NINE budding Singaporean film directors have been awarded S$250,000 each by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) as part of an effort to nurture aspiring local film talent.
The money is given out from the New Feature Film Fund launched on Friday and will go some way to help young film directors looking for their first big break.
The inaugural cohort includes Alaric Tay, Ellery Ngaim, TT Dhavamanni, Boo Junfeng, Yee-Wee Chai, Yong Mun Chee, Wee Li Lin and Chen Hsi Wong. All but Wee will be first-timers in making feature films. They will also double up as screenwriters besides directing their winning feature films.
The final nine that made the cut were shortlisted by a panel of judges, who are veterans in the local filmmaking industry. They include Mr Kenneth Tan (SFC's director and Chief Operating Officer, Media Authority of Singapore), Mr Michael Werner (Co-Chairman, Fortissimo Films) and Ms Maria Lorenzo (Golden Village's General Manager).
Said Mr Tan: 'The final nine presents a balanced slate of genres. We are hopeful that these films will travel and find a place in the hearts of an international audience.'
SFC received a total of 39 applications for the grant in July.
