore and its 50-year journey in our unique ways, yet it has given us a common sense of purpose. We hope this will shine through in the final cut
The jubilee omnibus is set for a release in the middle of 2015, and is looking to confirm an “iconic venue” for its premiere.
“Singapore and our people have influenced so many...
Tan is joined by Eric Khoo, director of films such as of My Magic, Jack Neo of Ah Boys To Men, Kelvin Tong of The Maid, Boo Jun Feng of Sandcastle, Tan Pin Pin of Singapore GaGa, and K Rajagopal of I Can’t Sleep Tonight.
“I like to think that the project is a microcosm of the Singapore story,” said Tan. “We all have diverse filmmaking styles, we all see different aspects of Singapore and its 50-year journey in our unique ways, yet it has given us a common sense of purpose. We hope this will shine through in the final cut
The jubilee omnibus is set for a release in the middle of 2015, and is looking to confirm an “iconic venue” for its premiere.
“Singapore and our people have influenced so many...
- 8/22/2014
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
Seven award-winning directors led by Royston Tan are set to create an omnibus film celebrating the 50th anniversary of Singapore and its people.
Tan is joined by Eric Khoo, director of films such as of My Magic, Jack Neo of Ah Boys To Men, Kelvin Tong of The Maid, Boo Jun Feng of Sandcastle, Tan Pin Pin of Singapore GaGa, and K Rajagopal of I Can’t Sleep Tonight.
“I like to think that the project is a microcosm of the Singapore story,” said Tan. “We all have diverse filmmaking styles, we all see different aspects of Singapore and its 50-year journey in our unique ways, yet it has given us a common sense of purpose. We hope this will shine through in the final cut
The jubilee omnibus is set for a release in the middle of 2015, and is looking to confirm an “iconic venue” for its premiere.
“Singapore and our people have influenced so many...
Tan is joined by Eric Khoo, director of films such as of My Magic, Jack Neo of Ah Boys To Men, Kelvin Tong of The Maid, Boo Jun Feng of Sandcastle, Tan Pin Pin of Singapore GaGa, and K Rajagopal of I Can’t Sleep Tonight.
“I like to think that the project is a microcosm of the Singapore story,” said Tan. “We all have diverse filmmaking styles, we all see different aspects of Singapore and its 50-year journey in our unique ways, yet it has given us a common sense of purpose. We hope this will shine through in the final cut
The jubilee omnibus is set for a release in the middle of 2015, and is looking to confirm an “iconic venue” for its premiere.
“Singapore and our people have influenced so many...
- 8/22/2014
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
Singapore-based mm2 Entertainment is in the final weeks of shooting on The Lion Men, a two-part action comedy that involves martial arts.
Jack Neo, director of local box-office hit Ah Boys To Men, directs the film, which involves the famous Chinese New Year lion dance – looking at rival dance troupes.
Production distribution and marketing company mm2 will distribute in Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan starting at the end of January (timed to Chinese New Year). The company also holds international rights.
The film reunites the director with some of the cast from Ah Boys to Men.
Mm2 executive director Melvin Ang said of Neo: “He’s directed more than 20 movies, he understands what the local audiences want.”
The film wraps its Singapore shoot this week before moving to shoot some scenes in China.
Mm2 produces or co-produces 10-12 films a year, and distributes another 5-8. The company is attending Afm for the first time this year.
Jack Neo, director of local box-office hit Ah Boys To Men, directs the film, which involves the famous Chinese New Year lion dance – looking at rival dance troupes.
Production distribution and marketing company mm2 will distribute in Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan starting at the end of January (timed to Chinese New Year). The company also holds international rights.
The film reunites the director with some of the cast from Ah Boys to Men.
Mm2 executive director Melvin Ang said of Neo: “He’s directed more than 20 movies, he understands what the local audiences want.”
The film wraps its Singapore shoot this week before moving to shoot some scenes in China.
Mm2 produces or co-produces 10-12 films a year, and distributes another 5-8. The company is attending Afm for the first time this year.
