Toby
by Toby

The Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards are back, celebrating the magic of cinema in the Chinese-speaking world. Since 1962, this event has been a highlight for filmmakers, and this year, Singaporean talent continues to shine brightly, with several exciting nominations showcasing their enduring contributions to the cinematic world. Get ready to dive into the stories that highlight Singapore's remarkable presence on the global film stage!

 Post Screening Q&A of Stranger Eyes

One of the standout nominees this year is Yeo Siew Hua (杨修华). His latest film, Stranger Eyes (默视录), is a riveting mystery thriller that made history as the first Singaporean film to compete for the Golden Lion at the established Venice International Film Festival. The story follows a father frantically searching for his missing daughter, prompted by unsettling videos that reveal his own secrets. With six nominations at the Golden Horse Awards, including Best Narrative Feature and Best Director, Stranger Eyes is definitely one to watch, and will keep you on the edge of your seat! 

Stranger Eyes

Next, we have the film Mongrel (白衣苍狗), co-directed by Singaporean filmmaker Chiang Wei Liang (曾威量), who had previously been nominated twice at the Golden Horse for Best Documentary Short Film. Mongrel delves into the life of a Thai caregiver who lives in the mountains without legal papers; the film paints a vivid picture of her struggles and resilience, capturing the challenges by many in similar situations. With seven nominations, including Best Actor and Best New Director and Best Leading Actor, Mongrel brings attention to the human stories behind migration and the experiences of Southeast Asians. The film was selected at the Directors' Fortnight at 2024 Cannes Film Festival, and won Special Mention for Caméra d'or.

Mongrel

Last but not least, we have Mun Chee Yang (杨敏之), a Singapore-born director and cinematographer known for her works like Where the Road Meets the Sun (2011) and 9:30 (2011). This year, she’s making her mark with the short film Four Sundays in September (九月的四个星期天). This touching story centers on Mari, a foreign maid in Singapore who seeks an abortion to avoid deportation. Featuring a cast of mainly foreign workers, the film highlights important issues within the community, such as the challenges of immigration.

Four Sundays in September

Let’s not forget the landmark film Ilo Ilo, directed by Anthony Chen, which won hearts and accolades back in 2013. Nominated for six Golden Horse Awards and winning four, this touching tale about a family and their Filipino maid remains a beloved favorite!

As the Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards ceremony approaches on November 23, it’s the perfect time to celebrate these incredible films and their talented creators. Let’s cheer them on and look forward to the amazing stories they’ll continue to share!