The Singapore International Film Festival has announced major honors for its upcoming 37th edition, running from October 21 through November 1. Japanese filmmaker Kore-eda Hirokazu will receive the festival’s Cinema Honorary Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Asian cinema. Meanwhile, South Korean director Yim Soon-rye has been selected to lead the jury for the Asian Feature Film Competition.
Kore-eda will attend a special screening of his latest work, “Look Back,” on October 24, which marks the film’s Southeast Asia debut prior to its theatrical release. The director is renowned for his intimate character studies exploring family dynamics and social pressures, with his 2018 film “Shoplifters” earning the Palme d’Or at Cannes—a historic achievement as the first Japanese film to win the award in over twenty years. He will receive his honorary recognition during an in-conversation session following the screening.
Yim brings extensive experience to her jury role, having directed numerous acclaimed films including the box office success “Forever the Moment” and the critically praised “Little Forest.” Beyond filmmaking, she has spent over a decade leading animal rights initiatives and co-directs an organization focused on gender equality in cinema. Yim will participate in the festival’s Industry Days on October 27, part of an expanded program that now spans four days instead of three.
This year’s festival also introduces several new industry initiatives, including Off Campus for film students, an international Pitching Forum, and Parallax, an interdisciplinary program exploring artificial intelligence and immersive technology in filmmaking.
Originally reported by Variety →
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