- 11/10/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Production has just started on a new horror movie coming out of Singapore - titled 23:59hrs - the story of which is based alleged to be based (yes you guessed it) on true events set at an army barrack at Pulau Tekong in 1983. '2359' is apparently a popular term used by the local military to represent the last, the creepiest time of the night. Directed by Gilbert Chan - who preciously worked on "Love Matters" with Jack Neo - ‘23:59’ is expected to be released at the end of 2011. Sounds good! Too early for any trailers, but we’ve hunted around and turned up a teaser poster and detailed synopsis to tide us over….Synopsis : There is a legend in the army camp that at the exact hour of 23:59 hours, a woman dressed in white will enter the bunk house. She will pick out a soldier and stand beside his bed,...
- 5/21/2011
- 24framespersecond.net
While we await some commercial Singapore film offerings from established filmmakers like Jack Neo and Kelvin Tong to hit our screens early this year, here comes along a documentary gem which is made by a Singapore-based filmmaker. I've a personal affinity for documentaries because they offer that keen insight and perspective through the filmmaker's lens on their pet subject and in Singapore, we're witnessing a growing number of quality documentarians who are operating from within the country, or based overseas, tackling topical subjects about our country or subjects of a more global nature.
- 2/26/2010
- Screen Anarchy
The names may not be quite as large as they were with the 2008 edition of the Haf - Asia’s largest co-production market - when it seemed every Asian director with any sort of name recognition at all had a project represented there, but the projects accepted to the 2009 edition have just been announced and it’s an impressive list. Want to know that The Chaser‘s Na Hong-Jin will be doing next? A little thriller titled The Murderer. Arthouse darling Naomi Kawase? And Protect, Protected. Hansel and Gretel director Im Pil-Sung? The Flower of Evil. Ryoo Seung-Wan, Ning Hao, Jack Neo, Dante Lam ... they’ve all got new projects in the market this year. Bear in mind that presenting a new project to potential investors in no way guarantees that it’ll actually get made but this is a pretty good picture of what Asian film may look like in a year or two.
- 1/6/2009
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
SINGAPORE -- Mio TV, Singapore's first mass-market IPTV platform, will be offering a lineup of high-profile local films on its VOD platform as well as exclusive TV programs, SingTel said Friday.
The lineup starts immediately with the TV premiere of Jack Neo's recent boxoffice hit "Just Follow Law", which was nominated for best original screenplay and best visual effects at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards in 2007.
It will be followed by "Singapore Dreaming" (Best Asian Film Award at the 2007 Tokyo International Film Festival), "Truth Be Told" (Best Original Film at the 2007 Asian Film Festival) and this year's top-grossing Asian film in Singapore, Royston Tan's "881", a Golden Horse Awards nominee for best makeup and costume design.
Besides offering convenience and freedom to subscribers SingTel also is hoping to recognize the local film and entertainment industry, said Low Ka Hoe, SingTel's director of IPTV and content.
"Mio TV's video-on-demand capabilities represent unlimited potential for local filmmakers," added Lim Teck, GM of Scorpio East Entertainment, who distributes "Truth Be Told" and "Singapore Dreaming".
Mio TV will also start airing special TV content which includes Chinese-language variety shows such as "Comedy 2000", "Jack Neo Talkshow" and "Ah Nan Ge Tai Show" produced by Neo.
The lineup starts immediately with the TV premiere of Jack Neo's recent boxoffice hit "Just Follow Law", which was nominated for best original screenplay and best visual effects at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards in 2007.
It will be followed by "Singapore Dreaming" (Best Asian Film Award at the 2007 Tokyo International Film Festival), "Truth Be Told" (Best Original Film at the 2007 Asian Film Festival) and this year's top-grossing Asian film in Singapore, Royston Tan's "881", a Golden Horse Awards nominee for best makeup and costume design.
Besides offering convenience and freedom to subscribers SingTel also is hoping to recognize the local film and entertainment industry, said Low Ka Hoe, SingTel's director of IPTV and content.
