The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is set to recognize the significant contributions of two prominent Asian filmmakers. Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu will be honored with the prestigious Cinema Honorary Award, celebrating his profound impact on the art of cinema. Concurrently, acclaimed Korean director Yim Soon-rye has been designated to lead the jury for the Asian Feature Film Competition, underscoring her expertise and influence in the region's film landscape. The festival, now in its 37th iteration, will unfold from October 21 to November 1, offering a vibrant platform for cinematic exchange and appreciation.

Kore-eda Hirokazu's distinguished career, marked by a succession of critically acclaimed films that delve into the intricacies of human relationships and societal structures, will be celebrated with SGIFF's highest honor. His forthcoming film, "Look Back," an adaptation of a popular manga, is scheduled for its Southeast Asian premiere at the festival. This event provides a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with his latest work and gain insights into his artistic vision. Yim Soon-rye, a veteran filmmaker known for her compelling narratives and her advocacy for animal rights and gender equality in film, will bring her seasoned perspective to the Asian Feature Film Competition. Her leadership of the jury highlights the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and fostering cinematic excellence across Asia.

Celebrating Cinematic Excellence: Kore-eda Hirokazu's Honorary Recognition

The Singapore International Film Festival will pay tribute to the renowned Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu with its prestigious Cinema Honorary Award. This accolade acknowledges his exceptional and enduring contributions to the world of Asian cinema. His films are celebrated for their profound humanism, often exploring complex family dynamics and the delicate balance between individual lives and societal expectations. His 2018 masterpiece, "Shoplifters," notably clinched the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant achievement for Japanese cinema after more than two decades. This recognition solidifies his status as a leading figure in contemporary filmmaking.

Kore-eda Hirokazu's latest work, "Look Back," a live-action adaptation of Fujimoto Tatsuki's popular manga, will have its Southeast Asian debut at SGIFF on October 24. This premiere precedes its general theatrical release on October 29. Following the screening, Kore-eda will participate in an "In Conversation With" session, providing audiences with a rare opportunity to hear directly from the filmmaker about his creative process and insights. During this special event, he will formally receive the Cinema Honorary Award, a testament to his remarkable career and the indelible mark he has left on the global film community. His earlier works, including "Nobody Knows" and "Like Father, Like Son," further exemplify his consistent ability to craft poignant and thought-provoking cinematic experiences.

Leadership and Expansion: Yim Soon-rye and SGIFF Pro's Growth

Korean director Yim Soon-rye will preside over the Asian Feature Film Competition jury at SGIFF, bringing her wealth of experience and discerning eye to the selection process. Having studied filmmaking at the University of Paris 8, Yim's career began with "Three Friends" in 1996 and includes critically acclaimed works like "Waikiki Brothers" and the box office success "Forever the Moment," along with "The Whistleblower," "Little Forest," and "The Point Men." Beyond her directorial achievements, Yim is a dedicated advocate for animal rights, having served as president of an association for 12 years, and co-leads the Korean Center for Gender Equality in Film, underscoring her commitment to social issues both on and off-screen. She is scheduled to speak at the SGIFF Industry Days on October 27, offering valuable perspectives to aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.

The festival's industry segment, SGIFF Pro, is undergoing a significant expansion this year, extending its Industry Days from three to four days to accommodate a richer and more diverse program. This enhanced offering will feature discussions with notable figures such as cinematographer Ashizawa Akiko, who received the Pierre Angénieux Tribute at Cannes this year, and filmmaker Fukada Koji, whose Singapore co-production "Nagi Notes" will be screened in the Horizon section. New initiatives under SGIFF Pro include Off Campus, a four-day immersive field trip connecting film students with industry experts; the Pitching Forum, designed to link international projects with potential co-production partners and decision-makers, aiming to establish Singapore as a regional hub; and Parallax, a complimentary interdisciplinary side program exploring the intersection of filmmaking, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. Participants in Parallax will include representatives from major entities like Amazon MGM Studios, SM Entertainment, Adobe, Largo.ai, and Ubac Studio, highlighting the festival's forward-thinking approach to cinematic innovation. Founded in 1987, SGIFF, a non-profit organization supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority, continues to evolve as a vital platform for film in Asia.