Film Picks: Singapore International Film Festival, Moana 2
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(From left) Rooney Mara and Raul Briones in La Cocina.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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Singapore International Film Festival: Worthy watches
The 2024 edition of the annual Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) begins on Nov 28 and some screenings have already sold out. Tickets for these three interesting films, however, are still available.
The drama La Cocina (M18, 139 minutes, screens at Golden Village Cineleisure on Dec 1, 11am), directed by Mexican film-maker Alonso Ruizpalacios, reveals the complex social hierarchies of those working in restaurant kitchens.
It follows Pedro (Raul Briones), an undocumented Mexican chef, and his colleagues during a hectic service at The Grill in New York City. When money goes missing from the register, tensions rise among the kitchen staff, many of whom are undocumented immigrants.
La Cocina was nominated for a Golden Bear, the top prize at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.
The documentary No Other Land (R21, 96 minutes, screens at Golden Village Bugis+ on Dec 4, 9pm) follows Palestinian activist and film-maker Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham as they document forced displacement in Masafer Yatta, occupied West Bank.
In the documentary No Other Land, two journalists, one Palestinian and the other Israeli, compare lives in the West Bank.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Their collaboration exposes the stark inequalities between their lives. Co-directed by Adra, Abraham, Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor, the film won the top documentary prize at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.
The Shrouds (R21, 119 minutes, screens at Golden Village Bugis+ on Dec 3, 4.30pm, and Golden Village Cineleisure on Dec 6, 9.30pm) stars Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger and Guy Pearce in a creepy tale from the Canadian master of body horror David Cronenberg.
Vincent Cassel and Diane Kruger in The Shrouds.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Grieving businessman Karsh (Cassel) creates a technology allowing people to view their deceased loved ones’ decomposing bodies. While monitoring his late wife’s remains, he uncovers mysterious happenings that lead into a wider conspiracy. The film was nominated for a Palm d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Where: Various locations, including Capitol Theatre, Filmgarde Kallang, Golden Village Cineleisure, National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore sgiff.com
MRT: Various
When: Nov 28 to Dec 8, various times
Admission: General screenings are $15, $10 to $15 for the In Conversation (Forum) section, excluding Sistic booking fees. Concessions and bulk promotions are available
Info:
Moana 2 (PG)
100 minutes, now showing
★★★★☆
Pua the pig and Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) in Moana 2.
PHOTO: THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
In this sequel set three years after the first film, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) must find Motofetu, an ancient oceanic crossroads, to prevent humanity’s isolation and cultural decline. She assembles a crew including shipbuilder Loto (Rose Matafeo), storyteller Moni (Hualalai Chung), farmer Kele (David Fane) and demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson).
While following similar story beats as the original – a spirit-guided quest with songs and maritime adventures – the film maintains its entertainment value. The chemistry between serious Moana and comedic Maui remains strong, with humour that appeals to both children and adults through physical comedy and verbal wit.
Though the new songs may not match the original’s memorable tunes, they remain emotionally resonant. The film continues to celebrate Polynesian culture, highlighting how Pacific peoples view the ocean as a connector rather than a barrier, while incorporating messages about environmental stewardship.