"Mio TV's video-on-demand capabilities represent unlimited potential for local filmmakers," added Lim Teck, GM of Scorpio East Entertainment, who distributes "Truth Be Told" and "Singapore Dreaming".
Mio TV will also start airing special TV content which includes Chinese-language variety shows such as "Comedy 2000", "Jack Neo Talkshow" and "Ah Nan Ge Tai Show" produced by Neo.
- 12/8/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SINGAPORE-- Royston Tan-helmed musical "881" will represent Singapore in the foreign-language Oscar race, the Media Development Authority of Singapore said Thursday.
Chosen by the Singapore Film Commission, "881" follows the story of the Papaya Sisters, who grow up mesmerized by the glitter and glamour of the stage and go on to become two of the top performers on the circuit.
It is the top-grossing movie in Singapore so far this year, with boxoffice of S$3.2 million ($2.1 million) since its Aug. 8 opening.
Film Commission chair Jennie Chua said the film "presents a part of the rich and colorful street culture of Singapore which is hardly seen by the world and provides a window to showcase our unique heritage to the international audience."
The film is one of four that will be screened in the new Gala Presentation section of the 12th annual Pusan International Film Festival.
This year's previous boxoffice record was Jack Neo's "Just Follow Law", which grossed S$2.77 million ($1.8 million).
Chosen by the Singapore Film Commission, "881" follows the story of the Papaya Sisters, who grow up mesmerized by the glitter and glamour of the stage and go on to become two of the top performers on the circuit.
It is the top-grossing movie in Singapore so far this year, with boxoffice of S$3.2 million ($2.1 million) since its Aug. 8 opening.
Film Commission chair Jennie Chua said the film "presents a part of the rich and colorful street culture of Singapore which is hardly seen by the world and provides a window to showcase our unique heritage to the international audience."
The film is one of four that will be screened in the new Gala Presentation section of the 12th annual Pusan International Film Festival.
This year's previous boxoffice record was Jack Neo's "Just Follow Law", which grossed S$2.77 million ($1.8 million).
- 9/21/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SINGAPORE -- Singapore's Media Development Authority and the Singapore Film Commission head to the Hong Kong Filmart this year with the biggest delegation of filmmakers and producers ever and their sights firmly set on the mainland Chinese market.
Nineteen media companies, with more than 40 made-in-Singapore films and projects, are taking part in this year's Singapore Pavilion, organized with Singapore's Association of Independent Television Production Companies, the MDA said today.
At least three films, including Jack Neo's hit "Just Follow Law", are being presented to the regional and international marketplace for the first time. "Just Follow Law" already has crossed the S$2.5 million ($1.6 million) boxoffice mark, making it the highest-grossing movie in Singapore this year.
Although Singapore's film industry has maintained a presence at the Hong Kong market, this is the first time since 2003 that the MDA has led an official delegation to the event.
Man Shu Sum, the MDA's broadcast and film director and the Singapore Film Commission's director, said that Singapore is ideally placed to take advantage of the growth in China's film market, where last year's boxoffice topped 2.6 billion yuan ($336 million).
Nineteen media companies, with more than 40 made-in-Singapore films and projects, are taking part in this year's Singapore Pavilion, organized with Singapore's Association of Independent Television Production Companies, the MDA said today.
At least three films, including Jack Neo's hit "Just Follow Law", are being presented to the regional and international marketplace for the first time. "Just Follow Law" already has crossed the S$2.5 million ($1.6 million) boxoffice mark, making it the highest-grossing movie in Singapore this year.
Although Singapore's film industry has maintained a presence at the Hong Kong market, this is the first time since 2003 that the MDA has led an official delegation to the event.
Man Shu Sum, the MDA's broadcast and film director and the Singapore Film Commission's director, said that Singapore is ideally placed to take advantage of the growth in China's film market, where last year's boxoffice topped 2.6 billion yuan ($336 million).
- 3/16/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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