First-Ever Singapore-Myanmar Film Festival on July 7, 2013
Singapore and Myanmar developing foreign relations through film
By Lwin Mar Htun
Singaporeans will get a chance to view the best of Myanmar film-making at what is being billed as the first-ever Singapore-Myanmar Film Festival on July 7. Five Myanmar films from among those submitted by more than 30 directors have already been selected for screening at Singapore’s Golden Village theatre.
“This year festival is dedicated to Myanmar filmmakers living in or outside of the country. We want to give them a chance to shine,” festival director Mr Benoit Schaack, told The Myanmar Times office on May 27.
The event is being organized and funded by the Singapore Myanmar Exchange Organization with the theme “Behind Closed Doors”.
“We received mostly short films, plus one or two longer features,” said Daw Marlar Tun, director of the organization and coordinator of the festival.
She added: “The short films were very good and we hope next year to have more long features.”
“This looks like a chance to gain valuable experience,” said Maung Maung Tha Myint, whose film Floating Bliss features young artists in Myanmar.
“On the day of the festival we will showcase the five best films, and the prize-winner will be announced on that day,” said Mr Schaack.
Judges for the one-day festival include a creative director, an educator, a producer and an award-winning director of photography.
“We’re also organizing a workshop [in Singapore] for the winners. From this trip, they can get exposure, useful tips, contacts and ideas from other filmmakers,” said Mr Schaack.
“We believe Myanmar has a lot of talent. We want to show we’re capable of world-class standards,” said Daw Marlar Tun.
The Singapore Myanmar Exchange Organization will fly the five competitors to Singapore. It is a non-profit organization that aims to support and develop ties between Myanmar and Singapore through educational, artistic, trade and technological opportunities.
“We believe exchanges between the two countries will benefit both,” said Mr Schaak.
