33rd Singapore International Film Festival Announces Dates and Vision for a New Era of Cinema
- By Hood Mahadi
- May 19, 2022
- 3 min read
The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Southeast Asia's longest-running and most significant film event, is delighted to announce the highly anticipated dates for its 33rd edition, set to run from Thursday, November 24, to Sunday, December 4, 2022. This year's festival promises a renewed focus on discovery, inclusivity, and human connection, as SGIFF fully embraces a post-pandemic landscape.
A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence
Founded in 1987 by Geoffrey Malone and L. Leland Whitney, SGIFF has grown from a local initiative to a globally recognized platform for groundbreaking Asian cinema and a champion of Southeast Asian films. The festival introduced the Silver Screen Awards in 1991, becoming the first Asian international film festival to feature a competition for Asian feature films and Singapore short films. Over the decades, SGIFF has been instrumental in nurturing local talent and stimulating interest in Singapore's rich film history.
Notable filmmakers and films that have graced SGIFF's screens include:
Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (1991)
Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern (1992)
Edward Yang's A Brighter Summer Day (1992) and Yi Yi (2001)
Takeshi Kitano's Hana-bi (1998)
Wong Kar-wai's Happy Together (1998)
Tsai Ming-liang's The Hole (1999) and What Time Is It There? (2002)
Works by acclaimed Southeast Asian directors like Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Anthony Chen.
A New Chapter: Embracing Change and Inclusivity
The 33rd edition marks a significant evolution for SGIFF, building on the experiences of two pandemic-affected festivals. This year, the festival is proud to introduce several new initiatives and programming shifts:
Full Physical Return: After navigating pandemic safety guidelines, SGIFF is delighted to welcome filmmakers and audiences back to a fully in-person festival experience, fostering direct engagement and vibrant discussions.
New Program Sections: For the first time, SGIFF introduces 'Altitude' and 'Horizon'. 'Altitude' will platform important new works by some of the most established filmmakers today, while 'Horizon' will scope out an array of eclectic perspectives from around the world, reflecting SGIFF's ceaseless shift towards a comprehensive and inclusive direction.
Expanded Asian Producers Network: The Producers Network's reach has been expanded from Southeast Asia to wider Asia, accommodating a broader profile of participants and stimulating new collaborations.
Streamlined Youth Critics Programme: With a stronger emphasis on mentorship and film criticism, culminating in the debut of SGIFF's Youth Critics festival publication.
Central Asian Opening Film: In a festival first, SGIFF will open with a Central Asian film, "Assault" by Kazakh director Adilkhan Yerzhanov, making its Southeast Asian premiere and showcasing the festival's dedication to remarkable films from the wider Asian region.
Leading the charge for this exciting edition is Emily J. Hoe, Executive Director of SGIFF, alongside Thong Kay Wee, Programme Director. Their combined vision aims to consolidate the festival's strengths and drive a new agenda for change and progress within the regional and international film landscape.
"We are thrilled to be welcoming more international guests to the festival to share with us their experiences and perspectives," says Emily J. Hoe. "Conversations remain a cornerstone of the festival, as we believe real connection can only be built through open, honest dialogue." Thong Kay Wee adds, "SGIFF continues to champion independent films that tell fascinating stories from the region and beyond in refreshing ways. The majority of these films will not be shown again in Singapore, so we encourage you to catch as many as possible."
Submission Information
Filmmakers are invited to submit their works for consideration in the 33rd Singapore International Film Festival. Please note the following deadlines and fees:
For Feature & Short Films (Asian and Southeast Asian focus):
Early Bird Submission (No Entry Fee): May 13 – July 24, 2022
Regular Submission (USD$ 25 non-refundable): July 25 – August 8, 2022
Final Submission Deadline: August 8, 2022 (6:00 pm GMT + 8)
Notification Date: Mid-October 2022
For Southeast Asian Film Lab, Youth Critics Programme, and Asian Producers Network:
Submission Fee: FREE
Final Submission Deadline: August 8, 2022 (6:00 pm GMT + 8)
Notification Date: Mid-October 2022
All submissions must be made via the Singapore International Film Festival website. We encourage applicants to review the full Rules & Regulations carefully.
For more information on the 33rd Singapore International Film Festival, please visit:
Official SGIFF Website: https://sgiff.com/