The Media Development Authority (MDA) will lead a contingent of eight local production companies to promote this slate of films.

The eight companies - Akanga Film Asia, Axxis, gsmprjctmedia, Hot Cider Films, Infinite Frameworks, Monsoon Pictures, Oak3 Films and Upside Down Concepts - will be participating under the Singapore Pavilion in Cannes from May 13 to 24.

MDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Christopher Chia, said: 'The number of Singapore-produced films has been steadily growing over the years; from a mere two productions in 1995 to... more than 20 local productions.

'This is a direct result of several co-investment schemes developed by the Singapore Government.'

Among the slate promoted at Cannes is Ho Tzu Nyen's HERE. The film is being screened in the Directors' Fortnight section and is being considered for the Golden Camera Award, which recognises the Best First Feature of the festival.

HERE's screening at Cannes will mark its world premiere. It is also be the fifth consecutive year that at least one Singapore film is selected for showcase or in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

HERE's theatrical release in Singapore is scheduled for June this year.

The Singapore Film Commission (SFC), an agency under MDA, will also be promoting nine film projects green-lit last year under its New Feature Film Fund.

These include the recently completed thriller, Blood Ties, which marks the directorial debut for Chai Yee Wei. The film boasts of big names like Hong Kong actors Cheng Pei-Pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Kenneth Tsang (Memoirs of a Geisha).

Blood Ties is tentatively scheduled for release in Singapore this year in September.

Also to be promoted at Cannes, Freedom Formula: Ghost of the Wasteland, which will be co-produced by Bryan Singer's production company Bad Hat Harry Productions and developed as a potential directing vehicle for Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns).

There will be an additional agenda to MDA's expedition to Cannes this year.

Together with JTC Corporation, MDA will be promoting Mediapolis @ one-north, the infrastructural conduit that will enable Singapore to host international media players and big-budget projects.